South Korea’s public maritime legislation forms a comprehensive legal framework that underpins the nation’s position as a leading global maritime power, aiming to ensure maritime safety, environmental protection, and competitiveness in international shipping. This study analyses South Korea’s institutional and legislative arrangements in public maritime law, emphasizing the domestic implementation of major IMO conventions and the alignment of international standards with national policy objectives. Foundational statutes, including Framework Act on Maritime Safety, Ship Safety Act, and Marine Environment Management Act, collectively regulate vessel safety, accident prevention, pollution control, and marine environmental preservation within an integrated system. In response to emerging global trends, South Korea has introduced legislative measures for proactive decarbonization and the regulation of autonomous shipping, while recent amendments to the Seafarers Act strengthen protections for seafarers and trainees, promote gender equality, and enhance human rights and welfare standards in accordance with international conventions. Through this multidimensional approach, South Korea exemplifies not only compliance with global maritime norms but also proactive leadership, fostering sustainable development of the shipping sector and contributing to the stable growth of the national economy.