Do I have to declare personal exemption, absence over 24 hours at South Korea customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

What happens if I do not declare personal exemption, absence over 24 hours 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 personal exemption, absence over 24 hours 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 exemption, absence over 24 hours out of South Korea?

South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking personal exemption, absence over 24 hours out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the South Korea limit for personal exemption, absence over 24 hours 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 여행자 및 승무원 휴대품 통관에 관한 고시. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “법 제96조제1항제1호 및 규칙 제48조제1항ㆍ제2항에 따른 관세의 면제 한도는 여행자 1명이 반입한 제4조에 따른 여행자 휴대품으로서 각 물품의 과세가격 합계 기준으로 미화 800달러 이하(이하 "기본면세범위"라 한다)로 한다.”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on personal exemption, absence over 24 hours?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal exemption, absence over 24 hours, 2 limit it and 17 let it through. South Korea is among the more permissive.

How much Personal exemption, absence over 24 hours can I bring into South Korea?

Allowed

You can bring Personal exemption, absence over 24 hours into South Korea without a special limit.

Carried Allowed

Declaration Not required

Limit 800 USD

What you need to know

No stated quantity
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

여행자 및 승무원 휴대품 통관에 관한 고시 Korea Customs Service

Questions about Personal exemption, absence over 24 hours in South Korea

How much personal exemption, absence over 24 hours can I bring into South Korea?: South Korea publishes no quantity limit for personal exemption, absence over 24 hours carried by a traveller. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare personal exemption, absence over 24 hours at South Korea customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare personal exemption, absence over 24 hours 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 personal exemption, absence over 24 hours 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 exemption, absence over 24 hours out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking personal exemption, absence over 24 hours out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for personal exemption, absence over 24 hours 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 여행자 및 승무원 휴대품 통관에 관한 고시. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “법 제96조제1항제1호 및 규칙 제48조제1항ㆍ제2항에 따른 관세의 면제 한도는 여행자 1명이 반입한 제4조에 따른 여행자 휴대품으로서 각 물품의 과세가격 합계 기준으로 미화 800달러 이하(이하 "기본면세범위"라 한다)로 한다.”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on personal exemption, absence over 24 hours?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 0 prohibit personal exemption, absence over 24 hours, 2 limit it and 17 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

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Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Audio and video recorder/player Driver and crew border-shop bundle GPS device Game console Gifts and personal goods