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🇰🇷Shipping from South Korea to United States🇺🇸
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
Hanjin Express
$22.99/kg
1-2 days
Fastest option
Lotte Global Logistics
1-2 days
$25.19/kg
Duty-free under
$0
VAT / Sales Tax: 0%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Shipping Cost Examples
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$17.24
Hanjin Express
1-2 d
Clothing 2kg
$33.33
Hanjin Express
Box 5kg
$57.48
Hanjin Express
Heavy 10kg
$96.55
Hanjin Express
from $22.99/kgfrom 1 days7 carriersde minimis $0
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
Currency:
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7 results
CJ Logistics (CJ Korea Express)~ EstimatedCheapest3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
1–2 days
Estimated Price
$22.99
Tracking: Yes
Hanjin Express~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
1–2 days
Estimated Price
$22.99
Tracking: Yes
Lotte Global Logistics~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
1–2 days
Estimated Price
$25.19
Tracking: Yes
EMS✓ Verified4.8 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
Korea Post✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
EMS
★ 3.5(95)Delivery Time
3–5 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
Korea Post✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
K-Packet
★ 3.5(95)Delivery Time
7–14 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
Korea Post✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
International Air Parcel
★ 3.5(95)Delivery Time
7–14 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
Rates are estimates based on published tariffs. Actual rates may vary depending on account type, surcharges, fuel adjustments, and package dimensions. Contact carriers directly for exact quotes.
Delivery Date Estimate
April 11, 2026
Estimated arrival
April 13 — 30, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Import Duty Calculator
$
Shipping Insurance Comparison
$
Item value| Carrier | Included | Premium | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DHL Express | Yes ($100) | 2.5% | Basic coverage included. Extended up to $50,000 |
| FedEx | Yes ($100) | 2.8% | Declared value coverage. Max $50,000 per package |
| UPS | Yes ($100) | 2.7% | Declared value. Max $50,000. High-value surcharge above $5,000 |
| EMS | Yes ($50) | — | Basic SDR-based compensation only. No premium option |
| USPS | Yes ($5) | 3% | Priority Mail Express includes $100. Extra insurance up to $5,000 |
| Royal Mail | Yes ($50) | 2.5% | Consequential loss cover. Max £2,500 for international |
| Aramex | No | 3% | Optional insurance. Covers damage and loss |
| SF Express | Yes ($30) | 2% | Basic coverage included for declared value |
| DPD | Yes ($520) | — | Standard liability €520. No premium insurance option |
| Japan Post | Yes ($200) | — | Registered mail includes coverage up to 200 SDR |
Track Your Shipment
After shipping, use your tracking number on the carrier's website:
Price Changes (30 days)
| Carrier | Previous | Current | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CJ Logistics (CJ Korea Express)Standard | $20.69 | $22.99 | +11.1% |
| Hanjin ExpressStandard | $24.83 | $22.99 | -7.4% |
| Lotte Global LogisticsStandard | $23.17 | $25.19 | +8.7% |
| EMSEMS Express | $31.82 | $32.14 | +1% |
| Korea PostEMS | $32.78 | $32.14 | -2% |
| Korea PostK-Packet | $32.78 | $32.14 | -2% |
| Korea PostInternational Air Parcel | $32.78 | $32.14 | -2% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Import Duty Rates: United States
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 0% |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 12-32% |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 8-48% |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 0-25% |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-3% |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 0-5% |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 0-6.5% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Customs Clearance
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) uses the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system. Shipments under $800 are duty-free under Section 321. Commercial shipments require a customs broker or self-filing via ACE.
Processing time1-3 days
De minimisDe minimis threshold for US: $800. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties.
What to actually expect
Full customs guide for United States →Efficient automated system (ACE). Express shipments clear same day. USPS shipments may take 1-3 days at ISC facilities. Section 321 de minimis at $800 is the highest in the world, making most personal imports duty-free.
Required Documents
✓For export from KR: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading
✓certificate of origin
✓import declaration
✓KC mark certification (for applicable products)
✓For import into US: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading/airway bill
✓Shipper's Export Declaration (for goods over $2
✓500)
✓EEI filing via AES for controlled items
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: Required for preferential tariff treatment under USMCA (ex-NAFTA) and other FTAs. Self-certification is accepted. No specific form required for general imports. Import licenses: Most goods do not require import licenses. Exceptions include firearms, alcohol, tobacco, pharmaceuticals, and certain agricultural products regulated by USDA, FDA, ATF, and other agencies.
Trade: South Korea & United States
$170B+ annual trade. Key goods: semiconductors, vehicles, electronics, machinery. KORUS FTA eliminates tariffs on most goods.
