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: “Books, photos, videotape, film, LD, CD, CD-ROM, etc that violate the state constitution, public security, and social customs”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions?

Of the 19 countries covered here, 4 prohibit printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions, 4 limit it and 11 let it through. South Korea is among the more permissive.

How much Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions can I bring into South Korea?

Declare

You can bring Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions into South Korea, but you must declare it.

Carried Allowed, declare

Declaration Required

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 Printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions in South Korea

Do I have to declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions at South Korea customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to South Korea customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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 printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions 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: “Books, photos, videotape, film, LD, CD, CD-ROM, etc that violate the state constitution, public security, and social customs”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions?: Of the 19 countries covered here, 4 prohibit printed matter, film and recorded media under content restrictions, 4 limit it and 11 let it through. South Korea is among the more permissive.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

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