Do I have to declare medicines at South Korea customs?

No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.

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

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

Does the South Korea limit for medicines 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 식품 휴대반입 시 유의사항. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “여행자가 자가사용을 위해 해외(국내외 면세점 포함)에서 취득(구입·선물 포함)하여 국내에 반입하는 물품은 여행자가 통상적으로 휴대하는 것이 타당하다고 세관장이 인정하는 범위 이내로서, 해외에서 취득한 물품 가격의 총합이 미화 800달러 이하일 경우 면세통관이 가능하며, 면세범위를 초과하는 경우 세관신고대상으로 관세 등 세금을 납부하면 통관이 가능합니다.”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on medicines?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medicines, 16 limit it and 4 let it through. South Korea is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Medicines can I bring into South Korea?

Restricted

You can bring Medicines into South Korea only within the stated limits.

Carried Limited

Declaration Above allowance

Limit 6 piece

What you need to know

6 piece
Channels: Carried with the traveler
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

입국시 Incheon Airport Customs, Korea Customs Service
식품 휴대반입 시 유의사항 Korea Customs Service

Questions about Medicines in South Korea

How much medicines can I bring into South Korea?: South Korea publishes no quantity limit for medicines carried by a traveller. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare medicines at South Korea customs?: No — within the allowance it passes without a declaration.
What happens if I do not declare medicines 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 medicines 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 medicines out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for medicines 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 식품 휴대반입 시 유의사항. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “여행자가 자가사용을 위해 해외(국내외 면세점 포함)에서 취득(구입·선물 포함)하여 국내에 반입하는 물품은 여행자가 통상적으로 휴대하는 것이 타당하다고 세관장이 인정하는 범위 이내로서, 해외에서 취득한 물품 가격의 총합이 미화 800달러 이하일 경우 면세통관이 가능하며, 면세범위를 초과하는 경우 세관신고대상으로 관세 등 세금을 납부하면 통관이 가능합니다.”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on medicines?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 0 prohibit medicines, 16 limit it and 4 let it through. South Korea is among the ones that set a limit.

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