Can I bring Lithium (Lithium carbonate) to Korea?
Lithium (Lithium carbonate) · Lithobid · Priadel
Lithium (Lithium carbonate) can be brought into Korea for personal use. Korean customs treats up to six bottles or a three-month supply as personal use.
Lithium is not a controlled substance in Korea. It is prescribed there as domestic generic 300 mg tablets rather than Western brands. 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
I need regular lithium blood tests. Can Korea handle that?
Yes. Lithium level monitoring is routine at Korean hospitals, and the ingredient is prescribed as local generics. Ask for lithium carbonate by ingredient name, since brands like Lithobid and Priadel are not marketed there.
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Verified 2026-08-23
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