South Korea Customs Prohibited Items: What to Know

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South Korea Customs Prohibited Items Guide

Wondering what you can’t bring into South Korea?

Trip.com has put together a handy guide to what’s prohibited and what’s only allowed in limited quantities, so you can head to South Korea with confidence and breeze through customs without getting anything seized.

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Quick View: Items You Can’t Bring into South Korea

There are several categories of items you’re not allowed to bring into South Korea—make sure you don’t pack any of the following:

  • Firearms, knives, swords, and other weapons
  • Explosives and toxic substances, drugs
  • Plants and animals; agricultural, forestry, and livestock products
  • Precious metals (such as gold)
  • Counterfeit or infringing goods
  • Books, photographs, CDs, videos, and similar media that violate South Korean law or disrupt public order
  • EVE Pain Reliever
  • Pork-related products

Items You Can Bring into South Korea

There are also some items that aren’t completely off-limits, but you’ll need to follow the relevant regulations and limits to bring them into South Korea. See the details below:

Cash and foreign currency

Countries around the world set limits on how much cash travelers can carry, and South Korea is no exception.

You can bring in up to US$100,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies). If you plan to exceed that amount, you’ll need to apply to customs in advance.

Power banks and batteries

If you’re bringing a power bank to South Korea, it must meet the following requirements:

  • Make sure to clearly label Wh (watt-hours) or mAh (milliamp-hours), and voltage (V).
  • Power banks over 160 Wh are not allowed to be carried.
  • Up to two batteries per person.
  • Power banks may not be placed in checked baggage.

Cigarettes and alcohol

If you’re entering South Korea, be aware that there are duty-free quantity limits for these items. The details are as follows:

  • Cigarettes: up to 200 per traveler
  • Alcoholic beverages: 2 bottles (total 2 liters)

If you bring more than this amount, you’ll also need to proactively declare it to customs.

Perfume and other luxury goods

There are also restrictions on purchasing perfume and luxury goods (such as designer watches, handbags, and gold jewelry):

  • Perfume: 60 ml
  • Other luxury goods: $800 duty-free allowance

If you exceed this limit, be sure to declare it to customs yourself.

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How to Make Declerations through South Korea Customs?

If you have items to declare (like prescription meds, food, or luxury goods over $800), here is the quick 3-step process.

Step 1: Get the Form

  • Digital (Fastest): Download the "Korea Customs Declaration" app before you land. Fill it out to get a QR Code.
  • Paper: Grab the yellow form on the plane or at the airport arrival hall.

Step 2: Prepare Your Info

You only need basic info. No complex paperwork required:

  • Passport & Flight Number
  • Your Hotel/Airbnb Address in Korea
  • Item Proof: Receipts (for luxury goods) or original pharmacy bottles with your name (for prescription meds).

Step 3: At the Airport

  1. Pick up your luggage.
  2. Follow the red signs to the "Red Channel" (Goods to Declare).
  3. Scan your QR Code at the kiosk or hand your Paper Form to the officer.
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Fast Packing Tips for South Korea

  • E-Cigarettes: Carry-on only. Keep them on your person to prevent in-flight fires. Using or charging them onboard is strictly illegal.
  • Hand Warmers: Disposable ones are fine. Rechargeable ones must go in your carry-on, following standard lithium battery rules.
  • Hair Straighteners: Corded ones are safe. Wireless models with non-removable batteries are strictly banned from both checked and carry-on bags.
  • Egg Yolk Pastries: Prohibited. Korea bans all meat and egg products. Opt for pineapple cakes or non-egg treats instead.
Don't know what to do? Check out these top day tours in South Korea to make the most of your journey!

Best Places to Stay in South Korea

South Korea Stay #1: HOTEL BOTANIK Sewoon Myeong-dong 📍Seoul

Looking for a hotel with easy transit access in Myeongdong’s commercial district?

We recommend HOTEL BOTANIK Seun Myeongdong. It’s close to several subway stations, making it a breeze to reach Seoul’s major attractions. Rooms are fully equipped with a washer and dryer, plus a smart wardrobe (clothing care closet)—perfect for long-stay travelers to make the most of.

