Can you bring medication to South Korea?

• Controlled medication

  depends on specifics

  "Any person who will enter into Korea with medicines containing controlled substances should get a permit from the Ministry [of Food and Drug Safety, MFDS], regardless of their nationality" — quoted directly. In force since October 23, 2009; online applications available since December 27, 2024. Apply in advance through MFDS's Narcotics Policy Division (+82-43-719-1564, narcotics@korea.kr).

  Amphetamine-based stimulants (Adderall, Vyvanse, Dexedrine) are consistently reported elsewhere as treated as narcotics that cannot be brought in for personal use even with a valid prescription or MFDS permit — this specific amphetamine-vs-methylphenidate distinction is corroborated across multiple independent travel/relocation sites but wasn't read verbatim in a primary MFDS document in this pass. Methylphenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) is legal but still requires the same MFDS narcotics-import permit as any other controlled medication. Travelers carrying amphetamine-based medication have reportedly faced detention or questioning, since it can register similarly to methamphetamine on a drug test.

  Also covers: controlled substance, narcotic medication, psychotropic medication, adderall, amphetamine, vyvanse, lisdexamfetamine, ritalin, methylphenidate, stimulant medication

  Checked 2026-09-19 — Source: Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (Korea) — permit requirement for entering Korea with medicines containing controlled substances

• Prescription medication

  allowed, within limits

  "The medicines are allowed with a maximum of 6 bottles or three months' supply." Travelers must show proof the medicines are for personal use — a prescription, medical certificate or pharmacy label on the packaging — and may also be asked for a receipt or other proof of lawful purchase. Keep medicines in their original packaging.

  This is for ordinary, non-narcotic medication — medicines containing controlled substances follow a separate advance-permit process (see the dedicated controlled-medication entry for Korea).

  Also covers: medication, prescription medicine, medicine, otc medicine

  Checked 2026-09-19 — Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea, Embassy Notice — Bringing Medicines into Korea by Travel

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Informational only — not legal advice. Customs rules change; confirm with the official source above before you travel. See update history