Can I bring Prescription Medication to South Korea?
Prescription Medication→South Korea
⚠️ Declaration Required
📋 Carrying Limits
- Quantity Limit:Up to 6 months supply for personal use
✅ Declaration Requirements
✅Required
Form needed: Import Certificate from MFDS for controlled substances
📌 Quick Summary
🔗 Official Information Source:
Last Updated:January 15, 2025
Reliability:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
📝 Important Notes
- •General Prescription Medications:
- •Up to 6-month supply allowed for personal use (more generous than most countries)
- •Must be in original packaging with prescription label
- •Carry doctor's prescription or medical certificate
- •Declaration at customs recommended
- •Controlled Substances (Narcotics & Psychotropics):
- •Require import certificate from Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS)
- •Apply at least 2-3 weeks before travel
- •Limited to reasonable quantity for treatment period
- •Examples: opioid painkillers, ADHD medications, strong sleep aids
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a translated doctor's prescription for Medication?
While not mandatory in all countries, to avoid delays, it's recommended to carry an English translation of your prescription or a doctor's letter, and ensure Medication is kept in its original packaging with labels.
❓ More Questions
Can I bring 6 months of medication without any documentation?
For regular prescription medications (non-controlled), yes, but you should carry your doctor's prescription or a medical certificate. For controlled substances (narcotics, psychotropics), you MUST have an import certificate from MFDS regardless of quantity.
I'm studying in Korea for a year. Can I bring 12 months of medication?
The official limit is 6 months. For a year-long stay, you have options: 1) Bring 6 months initially and have family mail the rest (requires import procedures), 2) Get prescriptions refilled by Korean doctors, or 3) Apply for special permission from MFDS for extended quantities with proof of long-term stay.
Do I need to declare medications at Korean customs?
While not always strictly enforced for routine medications, it's highly recommended to declare all medications, especially large quantities (6-month supply) or controlled substances. Use the red channel if you have medications to declare.
Can I bring insulin and diabetic supplies for 6 months?
Yes. Insulin and diabetic supplies (syringes, test strips, etc.) are allowed for 6 months. Bring: original packaging, prescription, doctor's letter, and consider refrigeration needs for insulin during travel. Insulin is not considered a controlled substance.
Are CBD or cannabis products allowed for medical use?
NO. Cannabis and CBD products are strictly prohibited in South Korea, even for medical purposes. Possession can result in arrest, imprisonment, and deportation. South Korea has zero tolerance for cannabis-related products.
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Prescription Medication in other countries
Complete South Korea Entry Guide
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