Korea's Duty-Free Allowance for Arriving Travellers
CONNECT ON Inc. · How we verify · sources read SEP 12, 2026
Highlights
The short answer
Any traveller entering Korea can bring in personal effects worth up to US$600 without paying duty, checked at customs on arrival rather than left to guesswork. On top of that overall figure, separate specific allowances apply to cigarettes, liquor and perfume, each with their own limit. Minors face additional restrictions on the liquor and cigarette allowances specifically, checked against the current Korea Customs Service guidance.
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What is Korea's duty-free allowance for travellers?
The duty-free allowance on a traveler's personal effects is up to a value of US$600 total, with additional specific allowances for cigarettes (200), liquor (up to 1L / US$400), and perfume (60ml)
Are there separate limits for cigarettes, alcohol or perfume?
Yes, in addition to the overall personal allowance, specific items carry their own separate limits, as covered in the allowance figure above.
Does this apply to minors the same way?
No. Minors under 19 face restrictions on the duty-free liquor and cigarette allowances specifically
What happens if I bring in more than the allowance?
This page does not confirm the exact penalty structure for exceeding the allowance; declare anything over the limit to avoid the risk of a customs penalty.
Questions people ask
Is the duty-free allowance per person or per family?
This page confirms the allowance is described per traveller; it does not confirm whether family members can pool allowances together.
