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🇺🇸Shipping from United States to South Korea🇰🇷
Quick Answer
Cheapest option
Asendia
$20.16/kg
7-14 days
Fastest option
UPS
1-3 days
$44.3/kg
Duty-free under
$150
VAT / Sales Tax: 10%
↓ Scroll down for full carrier comparison
Data as of April 2026
Shipping Cost Examples
Phone / documents (0.5 kg)
$15.12
Asendia
7-14 d
Clothing 2kg
$29.23
Asendia
Box 5kg
$50.4
Asendia
Heavy 10kg
$84.66
Asendia
from $20.16/kgfrom 1 days17 carriersde minimis $150
kg
Billed at: 1 kg
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17 results
Pitney Bowes~ EstimatedCheapest3.5 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$20.16
Tracking: Yes
Pitney Bowes~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
5–12 days
Estimated Price
$20.16
Tracking: Yes
Asendia~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
7–14 days
Estimated Price
$20.16
Tracking: Yes
Landmark Global~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
5–12 days
Estimated Price
$22.28
Tracking: Yes
GlobalPost (by Auctane)✓ Verified3.5 ★regional
Standard
Delivery Time
6–10 days
Estimated Price
$22.5
Tracking: Yes
GlobalPost (by Auctane)✓ Verified3.5 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
10–20 days
Estimated Price
$22.5
Tracking: Yes
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)~ EstimatedFastest3.5 ★regional
Express
Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$25.11
Tracking: Yes
Passport Shipping (Passport Global)~ Estimated3.5 ★regional
Economy
Delivery Time
5–10 days
Estimated Price
$25.11
Tracking: Yes
USPS✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
Priority Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
6–10 days
Estimated Price
$26.88
Tracking: Yes
USPS✓ Verified4.0 ★postal
First-Class Mail International
★ 1.3(5.4K)Delivery Time
7–21 days
Estimated Price
$26.88
Tracking: No
EMS✓ Verified4.5 ★postal
EMS Express
★ 2.5(340)Delivery Time
3–7 days
Estimated Price
$32.14
Tracking: Yes
FedEx✓ Verified4.5 ★international
International Priority
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$40.37
Tracking: Yes
FedEx✓ Verified4.5 ★international
International Economy
★ 1.3(11.8K)Delivery Time
4–6 days
Estimated Price
$40.37
Tracking: Yes
DHL Express✓ Verified4.5 ★international
Express Worldwide
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
2–5 days
Estimated Price
$41.72
Tracking: Yes
DHL Express✓ Verified4.5 ★international
Economy Select
★ 1.4(30.2K)Delivery Time
4–8 days
Estimated Price
$41.72
Tracking: Yes
UPS✓ Verified4.5 ★international
Express Saver
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
1–3 days
Estimated Price
$44.3
Tracking: Yes
UPS✓ Verified4.5 ★international
Expedited
★ 1.3(14.5K)Delivery Time
3–5 days
Estimated Price
$44.3
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, 2026 — May 11, 2026
Business days only (excludes weekends and holidays)
Rates aggregated from public carrier data, updated weekly. How we collect data
Import Duty Calculator
$
Below de minimis threshold, no duty!: $150 USD
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pitney BowesExpress | $21.57 | $20.16 | -6.5% |
| Pitney BowesStandard | $21.57 | $20.16 | -6.5% |
| AsendiaStandard | $20.76 | $20.16 | -2.9% |
| Landmark GlobalStandard | $23.39 | $22.28 | -4.7% |
| GlobalPost (by Auctane)Standard | $21.15 | $22.5 | +6.4% |
| GlobalPost (by Auctane)Economy | $21.15 | $22.5 | +6.4% |
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Express | $23.6 | $25.11 | +6.4% |
| Passport Shipping (Passport Global)Economy | $23.6 | $25.11 | +6.4% |
Compared to rates from 30 days ago
Import Duty Rates: South Korea
Indicative rates for common product categories
| Category | HS Code | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | HS 85 | 0-8% |
| Clothing | HS 61-62 | 13% |
| Footwear | HS 64 | 8-13% |
| Food products | HS 01-24 | 5-50% |
| Machinery | HS 84 | 0-8% |
| Cosmetics | HS 33 | 6.5-8% |
| Books | HS 49 | 0% |
| Toys | HS 95 | 0-8% |
Rates shown are for standard goods. Exact rate depends on HS code. Use the calculator below for your specific item.
Customs Clearance
Korea Customs Service (KCS) uses UNI-PASS electronic system. Personal-use imports under $150 are duty-free. Self-use imports must be declared. Express shipments processed via simplified electronic declaration.
Processing time1-3 days
De minimisDe minimis threshold for KR: $150. Shipments valued below this amount are exempt from import duties.
What to actually expect
Full customs guide for South Korea →Korean customs is modern and efficient with the UNI-PASS system. Express shipments clear quickly, often same day. Personal imports from the US benefit from KORUS FTA duty reductions. Health supplements and cosmetics may require KC certification, causing delays.
