Important South Korea Customs Information
Holiday baggage and other time sensitive packages should not be sent on this route.
The volume of shipments sent to this destination across the last 12 weeks has not been sufficient to meet our minimum number of on time shipments required for holiday baggage approval.
Customers are currently limited to a maximum declared value of $150 USD / £90 / 130€ / $205 AUD for shipments entering South Korea, in order to avoid delays with customs clearance and additional duty and taxes.
The declared value is for customs purposes only and does not affect the level of Send My Bag Complimentary Cover selected at the time of booking. Further information is available on our FAQ page.
Korean citizens will be required to obtain a Personal Customs Clearance Code from customs authorities in South Korea in order to import used personal or household goods.
Non-Korean citizens will be required to submit a copy of their passport and their entry ticket issued on arrival in the country, along with a short statement confirming the reason for importing their goods, in order for customs clearance to be completed,
On this route you are required to visit the destination country’s official customs website and make yourself aware of any requirements, processes or fees, which may be due based on your personal circumstances and what you are shipping.
Upon arrival in the destination you agree to comply with any customs processes, provide the customs authority with any information they request and to discuss the clearance of the shipment directly with the customs authority or our delivery partner in the destination.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 3 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Important South Korea Customs Information
Holiday baggage and other time sensitive packages should not be sent on this route.
The volume of shipments sent to this destination across the last 12 weeks has not been sufficient to meet our minimum number of on time shipments required for holiday baggage approval.
Customers are currently limited to a maximum declared value of $150 USD / £90 / 130€ / $205 AUD for shipments entering South Korea, in order to avoid delays with customs clearance and additional duty and taxes.
The declared value is for customs purposes only and does not affect the level of Send My Bag Complimentary Cover selected at the time of booking. Further information is available on our FAQ page.
Korean citizens will be required to obtain a Personal Customs Clearance Code from customs authorities in South Korea in order to import used personal or household goods.
Non-Korean citizens will be required to submit a copy of their passport and their entry ticket issued on arrival in the country, along with a short statement confirming the reason for importing their goods, in order for customs clearance to be completed,
On this route you are required to visit the destination country’s official customs website and make yourself aware of any requirements, processes or fees, which may be due based on your personal circumstances and what you are shipping.
Upon arrival in the destination you agree to comply with any customs processes, provide the customs authority with any information they request and to discuss the clearance of the shipment directly with the customs authority or our delivery partner in the destination.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 3 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for South Korea
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for South Korea
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for South Korea
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Explosives, incendiary materials and devices including but not limited to fireworks, matches, flares, solid fuels;
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for South Korea
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to South Korea?
A number of fun outdoor activities can be enjoyed in South Korea, such as windsurfing on the Hangang River or hiking in the mountainous regions. If you want to take part in outdoor activities but want to avoid hiring equipment when you are there, you can use the services of Send My Bag to ship your own equipment to South Korea.
You may be going to South Korea for an extended period of time, in which case you need to bring numerous items to make your stay possible. Send My Bag can ship your items for you, allowing you to bring all the clothes and books you need, while saving you the embarrassment of excess baggage fees from your airline.
Our service is also great for international students studying for their degree in South Korea or for those planning to spend a year abroad or gap year in South Korea. Send My Bag can help students quickly set up home in South Korea by shipping their possessions, including clothes, books and DVDs.
Send Luggage to South Korea
If you are enjoying a city break or an activity holiday in South Korea, or if you are moving there permanently, you can save yourself a lot of stress by sending your possessions with Send My Bag. Your possessions will be looked after for you, allowing you to get on with exploring your new environment. Send My Bag will pick up your bags at home and deliver them to your final destination in South Korea. You can send as much as 30 kg per bag, which means that you can bring all your home comforts with you to help you set up home abroad or to fully enjoy your holiday. To find out more about sending luggage to South Korea, visit our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to South Korea
If you moving to South Korea permanently, you will have to do some research into international removals to South Korea in order to move all of your possessions. Make sure you choose a reputable removal company and ensure that all your items are carefully packaged so that they won’t get damaged in transit. Use appropriate packaging for your items and seal everything up well.
Student Shipping to South Korea
South Korea is a popular destination for international students, with top universities such as Seoul National University, Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology and Pohang University of Science and Technology. If you fancy studying in South Korea you can easily send your possessions with Send My Bag, which allows you to bring so much more than you could check into an airplane hold – so all the books, writing materials and clothes you might need. Find out more about student shipping and how to receive your student discount by visiting our student removals page.
