Local laws that catch crew out in Seoul

Cannabis is restricted from entry. Korea's own entry guidance lists marijuana and cannabis alongside opium and cocaine as illegal drugs. Prohibited and restricted items carried into the country are confiscated, and carrying one is punishable under Korean customs law.

Meat is a quarantine matter, not a customs formality. Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, ham, sausage, jerky, canned meat, eggs, milk, cheese and butter must be declared and inspected, as must fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and dried agricultural products. At Incheon they are declared to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency desk in the arrival hall.

Failing to declare goods above the allowance is charged for, not waved through. Incheon customs adds 40 per cent of the tax due as a penalty, rising to 60 per cent where it happens twice or more within two years, alongside confiscation of the goods.

Cash and other means of payment above USD 10,000 must be declared in both directions. On departure the declaration is made after check-in and before you pass X-ray security. A breach up to USD 30,000 draws an administrative fine; above USD 30,000 the penalty is up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 100 million won.

Replicas count as weapons. Guns and swords including replicas and decorative pieces, along with gunpowder and explosives, are restricted from entry in the same category as the real thing.