Korean Job Discussion Forums

BrianInSuwon · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Location: Korea

Yes, I know its a strange situation but none the less, I've been traveling in the Philippines for awhile and I recently purchased a traditional filipino sword. Shipping it to the USA with FedEx would cost more than the sword cost and I would be required to frame it in a glass box. Swords can't be shipped through the government postal service. I've read that I can carry it on my flight as check in luggage but it might be confiscated by customs.

I checked the Korean Customs website and firearms, knifes, and explosives are listed as Restricted (not Prohibited). Has anyone had personal experience transporting a sword into Korea?

enns · Joined: 02 May 2006

Only experience bringing one out of Korea. Checked it through the oversize baggage with no problems.

BrianInSuwon · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Location: Korea

I checked the USA customs website and they have no restrictions to swords. For them, its up to the airline's policy. Good news, if i was flying back to the USA Sad

After looking around some other websites about Korean customs it appears that the sword would need to be cleared by the Korean Police Chief in the area I was to reside. Smile

I think I'll just leave the sword in the Philippines.

Horangi Munshin · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Location: Busan

I bought a touristy one in Thailand a while back and it was confiscated at Incheon airport. I signed forms and could pick it up on my way out of Korea but the wouldn't let me take it in with me.

BrianInSuwon · Joined: 10 Jan 2006 Location: Korea

Did they charge a storage fee? I wouldn't mind them holding onto it until I fly back to the USA.

Horangi Munshin · Joined: 06 Apr 2003 Location: Busan

I can't remember if they explained any fees to me or not. I ended up not collecting it. It was probably hocked off in insa-dong.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

Doutdes · Joined: 14 Oct 2005

Don't bring it; it won't be allowed into the country. My brother tried sending me a knife from Iraq via mail and it got stopped by customs. They ended up sending it back to him.

You can purchase decorative swords in Korea. There is a shop near dangsan-dong that sells aluminum swords, but you want carbon steel it's considered a weapon and requires a permit at the least.

victorology · Joined: 10 Sep 2007

sjk1128 · Joined: 04 Feb 2005

I brought some scuba diving equipment back last time I returned to Korea from the US, and I was stopped at customs. In the dive bag was a knife about 10 inches (25 cm) long including the handle. The official asked me what the knife was for and measured the blade - about half the length. It seemed to be just over the limit from his facial expression, but he let me pass after he asked me what it was for.

Like everybody else, I doubt they would let a sword through under any circumstances.

gangpae · Joined: 03 Sep 2007 Location: Busan

What do you need a sword for?

lohengrin · Joined: 16 Mar 2008 Location: Loompaland

You can buy all kinds of swords (functional sharp stuff, not the decorative junk) and knives at the knife gallery in Insadong. So why aren't you allowed to bring them in?

HapKi · Joined: 10 Dec 2004 Location: TALL BUILDING-SEOUL

A friend needed to get a permit from our Gu's police office. Luckily we both knew him, so that wasn't a problem. He wanted the sword for his Kum-Do class, yet his Kum-do master couldn't authorize it. As for shipping, I would have that permit with you at customs, and a phone number to reach your local police chief, if needed.