Can I bring prescription medicine into Korea?

Usually yes for personal use, with your prescription, but medicines that contain narcotic ingredients (some sleeping pills, cold medicines and painkillers) need prior approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

• △Bringing medicine that contains narcotic ingredients without approval can be punished under Korea’s narcotics law, even if it was prescribed abroad.
• ✓Korea Customs says over-the-counter medicine for personal use can clear customs without extra requirements up to 6 bottles or a three-month dose.
• •Liquid medicine over 100 ml in your cabin bag needs a doctor’s note or prescription, in Korean or English.
• •Carry medicine in its original packaging with a prescription or doctor’s letter.

• •Original packaging
• •A prescription or doctor’s letter in English
• •Prior approval if the medicine contains controlled substances

• •Assuming a medicine legal at home is legal in Korea

• 🛂Can I bring vitamins or supplements into Korea?Yes for personal use. Korea Customs treats health supplements as personal use when they are within 6 bottles and the duty-free value range. Larger amounts may need extra checks.✓YES, WITH CONDITIONSEntry & ImmigrationView answer →
• 🩺Can I buy medicine at a pharmacy in Korea?Yes, pharmacists dispense many over-the-counter medicines for common problems without a prescription. More complex medicines need a prescription.✓YES, WITH CONDITIONSHealth & MedicineView answer →

• Korea Customs Service: traveler baggage clearance (Korean)
• Korea Customs Service: medicines containing narcotic ingredients (Korean)
• Incheon Airport: Carry-on restricted items FAQ
• VisitKorea: Prohibited & Restricted Items

The customs figures come from Korean-language Korea Customs Service pages. Check the Traveler Customs Declaration service for your medicine.