🧭 What Can I Bring to Korea? Prohibited and Restricted Items

Prohibited or tightly controlled

Illegal drugs such as opium, marijuana and cocaine, and medicines that can be misused or abused. Wildlife protected under CITES and products made from it, such as ivory.

Almost all fresh fruit and vegetables, and animal products from prohibited regions, including processed meats.

Allowed, but declare or limit

Meat, dairy, plants, seeds and soil must be declared and inspected. Processed foods that are cooked or prepared, such as kimchi and rice cakes, are not subject to quarantine inspection.

Cash and equivalents above US$10,000 must be declared. Alcohol, cigarettes and perfume have duty-free limits (see the customs guide).

Medicines and supplements

Personal-use medicine and supplements are usually fine in small quantities, but medicines with narcotic ingredients need prior approval. See the medicine and prescription guide.

On the plane

Power banks and e-cigarettes go in your carry-on only. Power banks of 100 Wh or less are allowed, 100–160 Wh only with airline approval, and nothing over 160 Wh. Liquids in your cabin bag must be in containers of 100 ml or less.

When unsure

Declare it. Use the Can I...? questions on this site for quick answers, and the Korea Customs Service for product-specific rules.

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.