South Korea customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

South Korea enforces some of Asia's toughest customs and drug laws, and its quarantine rules can turn a forgotten snack into a fine. The biggest risks are undeclared controlled medications and agricultural products — not the usual duty-free math.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 litre of alcohol over 22% ABV, or 2 litres of alcohol 22% ABV or under. Must be 19+. Anything above the limit is subject to duty (30% of CIF value) and 10% VAT.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

If you carry cash or cash equivalents (traveller's cheques, etc.) exceeding KRW 13,000,000 (about USD 10,000), you must declare it to Korea Customs. Use the 'Foreign Currency Declaration' form available at the airport or download it in advance. Undeclared amounts can be seized and fines imposed.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (about KRW 1,040,000) are duty-free. Above that, you pay 8% duty on the excess plus 10% VAT on the duty-paid amount. If the total value exceeds USD 1,000, the entire amount is subject to duty, not just the excess.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, CBD oil, and amphetamines)
Meat and meat products (including beef, pork, chicken, and processed meats like jerky)
Fresh fruit and vegetables
Seeds and live plants
Counterfeit goods and pirated media
Weapons and ammunition (unless authorised)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Prescription medications (must have prescription and be for personal use, up to 3 months)
Pets and live animals (require import permit and health certificate)
Plants and plant products (require phytosanitary certificate)
Drones (may require registration and permission)
Satellite phones (require special permission)

Arriving: red vs green channel

Every arriving traveller must complete a Customs Declaration Card (usually distributed on the plane or available in the arrival hall). If you have nothing to declare and are within the allowances, use the green channel; if you have goods to declare or exceed any limit, use the red channel. Even if you use the green channel, you may be selected for a random baggage inspection.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tourist tax refunds are available for purchases of KRW 30,000 (about USD 23) or more at participating stores. Look for the 'Tax Free' or 'Global Blue' / 'Global Tax Free' signs. Claim at the airport before check-in: kiosks or refund counters are in the departure hall. You must show the goods, receipt, and passport. Refunds are processed in KRW or sometimes USD.

Bringing medication

You can bring personal prescription medication for up to 3 months' supply if you have a doctor's prescription and the medication is for your own use. However, many common Western drugs are controlled or banned in Korea: amphetamines (e.g., Adderall), cannabis and CBD products, and some narcotic painkillers. Check the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety website before travelling. Bringing these without prior approval can lead to arrest.

Food, plants & animal products

All meat, dairy, fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, and live plants must be declared and are generally prohibited from entry. Processed foods in sealed packaging are usually allowed but may be inspected. Failure to declare can result in fines starting at KRW 500,000 (about USD 380).

Rules worth knowing

Arrival card mandatory for all

Every traveller, including Korean citizens, must submit a Customs Declaration Card. You can fill it out on the plane or at kiosks in the arrival hall. If you lose it, ask a customs officer for a new one.

Strict drug laws

Korea has zero tolerance for drugs, including marijuana and CBD. Even if prescribed in your home country, bringing these without prior approval from the Korean government can result in arrest and imprisonment. Check with the Korean embassy before you travel.

Cash seizure risk

If you carry more than USD 10,000 in cash and fail to declare, customs can seize the entire amount and impose a fine of up to 20% of the undeclared sum. Always declare if you're near the limit.

Agricultural quarantine

Korea is very strict about bringing in food and plant products to protect its agriculture. Even a single apple or a piece of beef jerky can trigger a fine. Declare everything or risk penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, for personal use up to 3 months' supply, but you must have a valid prescription and the medication must not be on Korea's controlled substances list. Drugs like Adderall, Ritalin, and medical cannabis are illegal without prior approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Always carry your prescription and a doctor's letter.

You must declare the excess and pay duty. The duty rate is 8% on the excess value over USD 800, plus 10% VAT on the duty-paid amount. If the total value of goods exceeds USD 1,000, duty is applied to the entire amount, not just the excess.

No, the threshold is 'exceeding' USD 10,000. If you have exactly USD 10,000 or less, you do not need to declare. However, if you have multiple currencies, convert them to USD to check the total.

E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are subject to the same limits as regular tobacco: 200 cigarettes or equivalent. However, nicotine liquids for vaping may be restricted; check with Korea Customs. It's safer to declare them.

The duty-free allowance is 1 litre of alcohol over 22% ABV or 2 litres of alcohol 22% ABV or under. If you bring more, you must declare and pay duty. There's no gift exemption; the allowance is per person.

Most fresh food items like meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables are prohibited. Processed and packaged foods (e.g., cookies, chocolate, canned goods) are generally allowed but must be declared if they contain meat or dairy. Always declare any food to avoid fines.

Spend at least KRW 30,000 at a participating store and ask for a tax refund receipt. At the airport, go to the tax refund kiosk or counter before check-in. You'll need your passport, receipts, and the goods. Refunds are given in KRW or USD.

Official source

Korea Customs Service