Customs & Cash in South Korea: what are the rules for travelers?

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Customs & Cash — South Korea

What travelers need to know about customs & cash in South Korea. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.

Short answer

Customs & Cash in South Korea: prohibited — what is legal at home can be a serious crime here.

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PROHIBITED

Poppy seeds and foods containing them (including some bagel seasoning blends) are illegal to bring into South Korea and can bring criminal charges.

Possible criminal charges for attempting to import.

§ US State Dept — South Korea

Verified Jul 22, 2026

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LawLert is an independent app and is not affiliated with any government. It summarizes laws from official government and U.S. State Department sources for general information only. This is not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm with official sources and local authorities before you travel.