South Korea customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

South Korea's duty-free allowance for non-resident adults in 2026 is 1 liter of alcohol (with specific rules for ABV), 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco), and goods up to USD 800 (approximately KRW 1,000,000). Cash or equivalent instruments over USD 10,000 must be declared. Narcotics, firearms, and certain agricultural products are strictly prohibited. Travellers must be 19 or older to claim alcohol and tobacco allowances.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV), OR 2 liters of wine or beer (under 22% ABV). Traveller must be 19+. If you bring both types, the limit is 1 liter total for spirits and 2 liters for wine/beer, but the combined volume cannot exceed 2 liters if mixing categories.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Any amount equivalent to USD 10,000 or more (in cash, traveler's checks, money orders, or negotiable instruments) must be declared on the arrival form. Failure to declare can result in seizure and penalties up to 20% of the undeclared amount. This applies to both Korean won and foreign currency.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal goods and gifts up to USD 800 (approximately KRW 1,000,000) are duty-free. Items exceeding this value are subject to duty (typically 8-20%) and 10% VAT. Perfume and cosmetics are included in this limit. For residents, the limit is USD 400.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including marijuana, even for medical use without prior approval from the Korea Food and Drug Administration)
Firearms, ammunition, explosives, and weapons (including replicas, air guns, and pepper spray)
Counterfeit currency, coins, or goods infringing intellectual property rights
Endangered species and products (CITES-listed animals, plants, ivory, rhino horn, and products made from them)
Obscene materials (pornography, indecent publications, videos, or digital files)
Soil, sand, and certain agricultural products (meat, dairy, fruits, nuts, seeds) without quarantine clearance

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Prescription medications (must carry a doctor's prescription or certificate; narcotic or psychotropic drugs require prior approval from the Korea Food and Drug Administration; limit to 3 months' supply for personal use)
Plants, fruits, vegetables, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary or quarantine certificate from the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency)
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (must be registered with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport; operation restricted in many areas; weight limit under 250g exempt from registration)
Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require approval from the Korea Communications Commission; personal cell phones are exempt)
Cultural artifacts and antiques (may require export/import permit from the Cultural Heritage Administration; items over 50 years old may be restricted)

Rules worth knowing

Duty-free shop purchases

Items bought at Korean duty-free shops must be exported and cannot be consumed in Korea. If you re-enter with them, they are treated as new imports and subject to duty. This includes items purchased at departure duty-free shops.

Temporary import of high-value items

Laptops, cameras, and jewelry over USD 800 must be declared on arrival to avoid duty when leaving. A 'Temporary Importation' form (Form 1-1) can be filed at customs. Failure to declare may result in duty charges upon departure.

Agricultural quarantine

All meat, dairy, fruit, and nut products must be declared. Failure to declare can result in a fine of up to KRW 10 million (approx. USD 7,500). Even a single apple or sandwich can trigger penalties. Processed and commercially packaged items are generally allowed but still must be declared.

Currency declaration for outbound travellers

Leaving Korea with cash or equivalent instruments over USD 10,000 also requires a declaration. This applies to both Korean won and foreign currency. The same penalty rules apply as for inbound travellers.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, as long as they are for personal use and within the USD 800 goods allowance. No special permit is needed for processed ginseng products (e.g., extracts, tea). Raw ginseng may require phytosanitary inspection. Limit to 1 kg of raw ginseng without permit.

You must pay duty and VAT on the excess. For example, a second liter of spirits would be taxed at approximately 72% duty plus 10% VAT. You can also choose to abandon the excess at customs. The duty rate varies by alcohol type (e.g., wine has lower duty).

If the laptop's value exceeds USD 800, it is advisable to declare it as a temporary import at the red channel. This ensures you won't be charged duty when you leave. Most travellers do not declare common electronics, but customs may ask for proof of export (e.g., receipt or serial number).

Yes, commercially packaged kimchi and fermented foods are generally allowed. However, homemade or unsealed items may be subject to quarantine inspection. Declare all food items to avoid fines. Kimchi in checked luggage is fine, but declare it on the arrival form.

There is no limit on Korean won, but any amount equivalent to USD 10,000 or more (in any currency) must be declared. You can bring unlimited won, but declare if over the threshold. The exchange rate used is the official rate on the day of arrival.

Undeclared cash can be seized, and you may face a fine of up to 20% of the undeclared amount (or more in serious cases). Criminal charges are possible for intentional evasion, with penalties including imprisonment up to 5 years.

Official source

Korea Customs Service