Do I have to declare narcotics and psychotropic substances at South Korea customs?

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

What happens if I do not declare narcotics and psychotropic substances 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 and psychotropic substances 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 and psychotropic substances out of South Korea?

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

Does the South Korea limit for narcotics and psychotropic substances 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: “Restricted goods : Firearms, Narcotics; animals and plants stipulated in the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and their products, etc.”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on narcotics and psychotropic substances?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit narcotics and psychotropic substances, 8 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the strictest.

How much Narcotics and psychotropic substances can I bring into South Korea?

Restricted

You can bring Narcotics and psychotropic substances 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

Customs Clearance Guide for Passengers Korea Customs Service

Questions about Narcotics and psychotropic substances in South Korea

Do I have to declare narcotics and psychotropic substances at South Korea customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to South Korea customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare narcotics and psychotropic substances 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 and psychotropic substances 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 and psychotropic substances out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking narcotics and psychotropic substances out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for narcotics and psychotropic substances 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: “Restricted goods : Firearms, Narcotics; animals and plants stipulated in the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and their products, etc.”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on narcotics and psychotropic substances?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit narcotics and psychotropic substances, 8 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the strictest.

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