Things that are prohibited and should not be brought when traveling to Korea

Below are notes from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Vietnam about prohibited and restricted items to bring to Korea. Visitors should take note to avoid trouble when entering the country.

Upon entry

Prohibited items:

Books, photographs, films and similar objects that violate constitutional provisions or are harmful to the peace and customs of the residents.

Objects containing classified information of government or intelligence activities.

Money, bonds, counterfeit checks and other counterfeit securities.

Restricted items:

Weapons (including replicas or decorations) such as guns, swords, gunpowder, explosives, poison.

Illegal drugs such as opium, marijuana, cocaine.

Wildlife protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and products and materials made from them. Medicines, handbags, wallets, coats, stuffed animals and ivory made from animals such as elephants, leopards and crocodiles.

Payment method in foreign currency (excluding promissory notes, bills of exchange and letters of credit) or domestic currency (KRW) exceeding USD 10,000.

Cashier's checks, overdraft checks, visitors' checks exceeding $10,000 (Must be declared to customs upon arrival and departure).

Precious metals (excluding daily-wear gold rings or necklaces) and bonds (Restricted import and export).

Cultural properties (Export restricted).

Goods subject to the Fisheries Act and the Migration and Marine Fauna and Flora (Export Restricted) Agreement.

Goods subject to the law on the treatment and movement of waste between countries, plants, fruits, vegetables, agricultural and forestry products (Restricted import and export).

On the plane

Prohibited items:

Flammable, explosive or toxic objects (hand grenades, butane gas).

Explosive and toxic objects are also prohibited in checked baggage.

Objects that can be used as weapons (knives, guns, sporting goods, construction tools).

Dangerous items are prohibited but may be allowed in checked baggage. Please note that firearms can only be checked in after confirming the necessary documents (ownership confirmation, gun license) and storing the firearm and ammunition separately. Self-defense spray is limited to 1 bottle (less than 100ml) per passenger.

Restricted items:

Restrictions also apply to carrying liquids, gels and aerosols into the cabin on all international flights (including connecting flights).

Liquids, gels and aerosols (cosmetics, perfumes, shampoos, hair gels, deodorant sprays).

Allowed to carry: containers less than 100ml or a transparent plastic bag containing all containers totaling less than 1 litre per passenger.

Carrying conditions: the container must be placed in a zip-lock plastic bag.

Duty free items (including liquids and gels) are allowed to be carried regardless of volume. All items will be placed in a certified bag and can be collected at the pick up counter in the designated area of ​​the airport. The bag must not be opened before boarding the aircraft and the items must remain in the bag until the aircraft lands at the destination airport.

In addition, travelers should contact the airline's service center to ask more questions because regulations may vary between airlines and destinations.