Korea Departure Declarations for Foreign Travelers (2025) — What to Report, Where to Go, and Pro Tips

Flying out of Korea? Here’s a simple, foolproof checklist of what you must declare or verify at the airport (customs, tax refund, quarantine, cultural items, currency, immigration).

At a glance
• Customs: cash over the legal threshold, re-import registration, restricted items.
• Tax Free: validate/claim your VAT refund before departure.
• Quarantine: pets, plants, animal products require certificates.
• Cultural items: some artworks/antiques need export permission.
• Immigration: ARC surrender for long-term residents making a final departure.
• Batteries & security: carry power banks in cabin; check airline limits.

1) Customs & Currency

• Cash/Monetary instruments: If you carry cash, checks, or equivalents above the legal declaration threshold (commonly the USD 10,000 range), declare it at Customs before departure.
• Re-import registration (optional): Taking high-value personal goods (watch, camera, laptop) and want to avoid tax on re-entry later? Ask Customs about pre-registration for re-import when you depart.
• Prohibited/restricted items: Firearms, certain medicines, cultural assets, wildlife products, etc., are restricted; check before packing.

2) Tax-Free (VAT) Refund

1. Before check-in: If Tax-Free items go into checked baggage and your slip requires inspection, inform the airline counter and follow staff guidance for Customs validation.
2. After security/immigration: Use refund kiosks or desks (operators such as Global Blue, Innova, etc.) to finalize refund — cash (fees may apply) or card (credited later).
3. Keep your receipts/slips until the refund appears; some transactions need export confirmation.

3) Quarantine (Pets, Plants, Food)

• Pets: Most destinations require microchip, vaccinations, health certificates. Visit the airport’s Animal & Plant Quarantine office for a pet export certificate if required.
• Plants/produce/animal products: Many items need permits or are restricted. Check the destination country’s rules and be ready to present certificates at the quarantine desk.

4) Cultural Heritage & Artworks

• Antiques, cultural assets, fine art: Some items require export permission from the cultural authorities. If in doubt (old ceramics, calligraphy, folk art), ask in advance.

5) Aviation Security & Batteries

• Power banks & spare lithium batteries: Carry in the cabin (not checked). Capacity limits apply (e.g., typical allowance up to 100Wh; 100–160Wh often limited, >160Wh prohibited). Check your airline’s policy.
• Keep batteries protected from short circuits; do not charge devices during take-off/landing where prohibited.

6) Immigration & Residence (ARC)

• Regular tourists: Passport + boarding pass are enough; most travelers don’t need to file a departure card.
• Long-term residents (ARC holders) making a final departure: Return your Alien Registration Card (ARC) to the immigration officer at departure.

7) Optional but Useful

• Travel insurance claims: Photograph receipts and reports before you go airside.
• eSIM/SIM cancellation: If you used a rental SIM, return it before security (if required).

Departure-day flow (quick map)

1. Before check-in: Tax-Free goods in checked baggage? → ask airline counter; do any required Customs validation. Currency over the threshold? → declare at Customs.
2. Security & immigration: Present passport/boarding pass. ARC final departure? Hand in your card.
3. Airside: Use Tax-Free kiosks/counters to complete VAT refund; visit quarantine/cultural desks if instructed.
4. Before boarding: Re-check battery rules; keep power banks in cabin bags.

FAQ

How much cash can I take when leaving Korea?

Amounts above the legal declaration threshold must be declared to Customs. If you’re near or over USD 10,000, plan to declare.

Where do I get my VAT refund?

After security/immigration at the airport, find the Tax-Free refund kiosks/desks. If your slip says “inspection required,” do Customs validation before check-in.

I’m leaving Korea for good. What do I do with my ARC?

Hand your Alien Registration Card to the immigration officer at departure (final exit).

Can I put power banks in checked baggage?

No. Carry them in the cabin. Capacity/quantity limits apply; check your airline.

---

Note: Rules and thresholds (currency, VAT, quarantine, cultural items, battery limits) can change anytime and vary by airline and destination. Always double-check with your airline, the airport website, and relevant authorities before departure.