🧭 Medicine and Prescription Rules for Visiting Korea

Over-the-counter medicine and supplements

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.

Health supplements count as personal use up to 6 bottles worth US$600 or less.

Medicines that need approval

Medicines that contain narcotic ingredients, such as some sleeping pills, cold medicines and painkillers, need prior approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, even if prescribed abroad. Bringing them without approval can be punished under Korea’s narcotics law.

How to carry it

Keep medicine in its original packaging and carry a doctor’s letter or prescription in English. Liquid medicine over 100 ml in your cabin bag needs a doctor’s note or prescription in Korean or English, and only the amount needed for the flight can go in the cabin.

Buying medicine in Korea

Pharmacists can recommend over-the-counter medicine for common problems, and tourist-area pharmacies may display a “Language assistance available” sign. Duty pharmacies open at night, on weekends and holidays.

For complex medication, bring an English prescription from your clinic.

Prices, schedules and entry rules change. The figures below are approximate and reflect information available when this guide was last reviewed; always confirm with the official source before you travel.