What can you bring through customs in South Korea?

Its own customs territory

South Korea gives travellers a duty-free allowance, requires a declaration for goods above it, and inspects agricultural, animal and fishery products.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Rules change, and customs officers enforce them. This page describes how the rules are built, not the amounts, which change often. For the exact allowance, limit or banned list that applies to you, use the official customs authority below, and when in doubt, declare. This is general information, not legal advice.

Personal allowance for goods

Travellers have an allowance for goods for personal use, and goods above it are taxed. Declare goods above the allowance on the traveller's declaration.

Alcohol and tobacco

Adults have separate allowances for alcohol and for tobacco products.

Food, plants and animals

Agricultural, livestock and fishery products need inspection, and many are banned or need a certificate.

Cash and valuables

Cash above a set amount must be declared on entry and exit.

Medicines and banned items

Medicines for personal use are allowed in limited quantity with documents. Illegal drugs, weapons and counterfeit goods are banned.

What to watch for

Check the customs authority's current rules before you travel; allowances and banned items change.

Understand the legal system first

South Korea belongs to the Civil law family. Customs law is made by the state, so it is useful to know how the legal system works.

Read the South Korea legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →

Official sources

Korea Customs Service

TheLawToKnow Tools’s customs guide is an educational overview of general rules. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the customs authority’s own information. Report a mistake.