Bringing medication into Korea: what's allowed and what needs paperwork

Packing your regular pills is usually an afterthought. For Korea it shouldn’t be, at least not for some medicines. Korea treats a range of common prescriptions, including some ADHD medication and sleeping pills, as controlled drugs under its Narcotics Control Act, and you need a government permit before you arrive with them. That’s not something you want to discover at the customs desk. The permit itself isn’t hard to get. The trouble is that most people find out it exists after they’ve landed.

This guide sets out what Korean government sources say. Rules can change, and how your specific medicine is classed depends on its active ingredient, so confirm with the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) or the Korean embassy in your country before you travel.

The short version

There are two tracks.

Ordinary medicine (no narcotic or psychotropic ingredients) is a customs matter. Korean embassy guidance allows up to 6 bottles or a three-month supply for your own use, as long as you can show it’s yours.

Controlled medicine (anything containing a substance Korea classes as a narcotic or psychotropic drug) needs a permit from MFDS before you travel. This has applied to everyone, regardless of nationality, since October 23, 2009, under the Enforcement Rule of the Narcotics Control Act. The embassy doesn’t issue the permit; MFDS does.

Cannabis products, including CBD, are prohibited.

Ordinary medicine: limits and paperwork

According to guidance posted by Korean embassies and consulates, including the Atlanta consulate in May 2026:

• Quantity: up to 6 bottles or a three-month supply.
• Proof it’s for you: a prescription, a medical certificate, or a pharmacy label on the packaging.
• Proof you bought it legally: you may be asked for a receipt or similar at the border.
• Packaging: keep medicine in its original packaging.

For questions about ordinary medicine, Korea Customs Service runs an English Q&A page, and Incheon Airport Customs is listed by the embassies as a contact.

One extra point from June 2026: Incheon Airport customs warned that medicines MFDS designates as prone to misuse, such as those containing sildenafil or tadalafil, are sent back without a prescription, even a single bottle. The warning focused on international mail, but it’s another reason to keep your prescription with you.

Controlled medicine: the MFDS permit

If your medicine contains a controlled ingredient, here’s how the permit works, based on MFDS’s guideline and FAQ.

Who it’s for: only the person who will take the medicine. A family member can’t hold the permit for you.

How to apply: MFDS accepts applications online through its nedrug system (online applications have been accepted since December 27, 2024, according to the Atlanta consulate), and its guidance also describes applying by email to narcotics@korea.kr or by fax to +82-43-719-2800.

What to submit, per the MFDS guideline:

1. Application Form 1 (inbound traveler’s permit for narcotics-containing medication for personal use)
2. Application Form 2 (narcotics bring-in permit)
3. A clear, full copy of your passport
4. A copy of your flight reservation
5. A medical certificate or doctor’s letter with your diagnosis, the drug names, dosage and prescribed quantity
6. A valid prescription
7. A drug export certificate from your country of departure, if your country issues one. If it doesn’t, you tick “Not available” on Form 1.

Documents must be in English or Korean. If they aren’t, include a notarized translation with the original. People staying long term for work or study are asked for supporting documents too, such as a study or posting certificate.

Timing: MFDS processes applications within 10 business days. Applications received fewer than 10 business days before your arrival are rejected, and there’s no paid or express option. Apply as soon as your flights are booked.

How much: no more than a 90-day supply at the maximum dose your doctor prescribes, and only for the length of your trip. You can add up to 5 extra days for delays or long flights. If you’re flying on from Korea, attach that onward flight and the permit can cover the next leg. Staying longer than 90 days means getting the medicine prescribed in Korea.

Carrying it: take all of it in your hand luggage, and don’t carry more than the permit allows. MFDS says you don’t need to show the permit on entry, because a copy goes to the relevant agencies, but keep yours with you anyway.

Medicines that need a closer look

ADHD stimulants. Korean authorities class Adderall (an amphetamine combination) and methylphenidate drugs such as Concerta as psychotropic drugs, and Adderall’s sale and manufacture aren’t allowed in Korea, according to the Korea Herald. Methylphenidate products are prescribed in Korea. An undated US Embassy Seoul information sheet excludes amphetamine medicines from the ordinary six-bottle allowance and says narcotics-containing medicine is prohibited even with a prescription. That’s stricter than the MFDS permit process suggests. We couldn’t find an official MFDS statement on whether amphetamine products are approved, so if you take one, contact MFDS well before your trip, get the answer in writing, and talk to your doctor about your options.

Sleeping pills and anti-anxiety medicine. Zolpidem is classed as a psychotropic drug in Korea. Korean press reports on the MFDS online system name zolpidem, diazepam, alprazolam and lorazepam as examples that need pre-approval.

Codeine and pseudoephedrine. These turn up in cough syrups, painkillers and cold medicine. We couldn’t find official Korean guidance written for travelers that addresses them by name, so we won’t guess. Send MFDS the exact product and active ingredients and ask.

