Do I have to declare seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings at South Korea customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to South Korea customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings in South Korea?

Under 관세법 제81조제1항제1호, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. Under 관세법 제282조제2항, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated. Under 관세법 제241조제5항제1호: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings to South Korea instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings out of South Korea?

South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the South Korea limit for seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

관세청 (Korea Customs Service) states it in 수입식물검역 문답집 (2023.2). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “휴대하는 식물도 예외 없이 검역를 받아야 합니다.”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings to South Korea?

Official classification: Seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings

Declare

You can bring seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings into South Korea, but you must declare it.

Carried Allowed, declare

Declaration Required

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

수입식물검역 문답집 (2023.2) Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency

Questions about Seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings in South Korea

Do I have to declare seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings at South Korea customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to South Korea customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings in South Korea?: Under 관세법 제81조제1항제1호, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess. Under 관세법 제282조제2항, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated. Under 관세법 제241조제5항제1호: the normal duty becomes payable on the excess; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings to South Korea instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: 관세청 (Korea Customs Service) states it in 수입식물검역 문답집 (2023.2). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “휴대하는 식물도 예외 없이 검역를 받아야 합니다.”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 1 prohibit seeds, tubers, seedlings and cuttings, 19 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the ones that set a limit.

Related countries

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Quick facts

Jurisdiction: South Korea
Travel mode: Land

Freshness

Last verified: 2026-09-19
Next review: 2026-12-17

Destination

KR South Korea

All South Korea rules

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