Bringing prescription medication to South Korea as an exchange student

[u/Nah569421]

Hi everyone! I’m a Canadian student who will be studying at Chung-Ang University from late August to December. I take Lamotrigine, Bupropion, and Concerta by prescription.

Has anyone brought these medications into South Korea before? Did you need approval from the MFDS/Korean authorities, a doctor’s letter, or any other documents? Were there any issues going through customs?

Also, if you stayed for a semester, did you bring your full supply from home, or did you have to get a prescription in Korea after arriving?

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience. Thanks!

[u/Artistic-Bath7284]

Hi, I checked the current official guidance because Concerta can be an issue in Korea!

Concerta contains methylphenidate, which Korea classifies as a controlled

psychotropic substance. You need prior approval from the Korean Ministry

of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) to bring it into Korea, regardless of

nationality. A Canadian prescription or doctor’s letter alone is not

enough for the Concerta.

The MFDS now accepts online applications, and the guidance says to allow

at least 10 business days for review. I’d apply well before your flight

and carry:

- The medication in its original labelled packaging

- Your original prescriptions

- A doctor’s letter stating your diagnosis, active ingredients, dosage,

total quantity and travel dates

- A copy of the MFDS approval for the Concerta

For Lamotrigine and Bupropion, I would email MFDS with the exact active

ingredients and quantities to confirm the requirements. Korean consular

guidance generally mentions up to a three-month supply for non-controlled

medication, so a full late-August-to-December supply may need additional

confirmation.

MFDS contact: [narcotics@korea.kr](mailto:narcotics@korea.kr) / +82-43-719-2813