The Korea Local Administration Review

Corruption is occurring a lot in the procedure of authorization and permission of local governments. Nevertheless, it is difficult to reveal the faults of local public officials. In addition, local public officials tend not to acknowledge their faults. Earlier studies have also focused mainly on improving the authorization and permission system itself. But studies of specific corruption areas is sparse. In this regard, this study reviewed the type and characteristics of corruption in the procedure of authorization and permission from the audit results by the Board of Audit and Inspection(BAI) and suggested improvements to prevent such corruption. As a result of this analysis, it was found that corruption in the procedure of authorization and permission occurred mainly in development permits, building permits, farmland and forest land use conversion permits, business permits, etc.. In particular, unjustifiable permissions have the result of giving someone favorable treatment. Neglect in reviewing the permission requirements of public officials in charge, poor guidance and supervision of managers, insufficient consultation with related agencies, and unfair instructions from the head of local governments were leading to corruption in the procedure of authorization and permission. In order to prevent such corruption, this study suggested that it is necessary to strengthen the internal control system, to educate public officials in charge, to modify laws and regulations and to strengthen the role of internal audit.