All maps › Poppy seeds › South Korea

Are poppy seeds illegal in South Korea?

Yes. Poppy seeds are banned in South Korea. A bagel seasoning got people charged: poppy seeds count as a drug.

Narcotics Control Act art.3(2) bans holding, importing or selling seeds of narcotic plants without MFDS approval; Mapo police (4 Aug 2026) said a poppy-seed bagel seasoning falls under the Act and buyers face charges.

Source: Korea JoongAng, Aug 2026

• South Korea is one of 6 countries where poppy seeds are banned, and 4 more restrict them.
• Its neighbours: banned in 0 of 1.
• In Asia: banned in 5 of 46 countries.

Watch on YouTube

Other countries that ban poppy seeds

BahrainOmanBangladeshUnited Arab EmiratesPhilippinesAll 6 on the map ›

What else is banned in South Korea