South Korea
Country · Asia
South Korea enforces strict drug laws through the MFDS. Cannabis is illegal even for citizens who use it abroad, and several stimulant ADHD medicines are banned or tightly restricted. Many prescription medicines are permitted for personal use, but narcotics and psychotropics may require advance approval.
Traveler warnings
Adderall and similar amphetamine stimulants are banned. Cannabis and CBD are illegal. Obtain MFDS approval for any narcotic/psychotropic medicine before travel.
Legal status by substance category
7 categories documented for South Korea.
ADHD Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse)
Stimulants (ADHD Medications)
Limit: Approval required
Amphetamine-based stimulants such as Adderall are effectively banned. Methylphenidate may be permitted only with advance documentation/approval. Bringing banned stimulants can lead to arrest.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin)
Benzodiazepines / Anxiolytics
Limit: Personal supply
Benzodiazepines are psychotropics; carry a prescription and declare on arrival. Advance approval may be needed for larger quantities.
CBD Products (hemp-derived)
CBD Products
Limit: Prohibited
CBD is treated as a cannabis-derived substance and is illegal to import or possess.
Medical Cannabis / THC
Cannabis / Marijuana
Limit: Prohibited
Cannabis and all THC products are illegal, with enforcement extending to Korean nationals who use abroad. Severe penalties apply.
Opioids / Pain Medications (oxycodone, tramadol, codeine)
Opioids / Pain Medications
Limit: Approval required
Opioid narcotics require advance MFDS approval. Carry full documentation.
Psychiatric Medications (antidepressants, antipsychotics)
Psychiatric Medications
Limit: Personal supply
Antidepressants and antipsychotics are generally permitted with a prescription; some psychotropics need approval.
Testosterone / TRT (Schedule III)
Testosterone / Hormone Therapy
Limit: Personal supply
Testosterone is a controlled medicine; carry a prescription and documentation.
Prescription policy
Travelers may bring a personal supply of most prescription medicines. Narcotic and psychotropic medicines may require prior approval from the MFDS / Korea customs and should be declared on arrival.
Controlled substances
The MFDS regulates narcotics and psychotropics. Amphetamine-type stimulants are tightly controlled (Adderall is effectively banned); methylphenidate may be allowed with documentation. Cannabis and any THC product are illegal, with extraterritorial enforcement for Korean nationals.
Customs & border guidance
Declare narcotic/psychotropic medicines on the customs form. Carry prescriptions, a doctor's letter, and any MFDS approval. Personal-use quantities only.
Penalties
Drug offences carry heavy penalties including imprisonment and deportation. Cannabis use is prosecuted even when consumed abroad by Korean nationals.
Live Alerts
South Korea: Cannabis is illegal even when used abroad; some ADHD stimulants are banned
High RiskSouth Korea enforces strict drug laws through the MFDS, with extraterritorial enforcement — Korean nationals can be prosecuted for cannabis use abroad. Adderall and similar amphetamine stimulants are effectively banned; methylphenidate may be allowed with documentation. Obtain MFDS approval for any narcotic or psychotropic medicine before travel and declare it on arrival.
Documentation required
Prior MFDS/narcotics approval for controlled medicines, original prescription, doctor's letter, medicines in original packaging.
For informational purposes only. This profile is not legal or medical advice. Laws change frequently; always verify with the official government, embassy, customs, or health authority before you travel.