The Republic of Korea, with a landmass of 100,188 km2, boasts a robust aviation infrastructure comprising 15 airports—eight international and seven domestic—and numerous aerodromes, including five privately established facilities. These numbers reflect the significant development of the country’s aviation industry despite its relatively small geographical size. Governed initially by the Air Law of 1961, airports and aerodromes have since come under the purview of the Airport Facility Act of 2017, which provides a comprehensive framework for their regulation and management. This contribution sketches the legal framework for the airport facilities. It also examines key governance issues, including the privatisation debate surrounding Incheon International Airport, which recorded 780,635 landings and take-offs in 2023. By focusing on compliance with international standards such as the Chicago Convention 1944 and ICAO Annex 14, this study sheds light on the strengths and challenges of the Republic of Korea’s aviation governance system. Furthermore, it explores the integration of safety, sustainability, and operational efficiency within the legal framework, offering insights into areas of potential improvement and how Republic of Korea aligns with global best practices while addressing local needs.