CBD. Prohibited. MFDS defines banned cannabis products to include anything containing CBD, THC or CBN, which covers CBD oils, gummies and cosmetics. Leave them at home.

Mistakes that get travelers into trouble

Assuming a prescription from home is enough. For controlled medicine it isn’t. The permit has to be issued before you arrive.

Applying a week before the flight. Ten business days is two calendar weeks, and late applications are rejected outright.

Mailing medicine ahead. Controlled medicines must not be posted to Korea. Seized parcels are destroyed or returned.

Decanting pills into a pill organizer. Keep everything in its original, labeled packaging so customs can see what it is.

Bringing a “just in case” stash. The permit covers your trip length plus a few days, up to 90 days. Extra pills beyond that aren’t covered.

Relying on old forum posts. The online application system is new since late 2024, and guidance gets updated. Go to MFDS or your Korean embassy’s current notice.

How to check your own medicine

1. Find the active ingredient, not the brand name. Brand names differ between countries.
2. Ask MFDS. Email narcotics@korea.kr with the ingredient, dose and quantity, or call the Narcotics Policy Division on +82-43-719-2813. The Danish embassy lists English-speaking staff on +82-43-719-1564.
3. Check the Korean embassy or consulate website for your country. Most post a “bringing medicines into Korea” notice with the current forms.
4. For ordinary medicine, use the Korea Customs Service English Q&A.
5. Keep the reply. Print or save any written answer and carry it with your medicine.

What we’d do

Taking only ordinary medicine that you’ve confirmed has no controlled ingredients: pack it in original packaging, bring your prescription or a doctor’s letter, stay within three months’ supply, and you’re done.

Taking a sleeping pill, anti-anxiety medicine or ADHD medication: check the active ingredient with MFDS the day you book flights. If it’s controlled, apply for the permit straight away, and make sure your doctor’s letter lists the diagnosis, drug, dose and quantity.

Taking an amphetamine-based ADHD medicine: get a written answer from MFDS before you travel, and discuss the plan with your prescriber.

Using CBD: don’t bring it.

Add this to your trip checklist next to your passport and entry paperwork, and check whether you need a K-ETA while you’re at it.

Questions people ask

Can I bring Adderall to Korea?

Treat it as a medicine that needs MFDS approval before you travel, and get that answer in writing. Korean authorities class amphetamine-based Adderall as a psychotropic drug and it isn't allowed to be sold in Korea. US Embassy guidance has excluded amphetamine medicines from the ordinary six-bottle allowance.

Do I need a permit for sleeping pills?

If the active ingredient is controlled in Korea, yes. Zolpidem is classed as a psychotropic drug in Korea, and Korean press reports name diazepam, alprazolam and lorazepam among medicines that need pre-approval. Check your exact ingredient with MFDS.

How much ordinary medicine can I bring?

Korean embassy guidance says up to 6 bottles or a three-month supply for personal use, with proof such as a prescription, medical certificate or pharmacy label. Keep it in the original packaging.

Can I mail my medication to Korea instead?

Not controlled medicines. MFDS says narcotic and psychotropic medicines must not be mailed into Korea, and seized shipments are destroyed or returned.

Do I need a permit if I'm only transiting in Korea?

MFDS's FAQ says you don't need a permit if you transit without going through customs. If you leave the airport, the normal rules apply.

Who do I contact with questions?

MFDS's Narcotics Policy Division at narcotics@korea.kr, or by phone on +82-43-719-2813 (English-speaking staff on +82-43-719-1564, according to the Danish embassy). For ordinary medicine, Korea Customs Service has an English Q&A page.

How we checked this

Change log

• October 9, 2026 First published.

Sources

1. Ministry of Food and Drug Safety: self-treatment narcotics bring-in permit procedure (2020-10-12)
2. Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Belgium: guideline on permit to bring in narcotics for self-treatment (checked 2026-10-09)
3. Ministry of Food and Drug Safety: FAQ on permit to bring in narcotics for self-treatment (hosted by University of Utah Asia Campus) (2020-12)
4. Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Atlanta: bringing medicines into Korea (2026-05-12)
5. Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Denmark: bringing medicines into Korea by travel (checked 2026-10-09)
6. Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Lithuania: bringing medicines into Korea (2025-06-20)
7. Embassy of Denmark in Korea: bringing prescription drugs into the Republic of Korea (checked 2026-10-09)
8. US Embassy Seoul: information on controlled substances (hosted by US 7th Air Force) (checked 2026-10-09)
9. Korea Herald: sales of ADHD medication disguised as 'smart drugs' skyrocket (2024-09-27)
10. Korea Biomedical Review: zolpidem reemerges as social issue (2020-12-18)
11. Global Korea: self-treatment narcotic medicines can now be applied for online, up to 90 days (2025-04-24)
12. Herald Economy: medicines prone to misuse returned without a prescription (2026-06-03)

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