The banded moray eel, previously reported as Gymnothorax reticularis, is redescribed based on one specimen (469.0 mm TL) collected from a fish trap in Geoje-do, South Sea, Korea. It is characterized by 19 dark brown vertical bars; 139 total vertebrae; both jaw teeth large, strong, and slightly serrated; 1 median intermaxillary tooth; small and blunt vomerine teeth. Although the banded moray eel has been reported as Gymnothorax reticularis in Korea by some ichthyologists, this study suggests that its scientific name should be changed to Gymnothorax minor based on its number of vertebrae and presence of a median intermaxillary tooth.