Wild animals are protected under the International Convention and products made from those species such as clothes, scarves, and bags are restricted when brought to Korea.
Below is a note from the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Vietnam about prohibited and restricted items to bring to Korea, which tourists should pay attention to to avoid trouble when entering the country.
Cherry blossoms bloom in Seoul at the end of April. Photo: His metal
Upon entry
Prohibited items:
Books, photographs, films and similar objects violate constitutional provisions or harm the peace and customs of residents.
Objects containing classified information of government or intelligence activities.
Money, bonds, counterfeit checks and other counterfeit bonds.
Restricted items:
Weapons (including replicas or decorations) such as guns, swords, gunpowder, explosives, poison.
Illegal drugs such as opium, marijuana, cocaine.
Wildlife is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and products and materials made from those species. Medicines, handbags, wallets, robes, stuffed animals and tusks made from animals such as elephants, leopards and crocodiles.
Payment method in foreign currency (excluding debit notes, bills of exchange and letters of credit) or domestic currency (KRW) exceeding 10,000 USD.
Cashier’s checks, overdraft checks, travelers’ checks exceeding USD 10,000 (Must be declared to Customs upon arrival and departure).
Precious metals (not including daily gold rings or necklaces) and bonds (Restricted to import and export).
Cultural Properties (Export Restricted).
Goods regulated by the Fisheries Act and the Migration Regulations and the Marine Fauna and Flora Agreement (Export Restricted).
Goods subject to the law on the treatment and movement of waste between countries, plants, fruits, vegetables, agricultural and forestry products (Restricted to import and export).
On the airplane
Prohibited items:
Burning, explosive or toxic objects (hand grenades, butane gas).
Explosive and toxic objects are also prohibited in checked baggage.
Objects that can be used as weapons (knives, guns, sporting goods, construction tools).
Dangerous objects are prohibited but may be allowed in checked cargo. Please note that firearms can only be checked in after confirming the necessary documents (confirmation of ownership, firearms license) and storing firearms and ammunition separately. Self-defense spray is limited to 1 bottle (less than 100ml) per passenger.
Restricted items:
Restrictions also apply to the bringing of liquids, gels and aerosols into the cabin on all international flights (including connecting flights).
Liquids, gels and aerosols (cosmetics, perfumes, shampoos, hair gels, deodorant sprays).
Allowed: containers less than 100ml or transparent plastic bags containing all containers totaling less than 1 liter per passenger.
Carrying conditions: container must be kept in a zip-lock plastic bag.
Duty-free items (including liquids and gels) are carried regardless of volume. All products will be placed in a certified bag and can be collected at the pick-up counter in the designated area of the airport. Before boarding the plane, the bag must not be opened and the goods must remain in the bag until the plane lands at the destination airport.
Additionally, travelers should contact the service center of the airline they booked for to inquire further as regulations may vary between airlines and destinations.