Do I have to declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) at South Korea customs?

There is nothing to declare — strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out of South Korea?

South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the South Korea limit for strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 해외여행은 즐겁게, 망고 등 생과일은 가져오지 마세요!. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “휴대반입이 금지된 품목 으로는 망고 등 생과일, 고추 등 신선 열매채소, 흙 부착 식물, 살아있는 곤충 등 이 있다.”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 3 prohibit strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian), 6 limit it and 10 let it through. South Korea is among the more permissive.

How much Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) can I bring into South Korea?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) into South Korea.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

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

해외여행은 즐겁게, 망고 등 생과일은 가져오지 마세요! Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA), Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Questions about Strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) in South Korea

How many strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) can I bring into South Korea?: strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) at South Korea customs?: There is nothing to declare — strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian) 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 해외여행은 즐겁게, 망고 등 생과일은 가져오지 마세요!. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “휴대반입이 금지된 품목 으로는 망고 등 생과일, 고추 등 신선 열매채소, 흙 부착 식물, 살아있는 곤충 등 이 있다.”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian)?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 3 prohibit strong-smelling fruit (e.g. durian), 6 limit it and 10 let it through. South Korea is among the more permissive.

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