liminfoBuilding Code Reference
Free reference guide: Building Code Reference
About Building Code Reference
The Korean Building Code Reference is a comprehensive, searchable guide to the Korean Building Act (건축법) and its enforcement decrees, organized into three major categories: building regulations, fire compartments, and evacuation rules. It covers over 25 essential topics including building coverage ratio, floor area ratio, height restrictions, fire-resistant structure requirements, evacuation stair standards, and parking installation criteria.
This reference is designed for architects, structural engineers, fire safety consultants, and building permit applicants working within the Korean construction regulatory framework. Each entry provides the relevant legal basis (such as Building Act Article numbers and Enforcement Decree sections), specific numeric requirements (dimensions, areas, time ratings), and zoning-specific variations for different use districts.
All content is available in both Korean and English, with the Korean version referencing original legal terminology and the English version providing accurate translations. The searchable interface lets you quickly find standards for fire compartment areas by floor count, minimum corridor widths by building type, or parking space requirements by use category -- all without leaving your browser.
Key Features
- Building coverage ratio and floor area ratio limits by zoning district (Type 1-3 residential, commercial, semi-industrial)
- Height restriction rules including sunlight setback calculations, road diagonal limits, and building line setback requirements
- Fire-resistant structure time ratings for columns, beams, floors, and exterior walls organized by floor range
- Fire compartment area thresholds (1,000m2 for 10 floors or less, 200m2/600m2 for 11+ floors) with component specifications
- Complete evacuation stair hierarchy: direct stairs, evacuation stairs, and special evacuation stairs with vestibule requirements
- Walking distance limits, corridor widths, stair dimensions, and emergency elevator specifications by building height and use
- Parking installation requirements by building use, including mechanical and self-parking space dimensions
- Accessibility facility standards, energy conservation criteria, fire protection system requirements, and building permit procedures
Frequently Asked Questions
What building coverage ratio applies to general residential zones in Korea?
Under the Korean Building Act Enforcement Decree, Type 1 and Type 2 general residential zones (제1종/제2종 일반주거지역) have a maximum building coverage ratio of 60%. Type 3 general residential zones are limited to 50%, semi-residential zones to 70%, and general commercial zones to 80%. These are maximum values that may be further restricted by local ordinances.
When is a special evacuation staircase required?
Special evacuation stairs (특별피난계단) are required for buildings 11 stories or higher, with the exception of apartment buildings where the threshold is 16 stories. Special evacuation stairs must include a vestibule (전실) of at least 6m2 with smoke exhaust facilities, fire-resistant enclosure walls, and Class A fire doors.
What are the fire compartment area requirements above the 11th floor?
Above the 11th floor, fire compartments must be installed every 200m2. If the building is equipped with sprinklers, this can be relaxed to 600m2. Fire compartment walls and floors must be fire-resistant construction with at least 1-hour rating, and openings must use Class A (1-hour) or Class B (30-minute) fire doors.
How is the sunlight setback calculated for buildings in Korea?
Sunlight setback (일조권 사선제한) is measured in the due north direction. For building portions 9m or less in height, a minimum 1.5m setback from the adjacent lot boundary is required. For portions above 9m, the setback increases to the boundary distance plus (height minus 9) divided by 2. Road diagonal limits are 1.5 times the horizontal distance to the opposite road boundary.
What are the minimum stair dimensions for a direct evacuation stair?
Direct stairs (직통계단) must have a minimum clear width of 1.2m, a maximum riser height of 18cm, and a minimum tread depth of 26cm. Outdoor evacuation stairs can have a reduced clear width of 0.9m. Apartment building stairs follow the same requirements: 1.2m width, 18cm max riser, and 26cm min tread.
When is an emergency elevator required?
Emergency elevators (비상용 승강기) are required for buildings exceeding 31m in height. The first elevator is mandatory, with one additional unit required for every 3,000m2 of total floor area beyond the first. Each emergency elevator must have a minimum capacity of 1,000kg, a vestibule of at least 6m2, emergency power for 120+ minutes, and a minimum speed of 60m/min.
What parking spaces are required for office buildings?
Under the Korean Parking Act Enforcement Decree, office buildings (업무시설) require 1 parking space per 150m2 of facility area. Self-parking spaces must be at least 2.5m x 5.0m for perpendicular parking, while mechanical parking spaces can be 2.3m x 5.0m. Specific requirements may vary by local government ordinance.
What are the accessibility requirements for building entrances?
Under the Korean Accessibility Act (장애인편의법), the main entrance must have a minimum clear width of 0.9m, corridors must be at least 1.2m wide, and ramps must have a maximum slope of 1/12 (1/18 recommended). Accessible restrooms must be at least 1.6m x 2.0m, accessible parking spaces at least 3.3m wide, and elevators at least 1.1m x 1.4m.