South Korea Eases Restrictions on Personal Import of Weight-Loss Drugs
Travelers can now bring limited quantities of prescribed Wegovy and Mounjaro into Korea.
1New Import Policy
South Korea is relaxing regulations regarding the personal import of weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro. Starting Thursday, travelers may bring up to six units of these drugs into the country. This allowance is strictly for personal treatment and requires that the medication was legally prescribed and purchased overseas by the individual.
2Regulatory Shift Rationale
The policy revision follows significant public criticism regarding the previous blanket ban on these drugs. Authorities previously restricted entry due to concerns over verifying manufacturing channels and potential safety risks. Officials now distinguish between legally prescribed medications and those sourced through unauthorized channels, aiming to provide a clearer framework for patients.
3Unauthorized Import Surge
Customs data highlights the scale of the issue, with 1,097 unauthorized import cases detected between January and August this year. This figure represents an eightfold increase compared to the 134 cases recorded throughout 2025. Such trends pressured the government to formalize a legal pathway for patients seeking these specific medical treatments.
4Significant Price Disparities
The policy change is partly driven by substantial price differences between South Korea and neighboring countries. A four-week supply of Mounjaro costs approximately 300,000 won in Korea, whereas it is significantly cheaper in Japan. This price gap exists because Japan lists the drug under its national health insurance system for diabetes treatment.
5The Rise of Sushijaro
The cost differential has led to a trend where Korean patients travel to Japan specifically to obtain prescriptions. This phenomenon has earned the nickname sushijaro among local users. While this provides financial relief for patients, it underscores the challenges local authorities face in managing cross-border pharmaceutical access and domestic market pricing.
6Safety and Storage Risks
Medical experts and authorities remain cautious regarding the risks of improper handling during transport. Injectable obesity treatments typically require consistent refrigeration to maintain efficacy. Improper storage during international travel could potentially reduce the effectiveness of the medication or introduce safety hazards, necessitating continued vigilance from the Food and Drug Safety Ministry.
7Monitoring and Future Oversight
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety plans to monitor the impact of this policy alongside the Korea Customs Service. They intend to maintain separate measures to ensure the safe use of these drugs. Officials are particularly concerned about the potential for resale or misuse of medications brought in under this new allowance.
8Broader Healthcare Implications
This decision reflects a growing tension between patient access to global pharmaceutical markets and domestic regulatory control. As demand for weight-loss drugs continues to rise, the government must balance affordability with safety standards. Future policy adjustments will likely depend on how effectively authorities can prevent unauthorized resale while supporting legitimate patient needs.