Do I have to declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives at South Korea customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 Customs Clearance Guide for Passengers. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “All restricted goods need to fulfill all the requirements for customs clearance regardless of tax exemption threshold”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on firearms, ammunition and controlled knives?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit firearms, ammunition and controlled knives, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives can I bring into South Korea?

Restricted

You can bring Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives into South Korea only within the stated limits.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

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

Customs Clearance Guide for Passengers Korea Customs Service

Questions about Firearms, ammunition and controlled knives in South Korea

Do I have to declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives at South Korea customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to South Korea customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking firearms, ammunition and controlled knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for firearms, ammunition and controlled knives 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 Customs Clearance Guide for Passengers. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “All restricted goods need to fulfill all the requirements for customs clearance regardless of tax exemption threshold”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on firearms, ammunition and controlled knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 5 prohibit firearms, ammunition and controlled knives, 15 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the ones that set a limit.

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Other items in this group

Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks