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: “반출입 제한 물품 : 총기, 마약, 멸종위기의 야생동식물보호에 관한 국제협약(CITES)에서 규정한 동식물 및 이들의 제품 등 반출입 제한물품은 면세범위와 관계없이 통관에 필요한 제반요건을 구비하여야 함 앵속·아편·코카잎 등 마약류, 향정신성 의약품류, 대마류 및 이들의 제품, 오·남용 우려가 있는 의약품류”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines, 17 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines can I bring into South Korea?

Restricted

You can bring Narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines 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

여행자 휴대품 통관 Korea Customs Service (관세청)

Questions about Narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines in South Korea

Do I have to declare narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines at South Korea customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to South Korea customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk 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 narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk 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 narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk 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 여행자 휴대품 통관. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “반출입 제한 물품 : 총기, 마약, 멸종위기의 야생동식물보호에 관한 국제협약(CITES)에서 규정한 동식물 및 이들의 제품 등 반출입 제한물품은 면세범위와 관계없이 통관에 필요한 제반요건을 구비하여야 함 앵속·아편·코카잎 등 마약류, 향정신성 의약품류, 대마류 및 이들의 제품, 오·남용 우려가 있는 의약품류”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 3 prohibit narcotics, psychotropic substances, cannabis and abuse-risk medicines, 17 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the ones that set a limit.

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