Overseas Obesity Medications Now Allowed Into South Korea...Up to 3-Month Supply Permitted

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety and Korea Customs Service announced on the 11th that starting December 12, they will permit personal entry of self-treatment medications purchased legitimately through prescriptions from overseas medical institutions.

Individuals traveling abroad on business trips or vacations will be able to bring in self-treatment medications such as obesity treatment drugs that were properly prescribed locally upon entering the country.

This measure aims to resolve frequent inconveniences faced by users, as medications legitimately prescribed overseas were previously subject to delayed customs clearance during entry.

Under the new guidelines, authentic pharmaceutical products approved by overseas regulatory agencies can be brought in up to 6 bottles. Even if exceeding 6 bottles, entry is permitted if the amount does not exceed a 3-month supply based on medical dosage standards.

Consequently, recently high-demand glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) injectable obesity treatment drugs such as Wegovy and Mounjaro can be imported in amounts up to 12 units maximum, equivalent to a 3-month supply based on weekly administration.

Eligible items include pharmaceuticals prescribed at overseas medical institutions and purchased at local pharmacies, previously used medications by foreigners and international students, and medications brought by domestic patients during departure and re-imported upon return. Upon entry, customs inspection will verify the prescribed quantity and product authenticity.

However, for safety assurance, online overseas direct purchases remain strictly prohibited as before. Additionally, pharmaceuticals containing narcotic or psychotropic components are excluded from this import allowance.

An official stated, "We have rationalized unnecessary customs regulations within the scope of protecting public health rights," and emphasized, "When importing overseas prescription medications, please familiarize yourself in advance with the allowable standards and product authenticity."