Summary of Items Prohibited from Bringing into Korea｜Medicines, Food, Batteries

Author: YEPPURIKO Editorial Team•05/13/2026

【Latest 2026】Summary of Items Prohibited from Bringing into Korea｜Medicine, Food, Batteries

🎬 Confiscated if brought in unknowingly. Open your bag before your trip and check once more

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Since April 2025, 13 types of over-the-counter medicines, including the headache medicine EVE, have been prohibited from being brought into Korea.

This article summarizes the latest rules regarding items prohibited from being brought into Korea, including medicines, food, mobile batteries, and voltage.

🎯 “Wait, this isn’t allowed either?” is becoming more common

Korea is the closest foreign country to Japan. That is precisely why people sometimes pack as if they were simply extending a domestic trip.

However, recently, the rules regarding items prohibited from being brought into Korea have been gradually becoming stricter.

The headache medicine you usually carry in your bag. Retort food you thought would make a good souvenir. The mobile battery you use on the plane.

All of these may seem harmless, but they are now subject to being stopped at customs.

Korea's rules on items brought into the country are determined by their “ingredients” and “safety standards.” If you pack based on Japanese norms, your items may be confiscated.

💊 Why EVE Became Prohibited from Being Brought into Korea

According to a 2025 announcement by the Korea Customs Service（관세청）, 13 types of medicine, including the over-the-counter headache medicine EVE, have been prohibited from being brought into Korea since April 2025.

The reason is the ingredient.

The ingredient “allylisopropylacetylurea” is classified as a narcotic drug in Korea.

Medicine that can be purchased normally at drugstores in Japan. But when the country changes, its classification may change as well.

✅ If you violate the rules

You may face more than just confiscation at customs—you could also be subject to questioning or penalties. In some cases, saying “I didn’t know” will not be accepted, so we recommend checking the ingredients in your medicine before departure.

If you need headache medicine, check the ingredient label and choose one that does not contain “allylisopropylacetylurea,” or consider purchasing it at a local pharmacy.

🍖 Processed products may also be prohibited

It is relatively well known that bringing raw meat, fresh fish, vegetables, and fruit into the country is prohibited. These rules are in place to protect South Korea’s agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries.

But processed products are often overlooked.

Canned foods and retort-pouch foods are also not allowed. Products that have been dried and made into powder are prohibited as well. If the soup of a cup noodle contains meat extract, it is also subject to these restrictions.

✅ For those traveling with small children

Baby food containing meat ingredients cannot be brought in either. Check the ingredients before packing. Baby food is available locally as well, but the taste and texture may differ, so doing some research in advance can give you peace of mind.

Many people pack retort pouches thinking they will be useful as emergency food, but they may be stopped if they contain meat. It is more practical to choose items centered around seafood and vegetables.

🔋 The rules for storing mobile batteries have changed

Starting March 1, 2025, the handling of mobile batteries changed on six Korean airlines (refer to each airline's official guidelines).

They can no longer be placed in the overhead bin as before. They must be stored in the seat pocket.

The reason is the risk of batteries catching fire inside the cabin. In the event of an emergency, it is easier to respond quickly when the battery is within reach rather than in the overhead bin.

Taking it out of the bottom of your bag before boarding will help you avoid scrambling after taking your seat.

⚡ Be careful about voltage and plug differences

South Korea's voltage is 220V. Japan's is 100V.

Plugging a 100V-only electrical appliance directly into a Korean outlet may damage it.

Phone chargers and laptop adapters often state “100-240V compatible,” which means they can be used without a voltage transformer.

However, many hair irons, hair dryers, electric toothbrush chargers, and similar items only support 100V. Please check the label on the device before departure.

✅ The plug shape is also different

South Korea uses Type C and Type SE plugs. Their shape differs from Japan’s Type A plugs, so you need a plug adapter. To avoid problems, make sure to consider both voltage compatibility and plug conversion. Using the hair dryer provided by the hotel is another option.

📋 Pre-Departure Checklist

✅ Things to check before packing

Check the ingredient labels of any regular medications, especially headache and pain relievers. Check the ingredients of processed meat products and baby food. Prepare power banks for use in the seat pocket. Check whether your electronic devices support 100–240V. Don’t forget a plug adapter (Type C).

The rules change little by little every year. Items that were allowed on your previous trip may be prohibited this time.

For peace of mind, make it a habit to check the latest information once, one week before departure.

✨ Summary

□ Among the items prohibited from being brought into South Korea, be careful with 13 types of over-the-counter medications, including headache medicine EVE (from April 2025)

□ Check the ingredients of canned meat, retort pouches, powdered products, and baby food

□ Store your mobile battery in the seat pocket

□ Check whether electrical appliances support 100–240V, and use a converter for the plug to Type C

□ Check the latest information once again one week before departure

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Can I bring headache medicine other than EVE?

As a general rule, personal-use quantities can be brought in as long as they do not contain “allylisopropylacetylurea.” Please check the ingredient list.

Q. Are all cup noodles prohibited?

Products containing meat extract or meat ingredients are subject to restrictions. Check the ingredients list and choose seafood- or vegetable-based products for peace of mind.

Q. How many Wh can a mobile battery be?

This varies depending on the airline’s regulations. Check the latest information on the website of the airline you will be flying with before boarding.

Q. Can I use a Japanese hair dryer?

Models that support only 100V may malfunction. Use the hair dryer provided by the hotel or prepare a model designed for overseas use.

📬 Prepare for your next trip to Korea with YEPPURIKO

YEPPURIKO regularly shares the latest information on traveling to Korea. We provide practical information on packing before your trip, shopping locally, how to choose Korean cosmetics, and more.

Please also check out our other articles on preparing for your trip to Korea.

※This article was created based on information as of April 2025. Please check the official websites of the Korea Customs Service and each airline for the latest information.