Can I bring Glucophage to Korea?
Metformin · Glucophage · Fortamet
Glucophage (active ingredient: Metformin) can be brought into Korea for personal use. Korean customs treats up to six bottles or a three-month supply as personal use.
Metformin is not a controlled substance in Korea. It is prescription-only there, stocked everywhere in strengths from 250 to 1000 mg including extended-release. Bring it with your prescription; Korean customs treats up to six bottles or a three-month supply as personal use.
At the airport
No permit is needed. Keep the medication in its original packaging, and carry the prescription or a doctor's note if your quantity is near the customs line of six bottles or a three-month supply. Amounts above that line should be declared on arrival.
If you refill in Korea
Questions
Can I buy metformin over the counter in Korea?
No, it needs a Korean prescription, but getting one is routine: any internal medicine clinic can prescribe it, and it is among the most commonly dispensed drugs in the country.
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Verified 2026-08-23
- Travel medical insuranceCovers doctor visits in Korea, including the consultation you need for a local refill.INSURANCE
- Incheon airport to Seoul (AREX train)Direct train from the airport to Seoul Station in 43 minutes. Book the ticket before you land.TRANSPORT
- KORAIL Pass (nationwide KTX)Unlimited KTX travel for 2 to 5 days, sold to foreign visitors only. Worth it if you plan trips beyond Seoul.RAIL
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MedsToKorea is an independent site with no affiliation to the Korean government. Travel preparation only, not medical or legal advice. Regulations change: confirm with the MFDS, Korea Customs Service, or a Korean embassy before traveling. We store no searches and no health data.