Do I have to declare companion animals at South Korea customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare companion animals 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 companion animals 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 companion animals out of South Korea?

South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking companion animals out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Does the South Korea limit for companion animals 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: “위의 물품을 반입 시 입국장에 있는 농림축산검역본부에 반드시 신고해야 함”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on companion animals?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit companion animals, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the ones that set a limit.

Can I bring companion animals to South Korea?

Official classification: Pets (companion animals)

Declare

You can bring companion animals into South Korea, but you must declare it.

Carried Allowed, declare

Declaration Required

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler
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

입국시 Incheon Airport Main Customs, Korea Customs Service
Customs Clearance Guide for Passengers Korea Customs Service

Questions about Pets (companion animals) in South Korea

Do I have to declare companion animals at South Korea customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to South Korea customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare companion animals 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 companion animals 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 companion animals out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking companion animals out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for companion animals 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: “위의 물품을 반입 시 입국장에 있는 농림축산검역본부에 반드시 신고해야 함”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on companion animals?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit companion animals, 20 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the ones that set a limit.

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