A line commutation type fault current limiter which can reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs, carry out line commutation by operating a cutoff switch by fault current energy, respond rapidly to a fault, be immediately restored to an original state, and perform either an active or a passive operation. The line commutation type fault current limiter includes a coupled inductor having a primary side connected to a main circuit and a secondary side matched with the primary side, a Zener diode switch electrically connected to the secondary side of the coupled inductor, a line commutation switch connected to the Zener diode switch as well as the primary side of the coupled inductor to form a bypass path in parallel with the primary side of the coupled inductor and to cut off the main circuit, when the Zener diode switch is turned on, and a current limiting unit electrically connected in parallel with the line commutation switch to limit a current flowing into the main circuit.