Korean Job Discussion Forums

BigBlackEquus · Posted: Fri Oct 21, 2005 11:50 pm Post subject: Customs / Airports

I bought a laptop in another country while on vacation. Korean customs never checked me, but I wondered what would have happened if they did. I'm not a Korean. I figured that since I'm a teacher and not a Korean, they wouldn't make me pay a duty.

Had I reported it to customs as I entered Korea, would I have paid a fee? I really don't understand how customs works, as I have never reported anything.

Should I report my laptop every time I fly in and out of Korea? I figure that next time I can just say it's used and not worth 400,000 won (the customs limit).

Quite frankly, I'm afraid to declare anything, for fear I will have to pay some huge chunk of cash because the customs guy is pissed I didn't but it in Korea at the huge mark-up price.

BTW, this laptop was about 400,000 won LESS than had I bought it in Korea.

Thanks.

deessell · Joined: 08 Jun 2005

I write from the position of a regular traveller and not as an expert on customs laws. I have never declared my notebook any where in the world and I have had no problems. The only time I had a few problems was leaving Vietnam with a DVD player, the asked me for proof of purchase which I didn't have. Lucky for me I had taught some desk staff at Vietnam airlines and they sorted it out for me.

My take on it that it's not illegal till you're caught.

desultude · Posted: Sat Oct 22, 2005 3:43 am Post subject:

I don't know the exact specifics, but as Korean residents, we are allowed to bring in things like a computer, etc., as personal property. Carrying a reciept I suppose never hurts, but I would be surprised if it were a problem.