Can I bring DayQuil Cold & Flu to Korea?
Multi-ingredient product · DayQuil Severe · Vicks DayQuil
Required사전 승인 필요
DayQuil Cold & Flu requires prior approval from the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) before you travel.
Every DayQuil Cold & Flu variant, including Severe and Intense Flu, contains dextromethorphan, which Korea lists as a psychotropic substance. Bringing it in requires written MFDS approval, which is not practical for a cold remedy. Buy an equivalent at a Korean pharmacy instead.
Ingredient by ingredient
A product follows its strictest ingredient. This is how each active ingredient stands in Korea:
| Ingredient | In Korea | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Acetaminophen325 mg per LiquiCap or 15 mL | OK | Sold over the counter in Korea. |
| Dextromethorphan HBr10 mg per LiquiCap or 15 mL | Needs MFDS approval | A psychotropic substance in Korea (decree annex 6). Sets the verdict for the whole product. |
| Phenylephrine HCl5 mg per LiquiCap or 15 mL | OK | Not on Korea's controlled lists. |
Before you fly
- 1.Apply for the MFDS self-treatment permit at least 3 to 4 weeks before departure, online at nedrug.mfds.go.kr or by email to narcotics@korea.kr. Results are issued within 10 business days.
- 2.Prepare a passport copy, your flight itinerary, the prescription, and a doctor's note stating diagnosis and daily dose, in Korean or English. The permit covers up to a 90-day supply.
- 3.Pack the medication in its original packaging with the pharmacy label attached. Loose pills in an unmarked container invite questions you do not want at the border.
- 4.On arrival, take the goods-to-declare channel and show the permit with the medication.
Questions
Which DayQuil variant is safe to pack?
None of the Cold & Flu line. Regular, Severe, and Intense Flu all contain dextromethorphan. If you want a daytime cold medicine in Korea, pharmacies sell over-the-counter equivalents without a prescription.
- 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
Verified 2026-08-23
Check another medication
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.