South Korean customs authorities allow you to bring small amounts of medication for your personal use, if it is kept in carry-on baggage. Take an English language prescription from your doctor at home for both your prescription drugs and non-prescription medicines.
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.
You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened. You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage.
Books, photos, films, and other items of similar nature that are in violation of constitutional orders, or may be harmful to public peace and customs. Items that contain confidential information on government or intelligence activities. Counterfeit, forged, or fake money, bank notes, bonds, and other securities.
Foods, including herbal medicine, red ginseng, and health supplements, in solid form (including pills and powders) can be carried in both checked and carry-on baggage, but the allowable quantities may vary by airline, so please check with your airline.
How to Pack Medications for Travel (TSA Rules 2025)
Can I bring ibuprofen to South Korea?
South Korean customs authorities allow you to bring small amounts of medication for your personal use, if it is kept in carry-on baggage. Take an English language prescription from your doctor at home for both your prescription drugs and non-prescription medicines.
Yes, your favorite supplements, including gummy vitamins, can come with you on a plane. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows supplements on board, either in your carry-on or checked luggage.
In Korea, the sense of modesty is different. This means you can wear your shorts, skirts, and dresses as short as you want. Since shoulders and cleavage are sexualized, make sure you wear blouses and T-shirts up to your neck. As foreigners, we are considered “curvier,” and our clothes make us appear “too sexy.”
Liquids, sprays, gel-type cosmetics, toiletries (toothpaste, shampoo, etc.), or medicines. However, liquids in containers of 100 ml or less are allowed if placed in a single 1 L transparent ziplock bag (20.5 cm * 20.5 cm / 15 cm * 25 cm) per person, with no restrictions on domestic flights.
You can bring your shampoo and other liquids in small containers up to 100 ml per item. Please pack all liquids together in 1 transparent and closed plastic bag with a total volume of up to 1 litre*. If you want to bring more than that, you can pack the rest in your checked baggage.
Bring a repeat prescription or a signed letter regarding your medical condition/medicines or medical equipment from your GP or medical practitioner. Medicines over 100ml or 100g, supported by a doctor's note or prescription are allowed through security.
What is the most common illegal drug in South Korea?
The most common drug that is used and sold is Methamphetamine, this is accountable for most drug-related arrests. Moreover, other drugs known are MDMA and cannabis. These continue to grow in popularity among students. However, methamphetamine remains the drug of choice for Koreans.
Viagra and Cialis are designated as medicines with high risk of misuse or abuse. 2. When medicines that may cause concerns of misuse or abuse are carried in for personal use, only the stated quantity on a domestic doctor's prescription would be permitted for customs clearance.
Courses or boosters usually advised: none. Other vaccines to consider: Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Rabies; Tetanus; Tick-borne Encephalitis. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Japanese Encephalitis. No yellow fever vaccination certificate required for this country.
You can bring any medication with you in your carry-on bag. Never place medication in a checked bag, even if you don't need it during your flight. If you're asked to gate check your carry-on bag, remove your medication before giving your bag to an agent.
To ensure you maintain your Global Entry privileges and avoid penalties, follow these tips when traveling: Always Declare Everything: When in doubt, declare it. The U.S. customs declaration form asks about all items purchased abroad, agricultural products, and monetary instruments.
Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.
You can buy medicine at stores with a green + sign that says “medicine (Yak)”. Basic medicines, such as fever reducers, painkillers, digestion helpers, and cold medicines can be purchased at convenience stores.
Also make sure that you have a note from your doctor stating what medications you are taking and why you are taking them and carry it with you. Here now we brought Ozempic to Korea & Japan with no problem no one ask about it. We did bring a drs note just in case and kept in original package.
Travelers arriving in Korea are unable to carry animal products (such as meats, dairy, eggs, etc.) or plant products (such as fresh fruits, seeds, etc.) into the country. In-flight meals which include the aforementioned items, cannot be taken off the aircraft upon arrival.
In North Korea, blue jeans are banned as they are associated with Western culture, particularly the United States. The government views them as a symbol of Western imperialism and capitalism, and such clothing is seen as a threat to the country's socialist values.
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.
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.
