Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Coffeecup]

Talking to my Korean ex-girlfriend today. Showed her the inside of my suitcase of stuff I will take to Korea with me. She saw my bottles of regular store bought vitamins (vit c and multi vitamins) as well as one small box of 30 day supply vitamin packs. Most of the vitamins are still in their regular packages and unopened therefore brand new. She says that any inspectors upon seeing these very well might not allow me to bring them into Korea. I think her reasoning was partially in that they would assume I am bringing them in to sell them -- which I am not -- and perhaps the other reason is because vitamins aren't so socially acceptable(?) there in Korea - might be considered like light drugs or something?? She said the only way it would be acceptable is if I take out all vitamins and repackage them in ziploc bags to make them look like they are totally personal that would be acceptable. But forget that I want to keep the bottles.

Anyways if anyone can directly confirm that bottled/unopened vitamins would "flag" the immigration inspectors please say so. In all there are 2 bottles of Chewable Vitamin C (100 tablets each), 3 bottles of multivitamins (60, 60, and 90 tablets) and one small box of 30 day supply of vitamin packs. Again any specific reason I should be concerned? Definately don't want it confiscated!!! That's my health.

p.s. thinking about bringing a bottle or two of melatonin (completely natural sleep aid).

[captain kirk]

In my experience, you fill out the 'something to declare' form and click 'nothing to declare' and get waved through. No-one inspects your bags. Maybe it's because U.S. soldiers are waived from customs inspections and so it's generally lax, the mood. But don't come after me if your vitamins 'get confiscated'. No worries.

[waterbaby]

I've never once been hassled by Korean Customs and I've come and gone from Korea about 5 or 6 times now. I've brought a years supply of vitamins with me too, all kinds of cold and flu remedies etc.

[BTM]

[marcy]

vitamins are very common here, I've seen them in lots of drug stores. I brought an entire pharmacy with me and no one said a thing. My bags were x-rayed but not searched. Keep everything in the package and don't worry. About the ziploc thing though...When you get a prescription here that's how it comes, in little baggies with no label, warnings, expiration date or directed usage, it's a little bit haphazard if you ask me...

[bucheon bum]