Korean Job Discussion Forums

Hasna · Joined: 30 Aug 2010 Location: little bit of everywhere

I'm flying into Seoul next Thursday from Turkey. I won't be living there, just doing two weeks training before moving to Vietnam.

Does anyone have authoritative information on what items are not permitted through customs? I'm talking in terms of a 6-7 month's supply of a few semi-restricted medications, used electronics (my Macbook, DSRL and lenses, iPhone, cell phone, etc), uh... "toys", etc. None of these items will be remaining in Korea.

Will it help if I pack them in my carry-on? Should it all be hidden? etc...
Specific information, or a link to somewhere would be great. Is there a list online somewhere that lists what is and isn't allowed?

If anyone also happens to know about Vietnam's customs laws, that would be great, too.

Thanks in advance!!

madoka · Joined: 27 Mar 2008

OculisOrbis · Joined: 17 Jul 2006

Knives can only be something like 10cm in length and I believe that includes the handle. I lost a couple souvenir bolo knives (about 40 cm) when returning from vacation at customs.

They said I could pick them up at customs as I was departing korea as long as it was within 10 days. After 10 days, they would be destroyed. So I assume they have been destroyed. Dammit.

They were in my checked bags and I didnt declare them, but I would assume the same applies for knives like that even if you declare them. Maybe they will hold them longer before they destroy them if they are declared, but I really dont know. I wasnt fined or anything, just a warning and confiscation.

Possibly kitchen knives are excepted because when I first came to korea, I brought a 35cm chef knife in my checked bag and it wasnt an issue. Maybe they just didnt catch it....

It might be safer to ship them with insurance instead of flying with them.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

OP: the only thing you may have problem with is the meds.
Be sure they are in the original (sealed) packaging and/or have the doctors prescription for them with you if they are in re-packaged containers.

They can come in your hand carry or checked luggage.

Your electronics are a non-issue. People in transit or entering as tourists travel with a multitude of electronics every day. Customs won't even blink at them. Pass through the nothing to declare line as you hand in your declaration form.

You can enter with anything that you can legally take into Vietnam.

To the person inquiring about the kitchen knives (as in a chef's set) - no worry.

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