Peptide Laws in South Korea
KR · Asia-Pacific · 23 peptides tracked
Are Peptides Legal in South Korea?
South Korea requires MFDS approval for all peptide products, making it a strict environment for research peptides. Importing unapproved peptides is likely to result in customs seizure. Approved medications like semaglutide are available by prescription, and cosmetic peptides like GHK-Cu are widely used in the K-beauty market. Stick to prescription channels through licensed Korean healthcare providers for any peptide use.
4
Legal17
Grey Area2
PrescriptionCan You Buy Peptides in South Korea?
4 peptide(s) are legal to buy in South Korea, including GHK-Cu, NAD+, Glutathione, Vitamin B12. 2 peptide(s) require a valid prescription, including Tirzepatide, Semaglutide. 17 peptide(s) fall into a legal grey area: Retatrutide, Selank, MOTS-c, TB-500, AOD-9604, and 12 more. These may be available for research purposes but their legality for personal use is ambiguous.
Traveling to South Korea with Peptides
When traveling to South Korea with peptides, the legality depends on each peptide's classification. Prescription peptides (Tirzepatide, Semaglutide) typically require documentation such as a prescription or doctor's letter when crossing borders. Enforcement in South Korea is rated as "Strict." Always declare pharmaceutical products at customs and carry documentation of any prescriptions.
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Peptide Regulations in South Korea
| Peptide | Status | Rx Required | Schedule | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retatrutide | Grey Area | No | Investigational | Not approved in any country. Eli Lilly announced on 23 Jul 2026 that it will file for FDA approval in Q1 2027, following five positive late-stage trials. Until then it remains investigational, cannot be lawfully sold for human use, and any product offered online is unapproved. | Official |
| Selank | Grey Area | No | Unregistered | Russian nootropic. Not locally available. | Official |
| Tirzepatide | Prescription | Yes | MFDS Approved | MFDS approved. Prescription required. | Official |
| MOTS-c | Grey Area | No | Unregistered | Not specifically regulated. | Official |
| TB-500 | Grey Area | No | Unapproved Drug | Same as BPC-157. Not MFDS approved. | Official |
| GHK-Cu | Legal | No | Cosmetic Ingredient | Major cosmetic ingredient in K-beauty industry. Topical use widespread and legal. | Official |
| AOD-9604 | Grey Area | No | Unregistered | Not specifically regulated. | Official |
| Semaglutide | Prescription | Yes | MFDS Approved | MFDS approved. Prescription required. Active enforcement. | Official |
| CJC-1295 | Grey Area | No | Unregistered | Not specifically regulated. | Official |
| Semax | Grey Area | No | Unregistered | Russian nootropic. Not locally available. | Official |
| Ipamorelin | Grey Area | No | Unregistered | Not specifically regulated. | Official |
| NAD+ | Legal | No | Supplement | NMN/NR supplements available. IV clinics operate. | Official |
| BPC-157 | Grey Area | No | Unapproved Drug | Not MFDS approved. Unapproved drug under Pharmaceutical Affairs Act. No research chemical loophole. | Official |
| DSIP | Grey Area | No | Not Scheduled | — | Unsourced |
| Epithalon | Grey Area | No | Not Scheduled | — | Unsourced |
| Glutathione | Legal | No | Supplement | — | Unsourced |
| HGH | Grey Area | No | Unregistered | — | Unsourced |
| KPV | Grey Area | No | Not Scheduled | — | Unsourced |
| Melanotan II | Grey Area | No | Not Scheduled | — | Unsourced |
| Liraglutide | Grey Area | No | Unregistered | — | Unsourced |
| MK-677 | Grey Area | No | Unregistered | — | Unsourced |
| PT-141 | Grey Area | No | Unregistered | — | Unsourced |
| Vitamin B12 | Legal | No | Supplement | — | Unsourced |
About the sources on this page
Entries marked Official cite a government regulator, legislation or an official gazette. Some entries currently carry no source at all.
We show these entries rather than hiding them, but they should not be relied on. Nothing on this site is legal advice. Verify against the national regulator before acting, and if you can point us at a better source please submit an update.
Data is researcher-verified but not legal advice. Always consult local regulations before purchasing, importing, or traveling with peptides. Last verified: 2026-02-28.