South Korea Stays #1: HOTEL BOTANIK — Sewoon, Myeongdong 📍Seoul

Korea Stays #1: HOTEL BOTANIK Sewoon Myeong-dong 📍Seoul

South Korea Stay #1: HOTEL BOTANIK Seun Myeongdong 📍Seoul

Korea Stays #1 HOTEL BOTANIK Seun, Myeong-dong 📍Seoul

8.9/10
2476 reviews
10/10
Premier Suite Twin
The hotel is nice, clean and spacious, equipped with washing machine and dryer and it has LG styler which allows us to dry clean our clothes.
review picture
10/10
Superior Double
The room was super new and apartment-style, with a fantastic breakfast spread. Most importantly, the location is unbeatable, right in Myeongdong. Step outside and you're surrounded by major department stores, supermarkets, and countless restaurants. Getting around is incredibly convenient and just excellent!
review picture
10/10
Premier Deluxe Family Twin
Overall, it was pretty good. The only thing is that the check-in time was a bit late, but that's common in Japan and Korea. The room was quite spacious, and there was a place to store luggage. There's also a smoking area downstairs, and plenty of convenience stores around. It's not far from the subway station either.
review picture
10/10
Premier Deluxe Family Twin (Handicap Room)
Bed is good but unfortunately the handicapped toilet bar was not fully secured and broken during our 2nd last night. My mum is using toilet at night. Luckily she did not fall over otherwise really a problem
review picture
10/10
Premier Suite Twin
Perfect stay in Seoul. The hotel was excellent. Good location, friendly staff, clean and quiet. Metro close by and stores. Beautiful view from our 18th floor room. Wish we didn’t have to go 🥲 will definitely visit again next time in Seoul!
review picture

South Korea Stay #2: Best Western Haeundae Hotel 📍 Busan

If you’re thinking about visiting Haeundae in Busan, consider the Best Western Haeundae Hotel. It’s right on Haeundae’s main street, making it super convenient for food and shopping, and Haeundae Beach is just a 3-minute walk away.

South Korea Stay #2: Best Western Haeundae Hotel 📍Busan

South Korea Stay #2: Best Western Haeundae Hotel 📍Busan

South Korea Stay #2: Best Western Haeundae Hotel 📍Busan

South Korea Stay #2: Best Western Haeundae Hotel 📍Busan

9.1/10
701 reviews
10/10
Family Twin With City View
This hotel is right by the beach, and steps out onto the main street, which is super lively. Haeundae Market is just across the road, with tons of street food – we ate there for two days straight! It's so close to the sea, so it's no big deal if the kids get wet; we can just pop back to the hotel to change.
review picture
10/10
Family Twin Room With Side Sea View
My friend and I stayed here for 4 nights. The location is great. So many convenient stores nearby for quick grabs. And 24 hour restaurants nearby help us get our meals easily. The beach is so close that the kid in our group was so happy about it. Going to it every day.
review picture
10/10
Family Twin Room With Side Sea View
Rooms are standard however amazing location, just a few mins walk to haeundae beach. Easily accessible with multiple shops and eateries around. Haeundae night traditional market is just right across the street. Has luggage storage service which is useful to just drop off and go for shopping first while awaiting for check in.
review picture
10/10
Deluxe Family Triple Side Ocean
Beautiful room with convenient location close to Haeundae Beach with many shops around the area.
review picture
10/10
Standard Twin Room With City View
Ideal location: the main street full of shops/cafes/restaurants that work from early mirning till late evening, close to the metro station, located nearly at the beach. Main tourist attractions are near: the beach itself (1 minute walk), food market (1 minute cross the street), Busan aquarium (5 min walk) etc. The room is big and clean, two beds were big too. The room was equipped with a fridge, a kettle and cups, tea and coffee bags, hairdryer, TV that had a movie channel in English. Free luggage storage service after check-out is also provided. We will definitely stay here again if we come to Busan once again.
review picture

Stay #3 in South Korea: Arco Hotel Daegu Suseong – Lions Park 📍Daegu

If you’re in it for the views and a bit of indulgence, consider Daegu Suseong ALCO Hotel Lion Park. While it’s slightly remote, the scenery is beautiful, there’s an infinity pool to enjoy, and guests consistently praise the hotel’s cleanliness and refined ambiance.

South Korea Stay #3 Daegu Suseong Alco Hotel Lion Park 📍Daegu

Korea Stay #3: Daegu Suseong Arco Hotel & Lion Park 📍Daegu

Korea Stay #3: ARCO Hotel Lion Park, Suseong, Daegu 📍Daegu

Korea Stay #3: Daegu Suseong Arco Hotel Lion Park 📍Daegu

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Lily

Lily

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Hey, I'm Lily from Chengdu. I'll constantly post my travel blogs here. I focus on sharing insights from living tips, transfer tricks, to how to get the best price for your international flights & hotels. You'll get the quick & valuable hints for your journey in the future. Stay tuned! Love u all!

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South Korea Customs Prohibited Items