Is Codeine legal in South Korea?
- Legal status
- Codeine is a prescription narcotic under the Narcotics Control Act; MFDS advance import approval has been required for any codeine, regardless of amount, since 2009 (apply roughly two weeks ahead).
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised import or possession is a criminal offence under the Narcotics Control Act.
- If prescribed or medical
- Dispensed as a controlled narcotic medicine on prescription.
- Documentation
- TRAVELLER TRAP: carrying codeine without MFDS advance import approval risks customs seizure or prosecution - apply roughly two weeks before travel.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with South Korea’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →