South Korea Customs Prohibited Items: What to Know

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.