Korea - Prohibited and Restricted Imports (2024)

FAQs

Korea - Prohibited and Restricted Imports? ›

Korea - Prohibited and Restricted ImportsKorea - Prohibited Imports. Includes a list of goods that are prohibited from being exported to the country or are otherwise restricted. Guns, narcotics, p*rnography, subversive material, treasonous material, and counterfeit goods are prohibited from entering Korea.

Illegal drugs such as opium, marijuana/cannabis, cocaine, etc. * Including but not limited to: medicines, handbags, wallets, stoles, taxidermy and ivory from animals such as elephants, leopards, and alligators. Cashier's checks, overdraft checks, postal money orders, etc.

Travelers are prohibited from bringing weaponry, animal or produce products, p*rnography, narcotics, counterfeit goods, and subversive materials into the country.

Completion of the Q-code registration before departure to South Korea wasn't actually compulsory, despite some airlines (including SIA) stating that it was. However, most travellers did still register because it was also designed to accelerate your immigration clearance on arrival – now there's no need.

Firstly, the good news is that at the time of writing (6th January 2024), there's no longer any need to have covid vaccination proof, PCR test or quarantine to enter Korea. Together with the relaxation of covid-related measures, travellers also no longer need to apply for a Q-code when visiting Korea¹.

Korea - Prohibited and Restricted ImportsKorea - Prohibited Imports. Includes a list of goods that are prohibited from being exported to the country or are otherwise restricted. Guns, narcotics, p*rnography, subversive material, treasonous material, and counterfeit goods are prohibited from entering Korea.

Medication & supplements

Bring along any supplements that you take. You can bring up to 6 bottles of medication (for personal use) that don't contain any narcotics or amphetamines.

INFORMATION ON CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

Marijuana, CBD oil, and hemp-derivate products are heavily regulated in the Republic of Korea and should not be brought into Korea, including on airport layovers. Even with a U.S.-based prescription, possession of these products can result in deportations and arrests.

Opiates, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines are strictly prohibited from import into Korea, even with a doctor's prescription.

What to fill out before entering Korea? ›

If you're a US citizen planning a trip to South Korea, you'll need a valid passport with at least 6 months left before it expires and one to two empty pages. Generally, you'll also need to obtain an approved K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for short-term stays, whether for business or pleasure.

Visitors must bring the original prescriptions, a letter from your doctor specifying the medical condition, and a statement from your doctor on the medicines you are importing. The Korean Customs Service at Incheon Airport has authority over which medications will be allowed to be carried into the country.

You need to access Q-Code and start to submit information before boarding. Once you submit all the Information correctly, your QR-Code will be issued. You can present your QR-Code (both printed on paper or captured with electronic device) to quarantine officer at the airport.

But in South Korea, it's the number four that's considered to be bad luck. As for why it's thought to be unlucky? That's probably because the Korean word for "four" sounds a lot like the Korean word for "died." In a lot of elevators, they will use the letter "F" instead of the number four.

Latest information on South Korea's Q-Code

As of 15 July 2023, a Q-Code is no longer required to enter South Korea. Travelers only need to have their K-ETA or VISA. For more updated and detailed information, you can check out Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Objects such as book, photo, video tape, film, LD, CD, CD-ROM that impede the constitution, public security, or national customs. Counterfeit or tampered currency, bill, check, bond, or other marketable securities-Objects leaking national secrets or intelligence.

Marijuana, CBD oil, and hemp-derivate products are heavily regulated in the Republic of Korea and should not be brought into Korea, including on airport layovers. Even with a U.S.-based prescription, possession of these products can result in deportations and arrests.

Visitors must bring the original prescriptions, a letter from your doctor specifying the medical condition, and a statement from your doctor on the medicines you are importing. The Korean Customs Service at Incheon Airport has authority over which medications will be allowed to be carried into the country.

In South Korea, it's important to dress modestly, especially if you're visiting a temple or other religious site. This means avoiding clothing that's too revealing or tight. Women should leave low-cut shirts at home but should feel comfortable showing as much leg as they like.