How to Ship from the US to South Korea: Complete 2026 Guide

South Korea is one of the most attractive markets for American sellers. With 52 million people packed into a country smaller than Pennsylvania, nearly universal internet access, and an e-commerce market that ranks among the top five globally, Korean consumers are reachable and eager to buy. They're particularly interested in American fashion, beauty products, health supplements, electronics accessories, baby products, and specialty foods.

The US-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), effective since 2012, eliminated or reduced tariffs on most American goods entering South Korea. That tariff advantage, combined with excellent logistics infrastructure and Incheon International Airport's role as a major Asian cargo hub, makes South Korea one of the easiest Asian markets to ship to.

Choosing a Carrier

USPS offers the most affordable options for most shipments to South Korea. First-Class Package International handles items up to 4 pounds and typically arrives in 10 to 20 days. Priority Mail International covers packages up to 70 pounds with 6-to-10-business-day delivery — this is the sweet spot for most sellers, balancing cost and speed well. Priority Mail Express International gets packages there in 3 to 5 business days for time-sensitive shipments. USPS partners with Korea Post for last-mile delivery, and Korea Post is exceptionally reliable with strong domestic tracking.

UPS and FedEx both maintain significant operations in South Korea, with distribution centers throughout the Seoul metropolitan area. UPS Worldwide Express delivers in 1 to 2 business days and UPS Expedited in 3 to 5 days, while FedEx International Priority matches the 1-to-3-day window and FedEx International Economy takes 4 to 6 days. Both offer door-to-door tracking and customs brokerage. DHL Express is also strong in South Korea with 1-to-3-day delivery and a reputation for smooth customs clearance.

For most small-to-medium sellers, USPS Priority Mail International offers the best value. A 5-pound package costs roughly $45 to $55 via USPS compared to $75 or more through UPS or FedEx. The private carriers justify their premium with faster delivery, guaranteed transit times, and integrated customs brokerage, which matters more for high-value or time-sensitive goods.

Customs and Documentation

Every shipment to South Korea requires a customs declaration form. For USPS, that's a PS Form 2976-A for Priority Mail International, which you complete when creating the label. For UPS, FedEx, and DHL, the commercial invoice is prepared during label generation. In all cases, you need to provide a detailed description of the contents, the quantity, the value, the country of origin, and the HS (Harmonized System) tariff code.

South Korea's de minimis threshold is $150, meaning shipments valued under $150 are generally exempt from duties and taxes. Above that threshold, Korean customs assesses a 10 percent VAT plus any applicable tariff rates on the declared value. Many common American products enter duty-free under KORUS, but you should verify specific HS codes for your products using Korea Customs Service resources.

Korean customs is known for being thorough but fair. Accurate documentation and honest value declarations speed clearance. Undervaluing shipments to avoid duties is illegal and customs officers are experienced enough to spot it — the result is delays, fines, and sometimes confiscation. Personal effects, gifts, and commercial goods have different duty thresholds and rules, so classify your shipment correctly.

Addressing and Delivery

Korean addresses use a format that differs from American conventions. Since 2014, South Korea uses a road-name address system (도로명주소). A typical address includes the recipient name, apartment or unit number, road name with building number, district (gu), city, and a 5-digit postal code. Seoul addresses look something like: "Kim Minjun, 401 Gangnam Tower, 123 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06134, South Korea."

Write the recipient's name in the Latin alphabet (romanized Korean) on the shipping label, with Korean characters below if you have them. This helps both the international sorting system and Korean postal workers. Include a phone number — Korean carriers frequently call recipients to arrange delivery, especially for apartment buildings.

Delivery to apartment complexes, which house the majority of South Korea's urban population, generally works smoothly. Most apartment buildings have centralized package rooms or lockers, and delivery drivers are accustomed to the process. Rural areas are equally well-served, though delivery may take an extra day.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

South Korea prohibits importing narcotics, counterfeit goods, pornographic materials, and items that threaten national security. Food products face strict regulations — meat, dairy, fresh fruit, and certain agricultural products require inspection and permits. The Korean Food and Drug Safety Ministry regulates supplements and cosmetics, and some products available over the counter in the US require registration before they can be imported to South Korea.

E-cigarettes and vaping products are legal but heavily regulated and taxed. Alcohol can be shipped for personal use in limited quantities. Electronics must meet Korean safety certification requirements (KC mark) for commercial importation, though small quantities for personal use typically pass customs without issue.

Packaging and Shipping Tips

Korean consumers have high expectations for packaging quality. Damaged packaging reflects poorly on the seller, even if the product inside is fine. Use sturdy boxes, appropriate cushioning, and consider the moisture and temperature extremes that packages experience in transit — especially important for cosmetics, supplements, and food products.

For cost optimization, keep packages as light and compact as possible. The price jump between weight brackets is significant for international shipping, so removing unnecessary packaging material to drop below a weight threshold can save several dollars per shipment. Using atoship to compare rates across carriers for each shipment ensures you're getting the best price — the cheapest carrier varies depending on package weight, dimensions, and speed requirements.