What happens if I do not declare obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities in South Korea?

Under 관세법 제269조제1항, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated.

Can I post or ship obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities 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.

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 금지 물품 : 음란물, 화폐·채권 기타 유가증권의 위조품·변조품 또는 모조품 등”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 19 prohibit obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities, 1 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the strictest.

How much Obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities can I bring into South Korea?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities into South Korea.

Cabin baggage —

Checked baggage —

Declaration Required — surrender

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler, Post or courier

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 Obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities in South Korea

How many obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities can I bring into South Korea?: obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities may not be brought into South Korea at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities at South Korea customs?: There is nothing to declare — obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities in South Korea?: Under 관세법 제269조제1항, if it is treated as smuggling: it is prosecuted as a criminal offence; the goods are confiscated.
Can I post or ship obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities 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 obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities 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 금지 물품 : 음란물, 화폐·채권 기타 유가증권의 위조품·변조품 또는 모조품 등”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 19 prohibit obscene materials and counterfeit currency/securities, 1 limit it and 0 let it through. South Korea is among the strictest.

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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