South Korea customs rules & duty-free allowances
South Korea enforces one of the world's strictest biosecurity regimes. Bringing in any meat, fruit, or seeds without a permit can result in an immediate fine of up to KRW 10,000,000 (approx. USD 7,500). Even a single apple or sandwich can trigger this. Cash declaration is mandatory for amounts over KRW 10,000,000 (approx. USD 7,500) or foreign currency equivalent to USD 10,000.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics, psychotropic drugs, and marijuana (including CBD products)
- Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons (including knives over 6cm blade)
- Counterfeit currency, goods, or copyrighted materials
- Endangered species products (ivory, rhino horn, tortoiseshell) without CITES permit
- Meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds, and soil
- Pornography and materials that violate public order
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing narcotics or psychotropics (require KFDA permit)
- Drones and radio equipment (require approval from the Korea Communications Commission)
- Plants and plant products (require phytosanitary certificate)
- Cultural heritage items (require export permit from the Cultural Heritage Administration)
- Satellite phones and GPS jammers (require government authorization)
Arriving: red vs green channel
All travellers must complete a Customs Declaration Form (CD-1) and a Passenger Arrival Card. Use the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare and are within duty-free limits. Use the Red Channel if you have goods to declare, cash over the threshold, or restricted items. Random inspections are common.
Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds
Tourist VAT refund available for purchases over KRW 30,000 (approx. USD 23) at a single store. Look for 'Tax Free' signs. Claim at the airport's Tax Refund kiosk before check-in, or at the Customs desk after check-in for larger items. Refund is 5-7% of the purchase price.
Bringing medication
Personal medications are allowed for up to 3 months' supply. Prescription drugs must be accompanied by a doctor's prescription and a detailed medical certificate. Narcotics, psychotropics, and some common Western medications (e.g., Adderall, codeine-based painkillers) are strictly prohibited or require a special import permit from the Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA).
Food, plants & animal products
Meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and soil are strictly prohibited without a quarantine certificate. Even small quantities for personal use can lead to fines up to KRW 10,000,000 (approx. USD 7,500). Declare any food items at the Red Channel.
Rules worth knowing
Agricultural Quarantine is Strict
South Korea enforces one of the world's strictest biosecurity regimes. Bringing in any meat, fruit, or seeds without a permit can result in an immediate fine of up to KRW 10,000,000 (approx. USD 7,500). Even a single apple or sandwich can trigger this.
Cash Declaration is Mandatory
If you carry KRW 10,000,000 or more (or foreign currency equivalent to USD 10,000) in cash, checks, or monetary instruments, you must declare it on the Customs Declaration Form. Failure to do so can lead to seizure and penalties.
Duty-Free Limit is Per Person
The KRW 400,000 (approx. USD 300) duty-free allowance applies to each individual traveller, not per family. Families cannot combine allowances. If you exceed the limit, the entire value above KRW 400,000 is taxed at 20%.
No Duty-Free on Korean Ginseng
Korean red ginseng products purchased abroad or in duty-free shops are subject to strict limits. You may bring only 1kg of red ginseng (whole or sliced) and 3kg of ginseng extract or concentrate without a permit. Exceeding this requires a quarantine inspection.