Do I have to declare cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) at South Korea customs?

There is nothing to declare — cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) 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 cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) 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.

Does the South Korea limit for cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) 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 마약류 관리에 관한 법률. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “대마를 수출입ㆍ제조ㆍ매매하거나 매매를 유인ㆍ권유ㆍ알선하는 행위. 다만, 공무, 학술연구 또는 의료 목적을 위하여 대통령령으로 정하는 바에 따라 식품의약품안전처장의 승인을 받은 경우는 제외한다.”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity)?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 18 prohibit cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity), 2 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the strictest.

How much Cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) can I bring into South Korea?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) 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

마약류 관리에 관한 법률 국가법령정보센터

Questions about Cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) in South Korea

How many cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) can I bring into South Korea?: cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) 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 cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) at South Korea customs?: There is nothing to declare — cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) 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 cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) 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 cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity) 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 마약류 관리에 관한 법률. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “대마를 수출입ㆍ제조ㆍ매매하거나 매매를 유인ㆍ권유ㆍ알선하는 행위. 다만, 공무, 학술연구 또는 의료 목적을 위하여 대통령령으로 정하는 바에 따라 식품의약품안전처장의 승인을 받은 경우는 제외한다.”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity)?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 18 prohibit cannabis and cannabis products (any quantity), 2 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the strictest.

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