Korean Job Discussion Forums

warezthebeef · Joined: 04 Feb 2006

Hello all,

I'm departing for Korea shortly and being type I diabetic will be bringing enough insulin and syringes with me to last the duration of my stay (4 months). Despite searching this board the only info I can find is in regards to obtaining insulin locally or importing it from overseas after arriving (I found this page http://english.customs.go.kr/kcshome/pca-view.pca?bid=308&type=17&page=1&lang=eng but it seems to apply to the latter scenario).

What I would like to know is can anyone tell me if they have brought insulin/syringes through Korean airport customs before and did they have any trouble doing so? Primarily I'm concerned about the syringes but the quantity may also be an issue as with 4 months supply it looks like I'm bringing half a pharmacy with me.

Thanks for any help!

fireset · Joined: 01 Feb 2004 Location: Gangnam

Bump..

I may have to do something similar so I would like to find out as well.

Return Jones · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 6:40 pm Post subject:

You may wish to check with the Korean Embassy or Consulate in your region. They may be able to advise. Sorry, not much else I can offer firsthand. Just a suggestion while you wait for answers from others.

peppermint · Posted: Sun Feb 12, 2006 6:58 pm Post subject:

No first hand experience, but I'd imagine that a note from your doctor would help.

Lizara · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Location: Seoul

I've come over twice with lots of insulin and needles (enough to last me a whole year) with no problems. Actually, I've never had anything checked at Korean customs. I don't think you'll have any problems but I guess you could get a note if you want to feel safer. I have one but have never had to use it.

warezthebeef · Joined: 04 Feb 2006

Thanks lizara just what I wanted to hear, I already have a letter from my doctor to include as well (better safe than sorry and all that) so here's hoping it all goes well.

I'll update in a couple of days with a bit of info for others seeking to do the same.

sheba · Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Here there and everywhere!

I didnt bring insulin over, but I brought syringes and needles in my travel first aid kit. No probelms... just make sure you pack them in your suitcase though cos they wont let you take them on baord (classed as a weapon?)

I went to the declaration line at customs and they waved me on through without asking any questions or anything so i doubt youll have any problems whatsoever.

Lizara · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Location: Seoul

Hmmm. I've never had any problems taking my needles and insulin in carry-on. It's a fourteen-hour flight from Toronto to Korea, and I can't go that long without insulin. Not to mention that if I put everything in my suitcase, it got lost somehow, and I landed in a foreign country with no insulin or needles, I'd be in quite a bad situation.

sheba · Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Here there and everywhere!

Fair enough.... Maybe I jsut looked suspicious! My bags always get searched and anything with a point goes into the bins. Even a hair pin!!

ucfvgirl · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Location: Bundang

I am currently on the Depo shot and I have had to buy needles in Korea. I have had no problems buying them at the pharmacy. Depending on where in Korea you will be residing, you may just want to buy them here. I know mine was really cheap. As for the insulin, I would bring that with you, although I am sure you could probably buy that here also. There are a lot of pharmacies here and all you would have to do is go to an international clinic and get a prescription.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

sheba · Joined: 16 May 2005 Location: Here there and everywhere!

Did you bring the depo with you? How did you do that? I asked about it before I came and was basically told I couldnt take it with me..... perhaps I should have seen a female doctor!!

warezthebeef · Joined: 04 Feb 2006

Final update...

I packed half of my supplies in my luggage and half in carry bag (as someone mentioned losing the whole lot is a disaster, half is something I can deal with) and had no problems at all despite having my baggage x-rayed at Auckland airport and Kuala Lumpur.

At the Korean end if you closely check neither syringes nor insulin come under any of the categories that require declaration so I didn't bother and had no problems there either.

Ultimately I'm certain that both syringes and insulin were noticed at some point and if it was going to be a problem I would've heard about it. So anyone wishing to do the same can rest peacefully knowing they're not going to get strip searched for carrying something essential to their own survival.

ucfvgirl · Joined: 28 Sep 2005 Location: Bundang

I had my first shot before I came and then I just get my mom to mail it to me every three months, with other medication I take on a daily basis. And yes, I give the injection myself. I have been on Depo for many, many years now...so I know exactly how to give it to myself. The pharmacy in British Columbia, Canada will only give out one dose at a time. So, it's the only way I can get it.