Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Hunnie705]

I am going to Korea in the beginning of February. I have two medications I have to take daily, one being a birth control pill. What do I need to bring to ensure the medications are not confiscated? Are there any meds that immigration will take from you?

[denverdeath]

[TECO]

Anyone know of reputable / reliable online international pharmacies that don't require a perscription, if people can't get have medication sent in by family?

[Milwaukiedave]

Hunny,

I agree as long as you have a doctor's note and you put it in your checked luggage you'll be ok. I've taken medication from Korea, gone home and then brought it back. The only place I got questioned about it was in the US (and fortunately I had a letter from my doctor here in Korea).

As to the online pharmacies, I would advice against it unless you can't find the medications here in Korea. The funny thing about Korean Customs is you could very well be successful at getting a package one time and the second time I could be held in customs.

[asams]

i bought nerve pills, which are class 3 meds - same as tylenol 4, for the plane ride and to help me sleep, in my carry on and had no problem

[Hunnie705]

But did anybody bring one years supply of medication? Did you put most of it in your checked baggage and a little bit in your carry on? I was worried it would go bad if stored in extreme temperatures in the luggage department.

Thanks for all your help!

[RACETRAITOR]

I brought a year's supply of medication, and a doctor's note to go with it. It was in my checked luggage. No one ever looked at it.

[plynx]

i packed all of my meds (four or five different kinds - birth control included) in my carry-on bag. i've taken many flights in and out of korea, and i've never been questioned about the (legal) drugs by immigration.

[purple crayon]

i brought a years supply of birth control and asthma meds and was never asked about it.... i think if you put it in your checked baggage you should be fine

[Straphanger]

I take a Class 4 CS on a regular basis and I've never had a problem at the Korean or Japanese borders. US Customs probably know what they are just by looking at them.

[Milwaukiedave]

I think if you are bringing them into Korea, you probably won't have a problem with it. Taking them back into the US might be an issue. When I went to visit the US, I was asked about the medication in my suitcase and had a doctor's note.

It is a good idea to bring three or four months worth. I think bringing a years worth is a little overkill. You can get most medications here cheaper anyway.