CarryRules

Can I bring endangered species products to South Korea?

Official classification
Endangered species products (e.g. rhinoceros horn)

Restricted

You can bring endangered species products into South Korea only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited
Declaration Above allowance
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
  • 입국시 Incheon Airport Main Customs, Korea Customs Service

Questions about Endangered species products in South Korea

Do I have to declare endangered species products at South Korea customs?
Yes — it has to be declared to South Korea customs on arrival.

Source: 관세청 (Korea Customs Service) — 입국시 · verified 2026-09-19

What happens if I do not declare endangered species products 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.

Source: 관세청 (Korea Customs Service) — 관세법 [법률 제21858호, 시행 2026. 8. 11.] · verified 2026-09-20

Can I post or ship endangered species products 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.

Source: 관세청 (Korea Customs Service) — south-korea postOrCourier · verified 2026-09-20

Can I take endangered species products out of South Korea?
South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking endangered species products out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for endangered species products apply per person or per family?
Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Source: 관세청 (Korea Customs Service) — 입국시 · verified 2026-09-19

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: “수출입 시 지정된 관리당국에서 허가 를 받아야 함 (살아있는 것, 죽은 것, 부분품, 가공품 포함) 부분품 : 뿔, 이, 털, 깃, 내장, 고기, 쓸개, 혈액, 뼈, 가죽 등”

Source: 관세청 (Korea Customs Service) — 입국시 · verified 2026-09-19

How does South Korea compare with other countries on endangered species products?
Of the 20 countries covered here, 8 prohibit endangered species products, 12 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the ones that set a limit.