Do I have to declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) at South Korea customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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.

Do duty-free purchases count toward the South Korea allowance for personal-use medicines (non-controlled)?

Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.

Can I post or ship personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out of South Korea?

South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the South Korea limit for personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 입국시. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “자가사용의약품 : 6병 또는 용법상 3개월 복용량 이내(면세통관 범위인 경우 요건확인 면제)”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on personal-use medicines (non-controlled)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use medicines (non-controlled), 5 limit it and 15 let it through. South Korea is among the more permissive.

How much Personal-use medicines (non-controlled) can I bring into South Korea?

Allowed

You can bring Personal-use medicines (non-controlled) into South Korea without a special limit.

Carried Allowed

Declaration Not required

Limit 800 USD

What you need to know

6 piece
Value cap: 800 USD
Channels: Carried with the traveler

Important

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

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

입국시 Incheon Airport Customs, Korea Customs Service

Questions about Personal-use medicines (non-controlled) in South Korea

How many personal-use medicines (non-controlled) can I bring into South Korea?: South Korea allows 6 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) per traveller without duty. The allowance is capped at 800 USD in total value. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) at South Korea customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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.
Do duty-free purchases count toward the South Korea allowance for personal-use medicines (non-controlled)?: Yes. What you buy in an arrival duty-free shop comes out of the same allowance, so the shop does not add to what you may already be carrying.
Can I post or ship personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking personal-use medicines (non-controlled) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for personal-use medicines (non-controlled) 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 입국시. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “자가사용의약품 : 6병 또는 용법상 3개월 복용량 이내(면세통관 범위인 경우 요건확인 면제)”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on personal-use medicines (non-controlled)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal-use medicines (non-controlled), 5 limit it and 15 let it through. South Korea is among the more permissive.

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

Controlled substances for personal medical use (schedules II-V) Controlled/prescription medicine Dietary supplements and sports nutrition External-use medicine (personal use) Medicine containing stimulant raw materials Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances