Codeine (Medication) 🇰🇷 South Korea
Codeine (Medication) may require documentation or declaration
Can I bring Codeine (Medication) into South Korea?
Codeine (Medication) may require documentation or declaration
Up to 30-day personal supply with valid prescription; narcotic analgesic under MFDS regulations
- Documentation may be required
Required at the destination customs authority
Full details
Codeine in South Korea is a Class III psychotropic medication under the Psychotropic Substances Control Act. Travelers may carry a 30-day personal supply with the original prescription and doctor's letter (Korean translation recommended); quantities above require Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) pre-arrival permit issued via the K-Drug portal.
PENALTIES
- Fine: 200000–10000000 KRW
- Civil penalty only
Active — Customs actively enforces this rule.
Leaving South Korea with codeine (medication)
Codeine-containing medications are controlled substances under the Narcotics Control Act; MFDS personal-export authorisation framework. Personal-use quantities accompanied by the prescription and pharmacist dispensing label are generally permitted for export. Codeine-combination cough and cold products may be over-the-counter in some jurisdictions but still controlled for cross-border movement above threshold quantities. Personal export above the standard personal-use limit requires an MFDS export permit. Destination-country rules on codeine import are more restrictive in many jurisdictions (Japan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, some Gulf states) and should be verified independently.
Carry documentation. Declare proactively at customs.
Up to 30-day personal supply with valid prescription; narcotic analgesic under MFDS regulations
- Documentation may be required
This page covers destination customs rules in South Korea. Whether you can carry codeine (medication) through security, in carry-on, or in checked baggage depends on airline and screening rules — see air travel rules.
Related rules
Codeine (Medication) rules in other countries
Codeine (Medication)
🇦🇪 United Arab Emirates
Controlled narcotic. Must declare and carry a valid prescription and Ministry of Health permit.
Codeine (Medication)
🇯🇵 Japan
Requires a Yakkan Shoumei import certificate for quantities exceeding one month's supply.
Codeine (Medication)
🇸🇬 Singapore
Controlled drug. Requires prior authorisation from HSA for amounts exceeding 3 days' supply.
Codeine (Medication)
🇦🇺 Australia
Prescription required since 2018
Codeine (Medication)
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Prescription-only since 2021 reclassification
Codeine (Medication)
🇩🇪 Germany
BtM prescription required