From 12 November 2026, you can carry up to 6 bottles in total into Korea, as long as the medicine is approved by that country’s regulator and was prescribed or bought through its normal healthcare system.

Source 식품의약품안전처·관세청 부처합동 보도자료 (2026-11-11) · 데일리팜 (2026-11-11) (Checked 2026-11-12)

3 monthsOver 6 bottles: up to a 3-month supply

If you have more than 6 bottles, it is still allowed as long as the amount stays within a 3-month supply based on that medicine’s directions for use.

Source 식품의약품안전처·관세청 부처합동 보도자료 (2026-11-11) · 경향신문 (2026-11-11) (Checked 2026-11-12)

12Weekly injections: up to 12

As an example, the MFDS says a GLP-1 class medicine self-injected once a week, one at a time, works out to 12 units for a 3-month supply.

Source 식품의약품안전처·관세청 부처합동 보도자료 (2026-11-11) · 데일리팜 (2026-11-11) (Checked 2026-11-12)

Online orders and shipping are still not allowed

This change only covers medicine you carry in yourself. News reports say ordering online from abroad or receiving medicine by post or courier is still not accepted.

Source 경향신문 (2026-11-11) · 인사이트 (2026-11-11) (Checked 2026-11-12)

Psychotropics and narcotics are excluded

Medicines containing psychotropic or narcotic ingredients are not part of this change. If you need them for treatment, you must get separate MFDS approval before entering Korea.

Source 인사이트 (2026-11-11) · 관세청 — 마약성분 함유 의약품 주의사항 · 의약품안전나라 — 자가치료용 마약류 휴대 반입 민원 신청 (Checked 2026-11-12)

Documents not required, but worth keeping

An MFDS official said no extra paperwork is needed for medicine bought through normal channels. Still, we suggest keeping a receipt or prescription in case customs asks (this is our general advice, not an official rule).

Source 경향신문 (2026-11-11) (Checked 2026-11-12)

Round trips and foreign residents are covered too

It covers medicine you took abroad from Korea and are bringing back, medicine that foreigners or international students were already taking abroad, and medicine prescribed or bought during a trip.

Source 식품의약품안전처·관세청 부처합동 보도자료 (2026-11-11) (Checked 2026-11-12)

Customs makes the final call

Even within the limits, customs may ask for checks if the ingredients or labelling are unclear. If you are unsure, declare it on arrival and follow the officer’s guidance.

Source 인천공항본부세관 — 입국 시 안내 · 관세청 — 여행자 휴대품 통관 (Checked 2026-11-12)

Just a guide. Korea Customs makes the final decision.

Common questions

Step-by-step guide

How much medicine bought abroad can I bring back to Korea?

From 12 November 2026, you can carry up to 6 bottles in total of medicine you were properly prescribed or bought abroad. More than 6 is allowed up to a 3-month supply, based on the directions for use.

Can I order online from abroad and have it shipped?

No. The rule only covers medicine you carry in yourself. Ordering from an overseas seller and having it delivered (by mail or courier) is still not allowed.

Does it cover every medicine?

Narcotics and psychotropic drugs are excluded. It covers products approved by the regulator where you bought them and obtained through a normal prescription or sale. Ingredients blocked from import into Korea are still banned.

Do I need a prescription or other papers?

You do not have to submit any documents for medicine properly prescribed or bought. Customs may still check that it is genuine, so keep the original box, the receipt and the prescription details.

Who decides in the end?

Korean customs checks the product and amount when you arrive and makes the final decision. Results on this site are a guide only; anything over the limit or not genuine may be held.

Can I sell it or give it to someone else?

No. Carrying medicine in is only allowed for your own treatment. Bringing it in to sell or hand over can be punished under the Customs Act and the Pharmaceutical Affairs Act.