Most travellers bring a few packets of ordinary medicine and have nothing to worry about. A minority bring something that Korean law treats as a controlled substance — often a medicine that is routine at home — and that needs permission before the trip, not an explanation at the airport.
Ordinary medicines for your own use
- Up to 6 bottles, or up to 3 months' supply at the prescribed dosage
- They count towards your US$800 duty-free allowance — not on top of it
- Some medicines that customs considers open to misuse (for example certain erectile-dysfunction products) are limited to a Korean doctor's prescription
Source: Incheon Main Customs — medicines on arrival (Korean)
Medicines with a narcotic or psychotropic ingredient
If a medicine contains a narcotic or psychotropic ingredient, Korean law treats it as such even if it is sold over the counter where you live or was prescribed by a doctor. Bringing it in without prior approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) can be prosecuted.
Ingredients named by Korea Customs include:
- Codeine, morphine, oxycodone, tapentadol, methadone
- Methylphenidate and amphetamines — common ADHD medicines
- Zolpidem, alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, clonazepam — sleeping pills and tranquillisers
- Dextromethorphan — found in some cough and cold products
How to get approval
- Apply to the MFDS online through its nedrug.mfds.go.kr portal (application for bringing in narcotics for self-treatment) before you travel
- You need a copy of your travel documents, a document listing the medicine, quantity, length of stay and purpose, and a diagnosis from a doctor (a Korean or foreign medical institution) — or an export permit from your departure country's government
- The rule applies to Koreans and foreigners alike
Source: Korea Customs Service — medicines containing narcotic ingredients (Korean)
Source: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety — bringing in narcotics for self-treatment
Cannabis and CBD
All cannabis products — including CBD oil and vape cartridges — are criminally punishable if brought into Korea. That applies even where they are legal at home.
We do not know how long the MFDS takes to decide, and it does not publish a processing time. Apply as early as you can, and if you are unsure whether an ingredient is controlled, ask the MFDS before you fly.
Common questions
Can I bring my ADHD medication to Korea?
Methylphenidate and amphetamines are controlled in Korea. You need approval from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety before you travel, applied for online with a doctor's diagnosis.
Is CBD oil allowed in Korea?
No. Korea Customs states that all cannabis products, including CBD oil and vape cartridges, are subject to criminal punishment if brought in.
More about K-ETA
After you land
K-ETA gets you on the plane. What comes after — arrival card, e-gates, cash, tax refunds, transport, healthcare, emergencies — checked with official sources.
Healthcare
Tourists are not covered by Korea's national health insurance. Where to get treatment with an interpreter, which number to call, and why insurance matters.
Liquids and power banks
Carry-on liquids: 100 ml containers in one sealed 1 litre bag. Since 20 April 2026, at most 2 power banks per person, and no charging on board.
Customs allowances
The general allowance is US$800, with separate limits for alcohol, tobacco and perfume. Travellers under 19 do not get the alcohol and tobacco exemptions.
Smoking, vaping, alcohol
Alcohol and tobacco are sold from the year you turn 19. Smoking or vaping in a non-smoking area costs KRW 100,000. Drink-driving starts at 0.03%.
Travelling with children
Children aged 17 or under on the day they enter need no K-ETA, but they do need an arrival card. What else differs for families at the border and on the plane.