The National Police Agency said Thursday it will revise the way it sets speed limits throughout the nation and apply new standards that account for prevailing traffic conditions on each road.
The revision could pave the way for raising speed limits to 80 kph from 60 kph on almost all ordinary roads.
The decision was based on a report submitted by a panel asked to review the revision.
Speed limits haven't changed since 1989.
The panel also recommended taking a look at lowering the speed limit to 30 kph on small streets in residential areas.
The new standards could take effect this fiscal year.
Local public safety commissions have limited driving speeds to 60 kph on ordinary roads and 100 kph on expressways, but a limited number of ordinary streets allow drivers to go 80 kph.
The panel said a detailed revision of expressway speed limits should be based on road structure and other factors.