How to Ship to South Korea from the US
South Korea has efficient customs and strong ecommerce infrastructure — shipping to Korean recipients is straightforward for most consumer goods. Korean consumers expect fast, tracked delivery. Korea Post handles USPS final-mile deliveries; private couriers (CJ Logistics, Hanjin) handle most express.
For personal-use goods from the US, Korea Customs waives both customs duty and 10% VAT when the total customs value is US$200 or less (US$150 for most other countries). Tobacco and individual consumption taxes still apply.
Typical 1 lb cost
$32–$69 by USPS (retail, July 2026)
Typical transit
3-10 business days
Carrier Options to South Korea
DHL Express Worldwide
2-4 business days. Strong Korean network.
FedEx International Priority
2-4 business days. Reliable for Seoul and major cities.
USPS Priority Mail International
From $68.50 for 1 lb at retail; tracking included; up to 44 lb. Korea Post handles final delivery.
UPS Worldwide Expedited
3-5 business days. Competitive for 2-20 lbs.
USPS First-Class Package International
Lowest USPS price under 4 lb: $32.05 for 1 lb at retail. Delivery confirmation to South Korea when you buy online.
Customs Forms Required
CN22 under $400. CN23 + commercial invoice above. Korean personal customs clearance requires the receiver's PCCC (Personal Customs Clearance Code). Korea Post also asks for the recipient's mobile number and email on the customs form — goods without a mobile number may be delayed.
Commonly Prohibited Items
- ✕North Korean goods (all categories)
- ✕Salt, soil, and fresh fruit and vegetables (banned in USPS mail to Korea)
- ✕Live animals and live insects
- ✕Certain drugs and supplements
- ✕Pornography (Korean law is strict)
- ✕Ginseng and tobacco (only the Korean government may import them by mail)
South Korea-Specific Shipping Tips
- 💡 Korean addresses use recent 'Road Name' system (replacing old 'Jibun' system in 2014). Use road name format.
- 💡 Include recipient's PCCC (Personal Customs Clearance Code) — required by Korean customs for most imports
- 💡 Korean postal codes are 5 digits
- 💡 Recipient's mobile number is important — carriers use SMS, and Korea Post says goods without a mobile number may be delayed
- 💡 Avoid shipping during Korean New Year (late January/February) and Chuseok (September/October) — extended closures
How Much Does It Cost to Ship to South Korea?
South Korea has its own USPS price group (18). Post Office (retail) prices from July 12, 2026:
- First-Class Package International (up to 4 lb, up to $400 in value): $23.05 for 8 oz, $32.05 for 1 lb, $35.15 for 2 lb and $67.30 for 4 lb. Online: $29.90 for 1 lb.
- Priority Mail International (up to 44 lb to Korea): $68.50 for 1 lb, $71.90 for 2 lb, $87.90 for 5 lb and $117.15 for 10 lb. Online: $66.30 for 1 lb.
- Priority Mail International Flat Rate: Envelope $49.75, Small Box $51.40 (both up to 4 lb), Medium Box $96.40 and Large Box $121.30 (both up to 20 lb).
- Couriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS): priced per shipment, by size and weight.
💡 At 3–4 lb, a Flat Rate Envelope ($49.75) can beat First-Class Package International ($51.65 for 3 lb, $67.30 for 4 lb) if the item fits — but USPS gives no tracking on that envelope. For a 10 lb box, the Medium Flat Rate Box ($96.40) saves $20.75 over the weight price.
Duty and VAT: The $200 Limit for US Goods
- Personal-use goods from the US worth US$200 or less in total customs value: no customs duty and no VAT (the limit is US$150 for most other countries).
- The customs value includes the item and charges added before it leaves the US. International shipping and insurance can be left out if they are listed separately.
- Above the limit, customs duty plus 10% VAT apply.
- Tobacco consumption tax and individual consumption tax are charged even under the limit.
- Your recipient's PCCC (Personal Customs Clearance Code) is needed to clear personal imports.
How to Address a Package to South Korea
Korea uses road-name addresses. Write the address in Korean characters if your recipient can send it, and add the English version for US handling:
- Recipient's full name and mobile phone number.
- Building number and road name, plus apartment and unit — for example '110 Sejong-daero'.
- District and city — for example 'Jung-gu, Seoul'.
- 5-digit postal code — for example '04524'.
- REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA).
💡 Korea Post asks for the recipient's mobile number and email on the customs form. Goods without a mobile number may be held up in processing.
What You Can't Mail to South Korea
Korea's mail rules focus on food and farm products. From USPS's own list for South Korea:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables — including apples, oranges, potatoes and walnuts in the shell.
- Salt, soil, weed seeds, and live animals and insects.
- Ginseng and tobacco — only the Korean government may import them by mail.
- Meat, cheese and butter, eggs, pet food and treats, and plants or seeds need US export or plant-health certificates.
- Cash, coins and jewelry only by First-Class Package International with Registered Mail.
Frequently asked questions
What is PCC and do I need to ask the recipient for it?
How much is Korean VAT?
How long does DHL take to South Korea?
Can I ship K-pop merchandise through customs?
Is USPS reliable to Korea?
How much does it cost to ship to South Korea?
What items cannot be shipped to South Korea?
Can you ship to South Korea from the USA?
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