South Korea대한민국

Travellers arriving in South Korea may bring 2 L of alcohol duty-free. Anything above the allowance must be declared at the red channel. Duty-free allowance per adult: alcohol up to 2 bottles (total max 2L, value up to USD $400), 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco (must be 19+), perfume up to 60ml, and general goods with total value not exceeding USD $800 (KRW equivalent). Alcohol and tobacco count separately from the USD $800 goods allowance.

200 cigarettes per traveller (or proportionally less in cigars / tobacco). Above-limit tobacco must be declared.

Yes. Cash and equivalent bearer instruments above USD 10000 (KRW) must be declared on arrival.

USD $150 equivalent (~USD 150). Korea's de minimis threshold for customs duty and VAT exemption is USD $150 per shipment. Goods valued at $150 or below from the US under KORUS FTA previously had a $200 threshold; this was unified. Commercial samples under KRW 250,000 may also be exempt. Goods from special economic zones may have different rules.

Yes — the standard rate is 10%. It generally applies to commercial imports and to e-commerce parcels above the de minimis threshold.

Prescription medicines for personal use are generally allowed in reasonable quantities (typically 30-90 days' supply), accompanied by the original prescription and ideally a doctor's letter. Some controlled substances need import authorisation. Verify with Korea Customs Service (KCS) for your specific medicine.

Gifts are accepted by post but are still subject to South Korea's import rules. Tax-relief gift thresholds (where they exist) are typically much lower than commercial thresholds. Declare honestly on the CN22/CN23 — undervaluation is treated as fraud.

A customs declaration filed with Korea Customs Service (KCS), a commercial invoice, packing list, and transport document (AWB or B/L). Add a Certificate of Origin to claim FTA preferential duty. Sector-specific imports (food, plants, animals, medicines, electronics, dangerous goods) need additional permits.

The green channel is for travellers with nothing to declare. The red channel is for travellers carrying anything above allowances or any restricted goods. Spot checks happen at both. Lying or hiding goods can lead to seizure plus penalties.

Narcotics and controlled substances; Obscene or pornographic material; Counterfeit goods. See the full prohibited list on this page.

Firearms and ammunition (import licence required from National Police Agency); Medicines and pharmaceuticals (MFDS permit required); Food and agricultural products (MFDS or Ministry of Agriculture notification/permit). Restricted items typically need a permit, certificate, or declaration. See the full restricted list on this page.

Use the red channel at the airport. Most ports of entry into South Korea accept either a paper declaration or, increasingly, an electronic declaration via an app or kiosk. Be ready to show receipts, prescriptions, or permits.

Most countries restrict animal-origin food (meat, dairy) for biosecurity reasons; sealed commercial packaged food is sometimes permitted. Verify with Korea Customs Service (KCS)'s agricultural / biosecurity authority before bringing food.

Vape rules are changing fast worldwide; South Korea may have specific restrictions, age limits, or outright bans. Verify on the current Korea Customs Service (KCS) guidance before travel — bans have grown markedly since 2023.

Many countries require advance import authorisation for opioids, stimulants, and certain psychiatric medicines. Carry the original prescription, doctor's letter, and original packaging. For controlled substances, contact South Korea's health authority before travel.

Yes. Duty-free purchases at the destination airport on arrival count toward your alcohol and tobacco allowance, even though they were purchased after immigration. Buying duty-free at departure rather than arrival does not bypass the allowance.

Above the de minimis, customs assesses duty and VAT/GST on the goods value (plus, in some regimes, freight + insurance). The carrier or postal operator usually clears it and bills the recipient. Recipients can refuse delivery if they don't want to pay.

Yes. If you don't want to pay duties or taxes, you can refuse the parcel and the carrier will return it to sender or destroy it. This does not affect your tax record but means the goods don't enter South Korea.

Standard clearance for compliant parcels is typically same-day to a few days. Holds for incomplete declarations, biosecurity inspection, sanctions screening, or anti-counterfeit checks can take longer. Provide complete declarations to avoid delays.

Your carrier (DHL, FedEx, UPS, postal operator) is the first contact — they handle clearance on your behalf. If you need to deal directly with the authority, contact Korea Customs Service (KCS) via the contact route on their official site.

Watch for: fake "customs fees" demands by SMS or email; impostor officials at airports; unsolicited phone calls about a "stuck parcel"; payment requests by gift card. Real customs authorities do not ask for payment via SMS link or gift cards. See our scams page for documented patterns.