Sending a Parcel to South Korea
You could send a parcel to South Korea with Send My Bag, which is particularly handy if you only need to send a small number of items. Friends and family at home can use this service to send things to you in South Korea, such as gifts or care packages. Make sure you choose a good solid box when sending a parcel to South Korea and tape it up well so nothing gets damaged in transit. Also, make sure you know about rules regarding personal effects and brand new items. Take a look at our information page on how to send a parcel, to find out what you can send with Send My Bag and how to package your items.
Ways of Shipping to South Korea
If you are travelling or moving to South Korea and need to transport items, you should look into the various options available for shipping to South Korea. Some options will be more suitable for you than others. You can choose between several different options for international shipping to South Korea.
Send Golf Clubs to South Korea
South Korea has around 200 golf courses – so plenty for golfers to choose from. The top-rated courses include the South Cape Owner’s Club, Nine Bridges, and the Anyang Country Club. Why not try some of these golf courses while you are in South Korea using your own golf clubs by sending them with Send My Bag? Make sure you find out how best to prepare your golf clubs for transit by visiting Send My Bag's page on sending golf clubs.
About South Korea
South Korea is an East Asian country, bordered by North Korea. Unlike its neighbour, South Korea is an affluent nation that brings together oriental tradition with western culture. The official language of South Korea is Korean, which is written using a phonetic writing system called hangul. Chinese characters are also used, often to provide disambiguation. The currency used in South Korea is the won. South Korea’s climate is temperate, with cold, dry winters, hot and humid summers and pleasant weather in spring and autumn.
When visiting South Korea, you must spend some time in one of the national parks, such as Seoraksan or Bukhansan National Parks, with the latter offering great views of Seoul. You can go hiking or even rock climbing in these parks.
Another must-see is the palaces in Seoul, including Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung Palaces. Here, you can see pretty architecture, learn about Korean history, and, if you are lucky, witness the changing of the guards in their traditional costumes.
If shopping in your thing, head to the Myeongdong Shopping Street in Seoul. You will find every ware you can think of here and can enjoy picking up some unusual items that you wouldn’t find back at home.
Don’t forget to try out the street food while in Seoul. Spicy rice cakes, ice-cream filled waffles and cotton candy moulded into all sorts of shapes are among the treats awaiting you in Seoul.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to South Korea.
Send your Bike to South Korea
Cycling is becoming more popular in South Korea, with the government running a scheme to get Koreans cycling. There are 1,757km of river cycle paths, alone, making South Korean a happy prospect for cyclers. Why not ship your bike to South Korea with Send My bag and enjoy the South Korean scenery from the comfort of your own bike. By sending your bike you can avoid exceptional baggage fees from your airline and save yourself the hassle of carrying a heavy bike to and from the airport. To find out more about shipping your bike, read our bike shipping page, where you can learn how to best package your bike for safe transport.
Send Skis to South Korea
You may not be aware, but South Korea has numerous ski resorts. In fact, the country will be host to the Winter Olympics in 2018. Some of the best resorts include Yongpyong Resort, Phoenix Park and Vivaldi Park. Why not try South Korea for your next ski holiday and send your skis ahead to South Korea so that you don’t have to rent any equipment when you are there. Read more on ski shipping here and discover how best to package your skis for transit.
Air Freight to South Korea
When sending big bulky items, such as a sofa or a wardrobe, to South Korea you could try using air freight. Air freight usually takes one to two days, which is normally faster than sea freight shipping, but generally more expensive. What you have to pay will depend on the weight and size of your shipment. You will probably also have to use the services of a customs agent to handle customs clearance. And, you need to work out how to get your items to and from the airport, which means that costs could quickly mount up. If you send internationally by air freight to South Korea your items will likely arrive at one of the major international airports, such as Gimpo, Muan or Gimhae Airports.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to South Korea
You could try sea freight or container shipping to transport your possessions to South Korea. Sea freight usually means shipping items in large containers loaded onto cargo ships, so is also good for bulky items, like a stove or dining table. It can be less expensive than air freight, but you will still need to use the services of a customs agent and will need to sort out how to get your items to and from the ports, which means it could cost more than expected. When using container shipping to South Korea your items will most likely arrive by ship at a major sea port, such as Busan or Incheon.
Shipping Goods to South Korea
You need to know about the current customs rules when shipping goods to South Korea. You should be fully aware of any duty that you need to pay and what items are allowed to be shipped to South Korea, which items are restricted, and which are entirely prohibited. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.