Do I have to declare banned knives and edged weapons at South Korea customs?

Yes — it has to be declared to South Korea customs on arrival.

What happens if I do not declare banned knives and edged weapons 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 banned knives and edged weapons 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 banned knives and edged weapons out of South Korea?

South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking banned knives and edged weapons out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the South Korea limit for banned knives and edged weapons 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 휴대품 통관. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “총포·도검·화약류·분사기·전자 충격기·석궁(부분품, 모의 또는 장식용을 포함한다)”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on banned knives and edged weapons?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 11 prohibit banned knives and edged weapons, 8 limit it and 1 let it through. South Korea is among the strictest.

How much Banned knives and edged weapons can I bring into South Korea?

Declare

You can bring Banned knives and edged weapons into South Korea, but you must declare it.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required

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

여행자 휴대품 통관 Korea Customs Service

Questions about Banned knives and edged weapons in South Korea

Do I have to declare banned knives and edged weapons at South Korea customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to South Korea customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare banned knives and edged weapons 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 banned knives and edged weapons 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 banned knives and edged weapons out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking banned knives and edged weapons out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for banned knives and edged weapons 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 휴대품 통관. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “총포·도검·화약류·분사기·전자 충격기·석궁(부분품, 모의 또는 장식용을 포함한다)”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on banned knives and edged weapons?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 11 prohibit banned knives and edged weapons, 8 limit it and 1 let it through. South Korea is among the strictest.

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Antique and replica weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks Controlled drugs (Misuse of Drugs Regulations, 4th Schedule)