How many soil can I bring into South Korea?

soil may not be brought into South Korea at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.

Do I have to declare soil at South Korea customs?

There is nothing to declare — soil cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare soil in South Korea?

Under 관세법 제269조제1항, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship soil 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 soil out of South Korea?

South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking soil out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the South Korea limit for soil 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 식물방역법. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “제10조(수입 금지 등) ① 다음 각 호의 어느 하나에 해당하는 물품 등(이하 “금지품”이라 한다)은 수입하지 못한다. 3. 흙 또는 흙이 붙어있는 식물”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on soil?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 13 prohibit soil, 6 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the strictest.

How much Soil can I bring into South Korea?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Soil into South Korea.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

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

식물방역법 National Law Information Center, Ministry of Government Legislation, Republic of Korea

Questions about Soil in South Korea

How many soil can I bring into South Korea?: soil may not be brought into South Korea at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare soil at South Korea customs?: There is nothing to declare — soil cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare soil in South Korea?: Under 관세법 제269조제1항, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship soil 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 soil out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking soil out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for soil 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 식물방역법. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “제10조(수입 금지 등) ① 다음 각 호의 어느 하나에 해당하는 물품 등(이하 “금지품”이라 한다)은 수입하지 못한다. 3. 흙 또는 흙이 붙어있는 식물”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on soil?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 13 prohibit soil, 6 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the strictest.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Animal, plant, fruit, vegetable, seafood and food products Cut flowers and wreaths Eggs Fish and other fishery products Food, plant and animal products under agency control