Required Documents
✓For export from 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
✓For import into KR: Commercial invoice
✓packing list
✓bill of lading
✓certificate of origin
✓import declaration
✓KC mark certification (for applicable products)
Where to obtain documents
Certificate of origin: KCCI (Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry) issues certificates. Preferential certificates under KORUS FTA, RCEP, Korea-EU FTA, CPTPP. Electronic certificates via FTA-PASS system. Import licenses: Import recommendations/approvals needed for certain agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, firearms, and hazardous chemicals. KC mark certification required for many consumer electronics and products.
Trade: United States & South Korea
$170B+ annual trade. Key goods: semiconductors, vehicles, electronics, machinery. KORUS FTA eliminates tariffs on most goods.
Key imports into KR: Petroleum, semiconductors, natural gas, electronics, machinery, steel, chemical products. Key exports from US: Electronics, machinery, aircraft, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, petroleum products, agricultural goods (soybeans, corn). South Korea charges 10% VAT on imports. The de minimis threshold is $150 for personal imports. Korea Post is reliable for last-mile delivery. CJ Logistics and Hanjin handle many domestic deliveries. Korean customs use an electronic clearance system that is fast and efficient.
Shipper Experience
Based on shipping community reports, DHL and FedEx deliver from US to KR 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 US: Firearms without export license
⚠narcotics
⚠Cuban-origin goods
⚠certain agricultural products
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠hazardous materials
⚠obscene materials
⚠Prohibited for import into KR: Narcotics
⚠counterfeit goods
⚠materials threatening national security
⚠certain agricultural products
⚠firearms
⚠pornography
⚠products from sanctioned countries
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
US and KR 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: 10%. Applies to: CIF value + duty. No reduced rates, flat 10% VAT on all goods.
Trade Information
The Korea-US Free Trade Agreement (KORUS), in effect since 2012, eliminates tariffs on over 95% of goods traded between the two countries. South Korea charges 10% VAT on imports. Korea's de minimis threshold is $150 for customs duties and applies to most personal imports. KORUS makes this one of the most favorable corridors for US exporters.
Shipping Tips
Korea Post handles last-mile delivery efficiently. UPS and FedEx offer 2-3 day express service. USPS Priority Mail International takes 6-10 days and is the best budget option. Thanks to KORUS, most US-origin goods enter Korea duty-free. K-Packet (via Korea Post) is excellent for returns or small parcels from Korea.
User Reviews
“UPS Worldwide Saver to Seoul, 3 days, $55 for 1 kg. Customs clearance was instant thanks to KORUS. No duties charged on US-made electronics.”
UPS3 days
“USPS Priority Mail International to Busan. 8 days, $32 for 1 kg. Tracking worked well and the recipient received an SMS notification for pickup.”
USPS8 days
Shipping from United States to South Korea: Overview
We found 17 shipping options from United States to South Korea. The cheapest option is Pitney Bowes (Express) starting from $20.16 for 1 kg. The fastest delivery is Passport Shipping (Passport Global) in 1–3 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 South Korea
Duty-free threshold
$150
VAT / Sales Tax
10%
Average duty rate
8%
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 United States to South Korea?
The most affordable option for shipping from United States to South Korea is typically Pitney Bowes (Express), starting from approximately $20.16 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 United States to South Korea take?
Delivery times from United States to South Korea range from 1 to 21 days depending on the service. Express services (DHL, FedEx, UPS) typically deliver in {min_days}-3 days, while economy options may take 10-{max_days} days.
Can I track my package from United States to South Korea?
Yes, most carriers offer package tracking for shipments from United States to South Korea. 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 South Korea?
Import duties and taxes may apply when shipping to South Korea. The duty-free threshold is $150. Above this value, you may need to pay VAT (10%) and import duties (average 8%). Check with local customs for exact rates.
What items are prohibited when shipping to KR?
Items prohibited for import into KR include: Narcotics, counterfeit goods, materials threatening national security, certain agricultural products, firearms, pornography, products from sanctioned countries. Always check the latest regulations before shipping.
What documents are needed to ship from US to KR?
To ship from US to KR you will typically need: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, import declaration, KC mark certification (for applicable products). Specific requirements depend on the type of goods and shipment value.
Are there trade agreements between US and KR?
Yes, US and KR 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 KR?
South Korea charges 10% VAT on imports. The de minimis threshold is $150 for personal imports. Korea Post is reliable for last-mile delivery. CJ Logistics and Hanjin handle many domestic deliveries. Korean customs use an electronic clearance system that is fast and efficient. Customs clearance is typically faster when documentation is complete and accurate. Use courier services for expedited clearance.
What is the de minimis threshold for KR?
The de minimis threshold for KR is $150. 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 KR?
VAT/GST rate: 10%. CIF value + duty. No reduced rates, flat 10% VAT on all goods.
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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