Korean Post Office International Shipping Guide 2026

Navigating the Woocheguk (Korea Post) is a quintessential experience for anyone living in or visiting South Korea. Whether you are an expat moving home, a student sending winter clothes back, or a traveler whose suitcase is overflowing with skincare products and K-pop merchandise, the Korean postal system is widely regarded as one of the most efficient, affordable, and user-friendly services in the world.

However, recent changes to international customs regulations and the digitization of shipping forms can be daunting if you don't speak the language. With over 3,400 post offices operating across the peninsula, finding a branch is easy, but knowing exactly how to prepare your shipment is the key to a stress-free experience. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough of the entire process, ensuring your package arrives safely at its destination.

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Understanding Your Shipping Options

Korea Post offers a tiered system for international shipping, balancing speed against cost. Choosing the right service depends entirely on your budget and urgency. The system is highly reliable, boasting a delivery success rate of over 98% for international parcels.

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EMS (Express Mail Service)

EMS is the gold standard for international shipping from Korea. It is prioritized handling that links directly with the local postal service in your home country (e.g., USPS in the USA, Royal Mail in the UK).

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• Speed: Very fast. Most packages to North America or Europe arrive within 4 to 6 business days.
• Cost: Premium. Sending a 5kg box to the United States costs approximately ₩115,000 ($85 USD).
• Reliability: Highest. Includes tracking and basic insurance.

International Parcel (Air)

This is standard airmail. It travels on airplanes but without the priority status of EMS.

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• Speed: Moderate. Expect 2 weeks on average.
• Cost: Mid-range. roughly 20-30% cheaper than EMS.

Surface Mail (Ship)

This is the budget option for sending heavy items where time is not a factor, such as moving boxes or winter coats in summer.

• Speed: Slow. It goes by cargo container ship. To North America, it takes 2 to 3 months. To Europe, it can take up to 4 months.
• Cost: Very Cheap. A 10kg box to the USA might cost only ₩45,000 ($33 USD), compared to over ₩200,000 for EMS.

Box Sizes and Packing Materials

One of the best features of Korean post offices is the packing station. You do not need to bring your own box, tape, or scissors. Every branch has a self-service packing area equipped with tape, scissors, glue, and bubble wrap (though bubble wrap policies vary by branch).

You must purchase a standard Korea Post box. These are sturdy, standardized cardboard boxes available in six sizes. Using these boxes is highly recommended as they fit perfectly within the carrier's automated sorting dimensions.

Detailed Dimensions:

• Size 1: 22 + 19 + 9 = 50cm (Ideal for cosmetics, small souvenirs)
• Size 2: 27 + 18 + 15 = 60cm
• Size 3: 34 + 25 + 21 = 80cm (Good for shoes, books)
• Size 4: 41 + 31 + 28 = 100cm
• Size 5: 48 + 38 + 34 = 120cm (Most popular for moving; max weight usually 20-30kg)
• Size 6: 52 + 48 + 40 = 140cm (EMS only; often rejected for Surface mail due to size restrictions in some countries)

The "Smart" Customs Declaration System

Gone are the days of handwriting carbon-copy forms. Due to stricter customs regulations in the EU, USA, and UK, you are now required to submit your shipping information digitally before or during your visit. This prevents errors and speeds up processing.

The EMS Smart Application (available on the Korea Post website or app) allows you to fill out the info in English and generates a QR code.

By using the Smart Filing system, you typically receive a 5% to 10% discount on your shipping fees. This makes it not only mandatory for many destinations but also economically smart.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Before you seal your box, you must ensure you are not shipping prohibited goods. South Korean airport security is extremely thorough. If your package contains a prohibited item, it will be opened, the item removed (and discarded), and the package resealed and sent, or returned to you entirely.

Strictly Prohibited:

• Lithium Batteries: This is the most common reason for rejection. No power banks, no loose batteries, and usually no electronics with built-in batteries unless specific rigorous standards are met (often easier to just carry these on the plane with you).
• Liquids with High Alcohol Content: Perfumes, nail polish remover, and diffusers are considered flammable/hazardous goods.
• Aerosols: Hairspray, mist sprays, shaving cream cans.
• Currency: Cash, checks, or gold.

Restricted (Country Dependent):

• Food: Dried food is usually fine. Fresh produce, meat products (including jerky), and dairy are often banned by the receiving country.
• Kimchi: You can send Kimchi, but it must be in a specialized can purchased at the post office or a specific airtight container to prevent fermentation explosions.

Costs and Pricing Guide (2026 Estimates)

Shipping costs are calculated based on two factors: Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight (whichever is higher), and the Zone of the destination.

Korea Post divides the world into zones.

• Zone 1: Japan, China, Taiwan (Cheapest)
• Zone 2: Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong)
• Zone 3: North America (USA, Canada), Western Europe, Australia
• Zone 4: South America, Africa, Eastern Europe (Most Expensive)

Here is a comparative look at pricing for a typical 10kg (22 lbs) package sent to Zone 3 (USA/Europe).

For lighter items, the "Small Packet" options (under 2kg) are available:

• K-Packet (Air): ~₩30,000 for 1.5kg.
• Registered Small Packet: ~₩22,000 for 1.5kg.

Note that international fuel surcharges fluctuate weekly. The prices listed above are estimates including typical surcharges for 2026.

Visiting the Post Office: What to Expect

The operational hours for most Korea Post branches are strictly 09:00 to 18:00, Monday through Friday. They are closed on weekends and public holidays. Financial services at the post office usually close earlier, at 16:30, but postal services remain open until 6 PM.

The Seoul Main Post Office

If you are in Seoul and want the most foreigner-friendly experience, the Seoul Main Post Office (near Myeongdong) is the best option.

The In-Store Process

1. Enter and Pack: Head straight to the packing table. Buy your box at the counter first if you don't see them stacked out (at smaller branches).
2. Pack Securely: Use the free bubble wrap. Tape the bottom of the box with the "H" method for strength.
3. Get a Ticket: Look for the kiosk machine. Press the button for "Postal Service" (usually colored orange or red, distinct from Banking/Finance).
4. Wait for Number: Watch the LED screen.
5. Weigh and Pay: Place your box on the scale. Show your QR code from the app. Pay with cash or credit card (foreign Visa/Mastercards are accepted).

Korea Post vs. Private Couriers

Should you use Korea Post or a service like FedEx or DHL? For 90% of personal shipments, Korea Post is superior due to cost. However, private couriers have their place.

Important Tips for a Smooth Experience

To ensure your package doesn't get stuck in the dreaded "Incheon Customs Hold," follow these practical tips.

• Be Descriptive: Never write just "Gifts" or "Personal Effects" on the customs form. Customs agents hate this. Write "Used Clothes," "Korean Snacks," or "Books."
• The 'Used' Trick: If you are sending your own clothes home, explicitly write "Used Personal Clothes" and set the value lower (e.g., $1-5 per item) to avoid being taxed on them as if they were new imports.
• Insurance: EMS comes with automatic insurance up to a certain value (usually around ₩70,000). If your items are valuable, ask for additional insurance (Bo-heom). It is very cheap (roughly ₩3,000 for ₩500,000 coverage).

Conclusion

Sending a package from Korea is a reliable and structured process. While the transition to digital customs forms adds a small step to the preparation, the efficiency of the Woocheguk remains unmatched. Whether you choose the lightning-fast EMS for your urgent documents or the slow-but-steady Surface mail for your winter wardrobe, you can trust that your items are in good hands.

Remember to pack securely, declare honestly, and double-check your battery situation. With this guide, you are ready to navigate the Korean postal system like a local.