Shipping Korean products home: Customs guide and costs 2026

The most reliable way to ship products from Korea to international destinations is through Korea Post (Ucheguk) using their EMS (Express Mail Service) for speed or Surface Mail (boat) for heavy, non-urgent items. For a 5kg box sent to North America or Europe, you can expect to pay approximately ₩80,000–₩110,000 ($60–$85 USD) via EMS, which takes 3–5 business days, while Surface Mail will cost around ₩35,000 ($26 USD) but takes 60–90 days. Private couriers like DHL and FedEx are available but typically cost 30–50% more than EMS for personal shipments.

The short answer: For packages under 2kg, use "K-Packet" or "Small Packet" airmail. For heavy boxes (10kg+) where time isn't an issue, Surface Mail saves you over 50% on costs. For the best balance of speed, tracking, and insurance, EMS is the gold standard for travelers.

Understanding the Korean Shipping Landscape

South Korea boasts one of the most efficient logistics networks in the world. Whether you have spent your trip raiding Olive Young for skincare or buying K-pop albums in Myeongdong, getting those items home is a straightforward process if you know the rules.

The primary service provider is Korea Post (Ucheguk). You can identify their branches by the orange and white logo with a bird. In 2026, they remain the most accessible option for tourists because they have English-language forms, standardized box sizes, and integration with international postal systems (like USPS, Royal Mail, and La Poste).

While private couriers like FedEx, DHL, and Hanjin Express exist, they are primarily B2B focused in Korea. For a traveler walking in off the street, private courier rates can be exorbitantly high—often exceeding ₩200,000 ($150) for a medium-sized box that would cost half that via EMS.

The Four Main Shipping Tiers

1. EMS (Express Mail Service): The most popular choice. It includes full tracking, insurance up to a certain amount, and priority handling.
2. EMS Premium (UPS): Korea Post partners with UPS for this service. It handles heavier items (up to 70kg) and items slightly larger than standard EMS limits.
3. International Parcel (Air): Slightly cheaper than EMS, takes 10–14 days. Tracking is less granular in some destination countries.
4. International Parcel (Surface/Ship): The budget king. Your box goes into a shipping container. It takes 2–4 months. Tracking is only updated when the ship departs and arrives.

Detailed Cost Breakdown by Region (2026 Estimates)

Shipping costs are calculated based on the greater of actual weight or volumetric weight. However, Korea Post EMS is unique in that for many destinations, they strictly use actual weight unless the box is unusually large compared to its weight.

As of early 2026, fuel surcharges have stabilized, but they still add about 15-20% to the base rate. The prices below include estimated surcharges for a Zone 3 destination (North America, Europe) and a Zone 1 destination (Southeast Asia).

Weight Brackets and Strategies

• 0kg – 2kg (The "Small Packet" Zone): If your items weigh less than 2kg, you can use "K-Packet" or "Small Packet Air." This is significantly cheaper. Sending 1.5kg of sheet masks to the UK via K-Packet costs around ₩25,000, whereas EMS would be nearly ₩50,000.
• 2kg – 10kg (The EMS Sweet Spot): This is where EMS offers the best value per kilogram. A 10kg box to New York costs approximately ₩165,000.
• 10kg – 20kg (The Surface Zone): Once you hit 10kg, air freight becomes very expensive. A 20kg box via EMS is nearly ₩300,000. That same 20kg box via Surface is only about ₩75,000.

If you have been shopping for heavy items, such as winter coats or ceramics, Surface mail is the only logical choice for budget travelers. For skincare enthusiasts buying heavy toners and glass bottles, this is also a great option.

If you are looking to buy heavier skincare items to ship home, check out our guide to best under-the-radar K-Beauty brands to make sure you're buying products worth the shipping weight.

Step-by-Step Guide to Sending a Package

Sending a package from a Korean post office is a streamlined experience, but the language barrier can be intimidating. Here is exactly how to do it.

Box Sizes and Costs

Korea Post sells sturdy boxes in six standard sizes. Using their boxes is highly recommended as they fit perfectly on the automated conveyor belts, reducing the risk of damage.

• Size 1: Tiny, for jewelry or a few lipsticks (₩700)
• Size 3: Good for a few books or clothes (₩1,100)
• Size 5: The standard "move home" box (₩2,300)
• Size 6: The largest allowable EMS size (₩2,900) – Note: Some countries restrict Size 6 due to volume limits.

Customs, Duties, and Taxes: The Hidden Costs

The shipping fee you pay at the counter in Seoul is not the final cost. When the package arrives in your home country, local customs may charge import duties and taxes.

United States

The US has a very generous de minimis value of $800 USD. This means if you ship a box of clothes and skincare worth $750, you will likely pay $0 in duties. If you ship multiple boxes that arrive on the same day, customs will combine the value.

European Union

The EU is stricter. As of July 2021, the VAT exemption for low-value goods was removed. You must pay VAT (ranging from 17% to 27% depending on the country) on everything.

• The IOSS Issue: Korea Post does not typically collect EU VAT at the point of sale for personal shipments. This means your package will be held by your local post office (e.g., La Poste, DHL, PostNord) until you pay the VAT plus a "handling fee" (usually €10–€15).
• Strategy: Be prepared for this extra cost. If sending a gift, mark it clearly as "Gift," though VAT may still apply on gifts over €45.

