By Kim Rahn
Staff Reporter
Air travelers to China are banned from taking homemade kimchi or ``gochujang'' (red pepper paste) following tightened quarantine measures. Only factory-made, sealed products of such foods will be allowed.
Incheon Airport Customs advised travelers not to take homemade foods, as the Chinese customs authority will confiscate them at the airports.
``The Chinese embassy here has sent us notification of stronger quarantine inspections it has introduced since June ahead of the Beijing Olympics in August,'' said an official at the customs office.
But travelers will be able to take kimchi, red pepper paste and other factory-made food products that have undergone sterilization. Most countries do not have specific regulations on the food, but some ban homemade kimchi, he said.
China also has different regulations on liquor and cigarettes from Korea _ up to two bottles of liquor or a total 1.5 liters, two 10-pack cartons of cigarettes and 100 cigars are duty free. Those bringing more than $5,000 or 20,000 yuan are required to report this to customs.