Carrying cash from China to South Korea
Two separate rules apply to any cash journey: one where you leave, one where you arrive.
Do you need to declare?
Part of this route is a hard limit, not paperwork. Leaving China, General Administration of Customs of China caps what you may carry at CNY 20,000, a prohibition, not a form. Entering South Korea, Korea Customs Service requires a declaration above USD 10,000. The two rules are independent: satisfying one does not satisfy the other.
The two legs
| Leg | Limit | Form | Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaving China | max CNY 20,000 | Customs declaration form | General Administration of Customs of China |
| Entering South Korea | USD 10,000 | Traveler Declaration Form | Korea Customs Service |
The same ¥20,000 cap applies on departure. Foreign currency above USD 5,000 is released on the strength of the declaration made on your last entry, so keep the endorsed copy, without it, customs releases only what a certificate from the Foreign Exchange Bureau or an authorised bank covers.
Below USD 10,000 in total means of payment, no permission or declaration is needed. Above it, report the amount on the Traveler Declaration Form and keep the Certificate of Foreign Currency Declaration you are given, it is what lets you take the money out again.
If you do not declare
South Korea: Failure to report is subject to fines or penalties.
There is no limit on how much you may legally carry in either direction, the duty is to report it, not to keep under it. Failing to report is the offence.
Currencies
China uses CNY; South Korea uses KRW.
Sources: rules as of 22 September 2026. This is general information, not legal advice; always check the official authority before travelling.