Key imports into US: Consumer electronics, vehicles, machinery, clothing, pharmaceuticals, toys, furniture, footwear. Key exports from KR: Semiconductors, vehicles, ships, petroleum products, electronics, steel, machinery, displays. The US has an $800 de minimis threshold, one of the highest in the world. Personal imports under this value are duty-free. USPS offers the most affordable international shipping for small parcels. FedEx and UPS provide fast express options with customs brokerage included.
Shipper Experience
Based on shipping community reports, DHL and FedEx deliver from KR to US in 3-5 business days with reliable customs clearance. EMS takes 7-14 days. Users recommend declaring accurate values to avoid delays. Express couriers handle customs brokerage automatically.
Prohibited & Restricted Items
⚠Prohibited for export from KR: Narcotics
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠materials threatening national security
⚠certain agricultural products
⚠firearms
⚠pornography
⚠products from sanctioned countries
⚠Prohibited for import into US: Firearms without export license
⚠narcotics
⚠Cuban-origin goods
⚠certain agricultural products
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠hazardous materials
⚠obscene materials
Special Items Guide
| Category | Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Lithium batteries | Only installed in device. Standalone prohibited by air carriers. |
| Alcohol | Restricted or prohibited. Import license typically required. |
| Food | Phytosanitary certificate may be required. Perishables: express only. |
| Medications | Up to 3-month supply with prescription. Commercial import needs license. |
| Art & antiques | Export permit may be needed. Insurance strongly recommended. |
| Electronics | Check voltage. Some countries require CE/FCC certification. |
Trade Agreements
KR and US are both members of the following trade agreements: KORUS FTA, WTO. These agreements may provide reduced or zero customs duties on qualifying goods. Be sure to obtain a certificate of origin to take advantage of preferential tariff rates.
VAT / GST
VAT/GST rate: 0% (no federal VAT). Applies to: No federal VAT/GST. State sales taxes (0-10.25%) may apply but are not collected at customs.
Shipping from South Korea to United States: Overview
We found 7 shipping options from South Korea to United States. The cheapest option is CJ Logistics (CJ Korea Express) (Standard) starting from $22.99 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is CJ Logistics (CJ Korea Express) in 1–2 days. Express carriers (DHL, FedEx, UPS) offer fast delivery with tracking, while postal services provide more affordable rates.
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Import rules for United States
Duty-free threshold
Duty applies from $0
VAT / Sales Tax
0%
Average duty rate
3.4%
Note: De minimis $800 exemption suspended since Aug 2025. All imports now subject to duties. No federal sales tax; state taxes may apply
Customs rates are approximate and may vary by product category. Check with local customs for exact rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to ship from South Korea to United States?
The most affordable option for shipping from South Korea to United States is typically CJ Logistics (CJ Korea Express) (Standard), starting from approximately $22.99 for a 1 kg package. Postal services generally offer the lowest rates, while express couriers are faster but more expensive.
How long does shipping from South Korea to United States take?
Delivery times from South Korea to United States range from 1 to 14 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-7 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from South Korea to United States?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from South Korea to United States. Express services provide real-time tracking updates, while economy postal services may have limited tracking.
Will I need to pay customs duties when shipping to United States?
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to United States. The duty-free threshold is $0. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (0%) and import duties (average 3.4%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
What items are prohibited when shipping to US?
Items prohibited for import into US include: Firearms without export license, narcotics, Cuban-origin goods, certain agricultural products, counterfeit goods, hazardous materials, obscene materials. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
What documents are needed to ship from KR to US?
To ship from KR to US you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading/airway bill, Shipper's Export Declaration (for goods over $2,500), EEI filing via AES for controlled items. Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Are there trade agreements between KR and US?
Yes, KR and US share the following trade agreements: KORUS FTA, WTO. These can reduce or eliminate customs duties on qualifying goods when a proper certificate of origin is provided.
How does customs clearance work when shipping to US?
The US has an $800 de minimis threshold, one of the highest in the world. Personal imports under this value are duty-free. USPS offers the most affordable international shipping for small parcels. FedEx and UPS provide fast express options with customs brokerage included. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
What is the de minimis threshold for US?
The de minimis threshold for US is $800. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties, though VAT/GST may still apply.
What is the VAT/GST rate for imports into US?
VAT/GST rate: 0% (no federal VAT). No federal VAT/GST. State sales taxes (0-10.25%) may apply but are not collected at customs.
How does RateShips compare shipping rates?
We collect published rate data from 134+ carriers weekly and display them side by side so you can find the cheapest and fastest option for your specific route.
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