To address the growing problem of 5G signals interfering electromagnetically with critical public infrastructure, Korea's National Radio Research Agency (RRA) published Notice No. 2025-77 on 20 October 2025, opening public consultation on amendments to the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) standard that add broadband radiated immunity requirements. The aim is to improve the stability and reliability of electronic equipment in complex electromagnetic environments, particularly for public transport safety.

Core amendment: immunity testing in 3.4-3.7 GHz

The heart of the proposal is the introduction of targeted test requirements for the equipment concerned, especially equipment used in critical infrastructure:

- Test band: 3.4 GHz to 3.7 GHz, one of the core bands for 5G deployment in Korea, confirming that the amendment addresses the specific challenges posed by 5G signals.

- Reference standard: testing follows international standard IEC 61000-4-41, which specifies immunity test methods for radiated, high-frequency electromagnetic fields.

- Severe test levels: the proposal sets five levels from 20 V/m to 80 V/m. The higher field strengths, such as 56 V/m and 80 V/m, are well above the levels applied to ordinary consumer products, reflecting the very high expectation that safety-critical equipment keeps working under extreme electromagnetic stress.

Impact and significance

1. Improved public safety. The requirements directly strengthen critical infrastructure such as platform screen doors so that it performs reliably in modern cities full of strong 5G and other wireless signals.

2. A more disciplined equipment market. Relevant electronic equipment sold in Korea, especially for public transport and industrial control, will have to pass this demanding test to obtain certification, raising the bar for product quality and safety.

3. International alignment. Use of the IEC international standard keeps Korean technical regulation consistent with global practice and facilitates trade and interoperability.

4. Industry development. Manufacturers will pay more attention to EMC at the design stage, driving technical upgrading across the supply chain.