What happens if I do not declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 총포ㆍ도검ㆍ화약류 등의 안전관리에 관한 법률 제9조(수출입의 허가 등). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “② 도검ㆍ분사기ㆍ전자충격기ㆍ석궁을 수출 또는 수입하려는 자는 행정안전부령으로 정하는 바에 따라 수출 또는 수입하려는 때마다 주된 사업장의 소재지를 관할하는 시ㆍ도경찰청장의 허가를 받아야 한다. ③ 제조업자ㆍ판매업자 또는 임대업자가 아니면 제1항 또는 제2항에 따른 허가를 받아 총포ㆍ도검ㆍ화약류ㆍ분사기ㆍ전자충격기ㆍ석궁을 수출 또는 수입할 수 없다.”

How does South Korea compare with other countries on Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives, 7 limit it and 1 let it through. South Korea is among the strictest.

How much Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives can I bring into South Korea?

Restricted

You can bring Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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

총포ㆍ도검ㆍ화약류 등의 안전관리에 관한 법률 제9조(수출입의 허가 등) Korea Law Information Center (Ministry of Government Legislation)

Questions about Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives in South Korea

Do I have to declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives at South Korea customs?: Yes — it has to be declared to South Korea customs on arrival.
What happens if I do not declare Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives out of South Korea?: South Korea publishes no separate rule for taking Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Does the South Korea limit for Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives 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 총포ㆍ도검ㆍ화약류 등의 안전관리에 관한 법률 제9조(수출입의 허가 등). CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “② 도검ㆍ분사기ㆍ전자충격기ㆍ석궁을 수출 또는 수입하려는 자는 행정안전부령으로 정하는 바에 따라 수출 또는 수입하려는 때마다 주된 사업장의 소재지를 관할하는 시ㆍ도경찰청장의 허가를 받아야 한다. ③ 제조업자ㆍ판매업자 또는 임대업자가 아니면 제1항 또는 제2항에 따른 허가를 받아 총포ㆍ도검ㆍ화약류ㆍ분사기ㆍ전자충격기ㆍ석궁을 수출 또는 수입할 수 없다.”
How does South Korea compare with other countries on Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 12 prohibit Switchblade, gravity, ballistic and Balisong (butterfly) knives, 7 limit it and 1 let it through. South Korea is among the strictest.

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