South Korea Travel Guide

🇺🇸 US State Department Advisory

Exercise normal precaution in the Republic of Korea (ROK or South Korea). Large-scale demonstrations may occur with little notice, potentially disrupting transportation and other essential services. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high. North Korea continues to conduct missile launches and other military activities that may increase tensions. Travelers should monitor local developments and remain vigilant. The South Korean government conducts civil emergency drills throughout the year. P...

✈️ Planning a Trip?

Despite advisories, many travelers visit South Korea safely every year. Check our guides for practical tips:

🚨 Emergency Numbers

🏥 Healthcare Summary

Access: easy Hours: Most pharmacies (약국) open 9am-9pm. Some are open 24/7 in larger cities. Look for the green '약' sign. Some medications are available only at hospitals, not regular pharmacies. Prescription rules: Most medications require a Korean doctor's prescription. Foreign prescriptions are NOT accepted. You must see a Korean doctor to get a prescription. Some controlled substances require special permits. 💡 Tips Pharmacies are widely available. Many medications require a prescription. Some common medications are available OTC. Prescription medications must be dispensed at a pharmacy with a valid Korean prescription. Hospital prescriptions can be filled at external pharmacies.

Insurance: ⚠️ Strongly recommended Average cost: $35-60/week 💡 Tip National Health Insurance does not cover tourists. Large hospitals often require payment upfront or guarantee of payment from your insurance. International clinics are popular with tourists. Keep all receipts for insurance reimbursement. 💡 Tip National Health Insurance does not cover tourists. Large hospitals often require payment upfront or guarantee of payment from your insurance. International clinics are popular with tourists. Keep all receipts for insurance reimbursement.

💊 Medication Restrictions

South Korea has strict drug laws — possession or use of even small amounts of marijuana can lead to long jail sentences, and authorities may detain people based solely on drug test results. Customs allows small amounts of personal medication in carry-on baggage. Bring an English-language prescription for all medications and check the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety website before travel.

• Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) — RESTRICTED: Legal with Korean prescription under the Narcotics Control Act. Foreign prescriptions not recognized—travelers must carry original packaging plus a doctor's letter, and may need prior approval from MFDS for >1 month supply.
• Adderall / amphetamines — BANNED: Amphetamines (including methamphetamine, 'philopon') are strictly prohibited narcotics in South Korea. Adderall is not approved. Even possessing a foreign prescription is insufficient—importing can lead to arrest and prosecution.
• Cannabis / CBD — BANNED: Cannabis is illegal in all forms. South Korea even prosecutes citizens for cannabis use abroad (extraterritorial jurisdiction). CBD is also banned unless it contains 0% THC and is specifically approved. Very strict enforcement.
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) — RESTRICTED: Available by prescription from Korean psychiatrists for ADHD. Classified as psychotropic substance. Travelers must have documentation; importing requires MFDS notification.
• Codeine / opioids — RESTRICTED: Codeine is controlled. Prescription required. Travelers should carry documentation and limit to personal-use quantities (typically ≤30 days). Stronger opioids require prior MFDS approval.

🙏 Cultural Tips

Tipping: Do not tip. Tipping is not customary and can cause confusion or embarrassment. Service staff take great pride in their work and do not expect additional payment. Quality service is standard, not exceptional.

Cultural taboos to avoid:

• Writing someone's name in red ink (associated with death)
• Sticking chopsticks upright in rice (funeral symbolism, same as Japan)
• Pointing with index finger (use whole hand instead)
• Blowing your nose in public (very impolite)
• Eating or drinking while walking in public

🎭 Tourist Scam Guides

Common scams to watch out for in South Korea: