When traveling to South Korea you must declare any restricted or prohibited items at customs. To do this, you will need to complete a South Korea Customs Declaration form.
Beef jerky is a popular high-protein snack that many travelers like to bring with them on trips. However if you’re planning a visit to South Korea you may be wondering – can you bring beef jerky into Korea?
The answer isn’t straightforward South Korea has strict regulations regarding the importation of meat products, including beef jerky Bringing these items into the country without proper certification can result in heavy fines or even being denied entry.
In this complete guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about bringing beef jerky into Korea, including
- Why beef jerky is prohibited
- Exceptions to the rules
- Tips for safely bringing jerky into Korea
- Alternative snacks you can pack instead
Let’s dive in so you can travel to Korea prepared and avoid any beef jerky-related customs issues!
Why Is Beef Jerky Banned in Korea?
When it comes to South Korea, the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency (APQA) is in charge of beef jerky. The APQA enforces regulations set out in the Contagious Animal Diseases Prevention Act.
In order to stop the spread of diseases like foot and mouth disease and mad cow disease (bovine spongiform encephalopathy), this law says that travelers can’t bring any kind of raw meat into South Korea.
Since beef jerky is made from raw beef, it is considered an animal product and is banned from import under this law. Even beef jerky made from cooked meat is prohibited, as prions that cause mad cow disease can survive the heating process.
Being caught trying to sneak beef jerky into Korea can lead to fines of up to ₩10 million Korean won (about $8,500 USD) or even denial of entry into the country.
When Can You Bring Beef Jerky into Korea?
While a total beef jerky ban may seem strict, there are some exceptions that allow certain jerkies into Korea.
If the beef jerky comes from a country that meets South Korea’s rules for clean imports, you might be able to bring it in with the right paperwork.
The documentation needed is a quarantine certificate from the jerky’s country of origin verifying that it is free of infectious agents like prions. This certificate has to be presented upon arriving in Korea.
The beef jerky may also be subject to inspection by Korean customs officials before it is allowed into the country.
Tips for Safely Bringing Beef Jerky into Korea
If you want to bring beef jerky to Korea, here are some tips to get it through customs:
-
Research approved brands/countries: Only certain countries and brands meet Korea’s sanitation requirements for imported meat. Do thorough research ahead of time to determine if your jerky is compliant.
-
Obtain a quarantine certificate: Contact the manufacturer and relevant agriculture authorities to get the necessary paperwork. This certificate verifies the jerky’s disease-free status.
-
Declare it: When going through customs in Korea, declare that you have beef jerky products in your luggage and present the certificate. Failure to declare could lead to consequences.
-
Limit the quantity: Only bring what you plan to consume yourself, not large amounts intended for resale. Korea limits personal imports to a reasonable volume.
-
Keep it sealed: Make sure the original packaging is intact. Open or tampered-with packaging may cause the jerky to be confiscated.
-
Be cooperative: Comply with any additional inspections and happily answer questions. Don’t be difficult if asked to surrender the jerky.
Following these tips maximizes your chances of successfully getting U.S. beef jerky past Korean customs. But regulations can always change, so check for updates before packing jerky in your bags.
Alternative Snacks You Can Bring to Korea
If going through the hassle of importing beef jerky into Korea doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of other tasty and satisfying snacks you can pack instead! Here are some beef jerky alternatives to consider:
Dried fruit – Dried mango, pineapple, apple, banana chips, and more make for a sweet and healthy snack. As long as it’s commercially packaged, dried fruit can enter Korea.
Trail mix – Skip the jerky and make your own protein-packed trail mix with nuts, seeds, granola, coconut flakes, and chocolate chips. Just be sure to declare any fresh or perishable ingredients.
Protein or granola bars – Look for bars with at least 5-10 grams of protein as well as fiber and healthy fats. Kind Bars, Lärabars, and RXBARs are all smart options.
Popcorn – Pack single-serve bags of lightly salted popcorn for a crunchy, customizable snack. Jazz it up with your own seasonings!
Crackers – Whole grain or seed crackers offer an energizing carb source. Try crackers from brands like Finn Crisp, Ak-Mak, or Wasa for on-the-go fuel.
Nut butters – Single-serve Justin’s or nuttZo squeeze packs allow you to dip fruit or pretzels in almond or peanut butter.
Seaweed snacks – These crispy, savory snacks are extremely popular in Korea. Bringing seaweed is a nod to local snacking culture.
With a little creativity, you can find jerky alternatives that are just as satisfying and customs-friendly. Enjoy the flavors of Korea without the headache of importing problematic meat products.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bringing Beef Jerky to Korea
If you still have questions about traveling to Korea with beef jerky, here are answers to some common FAQs:
Is beef jerky confiscated at Korean customs?
Beef jerky without proper documentation will likely be confiscated upon arrival in Korea. Only jerky with a certificate of quarantine has a good chance of making it through.
Can you buy beef jerky in Korea?
Yes, beef jerky is available for purchase in stores across Korea. Major Korean brands include Orion and Lotte, so you can get your jerky fix once in the country.
What other meats are banned from Korea?
In addition to beef, Korea prohibits importing pork, poultry, or any raw meat products. Cured meats like salami and prosciutto are also banned.
Can you bring jerky on Korean Air flights?
No. None of the major Korean airlines allow meat products like jerky to be transported to Korea, even on the plane itself during the flight.
Does Korean customs allow jerky for personal consumption?
Personal consumption amounts may be permitted with proper certification, but commercial-sized quantities of jerky intended for resale will be turned away.
What is the fine for bringing banned meat goods?
The penalty for unauthorized meat imports can go up to ₩10 million Korean won, equal to around $8,500 USD. Always declare!
Travel to Korea With Peace of Mind
For hassle-free snacking, your best bet is to leave the jerky at home and bring Korean-friendly alternatives instead. Whatever you decide to pack, be sure to check the latest regulations before your Korea trip.
Safe travels, and happy snacking! Let us know if you have any other questions.
What Can You Not Bring into South Korea?
When dealing with South Korea customs, there are a number of prohibited items. These include:
- Sexually inappropriate materials
- Forged/falsified/counterfeit currency or bonds
- Books, photos, videotapes, film, etc. that violate the state constitution, public security, and social customs.
If you are caught bringing illegal items into South Korea, they will probably be taken away from you. You may also have to face legal consequences.
Who Needs to Fill In a Korean Customs Declaration Form?
When you bring certain things into South Korea, you will only need to fill out the Customs Declaration Form.
Customs rules in Korea say that you must fill out the declaration form and give it to a customs officer when you arrive if you have:
- Any item that must be declared by law
- Items that exceed the duty-free limit
- Money that is worth more than $10,000 USD in USD
- Products with a value greater than US$800
Before, all passengers, even those who didn’t have anything to declare, had to fill out a Korean Customs Declaration Form. However, this is no longer the case.
As of May 1, 2023, you will not have to fill out any forms at customs if you have nothing to declare. You can just go through the “Nothing to Declare” route.