United Kingdom

The threshold is £135. Below this, no customs duty is charged, but VAT applies. For gifts (private individual to private individual) valued under £39, there is usually no VAT or duty.

Accurate Declarations

Do not lie on the customs declaration. If you declare a box of 50 sheet masks and a leather jacket as "Used Clothes - Value $10," customs officers have the right to open, inspect, and reassess the value. This can lead to fines, seizure of goods, or the destruction of the package.

If you bought luxury items, perhaps a custom scent from a workshop, ensure you declare it honestly. Check out our experience with custom perfume making in Seoul to see why these items are worth shipping with care.

Prohibited Items: What You Cannot Ship

The most common reason packages are returned to the sender (at your expense) is the inclusion of prohibited items. In 2026, aviation security rules are stricter than ever.

The "Big Three" Prohibitions

1. Lithium Batteries: You absolutely cannot send loose lithium batteries or power banks via air mail.

   • Built-in batteries: If the battery is built inside a device (like a used phone or a Bluetooth speaker), it might be allowed if it meets strict Wh (Watt-hour) limits and is packed specifically, but Korea Post often rejects these at the counter to be safe.
   • Surface Mail Exception: You can sometimes send batteries via Surface mail, but you must declare them explicitly.

2. Liquids with High Alcohol Content:

   • Perfumes, nail polish, and diffusers are considered "Dangerous Goods" (flammable) by IATA. They will be pulled from the plane.
   • Skincare exception: Toners, lotions, and creams are generally fine as long as they are not flammable. However, if a bottle breaks and leaks, the whole shipment may be discarded. Tape the lids shut!

3. Food Products:

   • Fresh fruit, meat (including jerky), and dairy are universally banned.
   • Kimchi: You can ship Kimchi, but it must be in a specialized fermentation-proof can or vacuum-sealed multiple times. Korea Post sells specific "Kimchi containers."
   • Snacks: Dried seaweed (Gim), Ramen, and chips are fine.

If you are looking to ship snacks, make sure you pick the best ones. Read our guide to must-try Korean convenience store food for inspiration on what is safe to pack.

Using Third-Party Logistics Services

Sometimes, the post office isn't the right fit. Perhaps you have oversize luggage or need English-speaking support.

Hanjin Express & Lotte Global Logistics

These major Korean logistics companies often have counters at Incheon Airport and major department stores.

• Pros: They handle the packing for you (for a fee). They are experts at shipping Kimchi and golf clubs.
• Cons: More expensive than Korea Post.

Baggage Delivery Services

If you just want to get your luggage from your hotel to the airport (so you don't have to carry it on the subway), services like TRIP EASY or Zimzero operate between Seoul hotels and Incheon/Gimpo airports.

• Cost: ~₩20,000–₩30,000 per bag.
• Booking: usually required 24 hours in advance.

Tips for Safe Packing

When sending a package 10,000 kilometers, packing is your responsibility. Insurance claims for "damaged contents" are notoriously difficult to win if the exterior box is intact.

1. The Shake Test: Once packed, shake the box hard. If you hear anything moving, it is not packed tight enough.
2. Liquid Defense: Put every single liquid item in an individual Ziploc bag. Air pressure changes in cargo holds can cause bottles to pop open.
3. Tape the H-Pattern: Tape along the center seam, and then tape the side seams (making an 'H'). Do this on the top and bottom.
4. Photograph Everything: Take a photo of the open box showing all items, and a photo of the sealed box with the label. This is crucial for customs disputes or insurance claims.

Sending K-Pop Merchandise

A significant portion of outbound mail from Korea consists of K-Pop albums and merchandise.

• Posters: Never fold them! Buy a poster tube (Jigwan-tong) at the post office or a stationery store like Artbox. You can tape the tube to the side of your box, but it is safer to put the tube inside a larger box.
• Photocards: These are high-value but look like paper to customs. Place them in "top loaders" (hard plastic cases), sandwich them between cardboard, and tape them securely. Do not let them float loose in the box.

If you are interested in the trading culture, check out our deep dive into collecting K-pop photocards.

Dealing with Returns and Issues

If your package is undeliverable, it will be returned to Korea. On the EMS form, you can select what happens in this case: "Return to Sender" or "Abandon."

• Warning: If you select "Return to Sender," you (or the sender in Korea) will have to pay the return shipping fee, which is often higher than the original shipping cost.
• If you are a tourist who has already left Korea, "Return to Sender" means the package goes back to your hotel or Airbnb host, who likely won't pay the fee to accept it. In this scenario, checking "Abandon" might be the financially safer, albeit painful, choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Shipping items home from Korea is a rite of passage for many travelers. While the costs have risen slightly in 2026, the convenience of traveling light without lugging 20kg of souvenirs to the airport is often worth the price.

By choosing EMS for valuable, light items and Surface Mail for heavy, durable goods, you can optimize your spending. Just remember the golden rules: declare honestly, pack tightly, and never, ever send a lithium battery by air.

Happy shopping and safe shipping!