Key points:

• This guide explores the cheapest way to ship from the US to South Korea, considering factors like speed, price, and tracking
• Selecting the right service depends on your needs; for budget-conscious businesses, SF Express or Asendia are the best value options, while Flat Export offers the cheapest delivery
• 98.8% of US products enter South Korea duty-free, thanks to the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA)
• Understanding Korean customs regulations and correctly formatting addresses are crucial for a smooth shipping process

The South Korean eCommerce market is booming! With 2024 revenue expected to reach over $57 Billion, strong annual growth is also forecast, resulting in a projected market value of over $71.8 Billion by 2029! This is a huge opportunity for ambitious eCommerce stores looking to expand internationally!

Cheap shipping from the United States to South Korea has become critical for eCommerce businesses targeting the growing Korean market. Understanding the best practices, carrier options, and regulatory requirements can significantly impact your business's efficiency and profitability.

This guide will provide comprehensive insights into navigating the complexities of international shipping from the US to Korea, ensuring your products reach their destination promptly and cost-effectively.

Cheapest Shipping Services from US to South Korea

With a booming eCommerce market, South Korea shows signs of strong demand and is potentially a market to start selling into. However, being over 5800 miles away from California, the closest mainland state to New Zealand, it is one of the furthest eCommerce markets you could ship to.

If you are shipping internationally from the USA, you might be expecting expensive shipping costs and slow delivery times, however with the right tools this isn't necessarily the case. To break down the cheapest shipping rates available, in this example, we are going to ship a small package from New York to the South Korean capital, Seoul.

We will use the following dimensions and plug this into the Easyship Shipping Rate Calculator to compare prenegotiated rates from 250 plus couriers:

• Weight of package: 2lb
• Box Dimensions: 12in x 11in x 1.5in
• Contents for customs forms: Shipment of books
• Origin: New York, USA
• Destination: Seoul, KOR

To help you analyze the cheapest international shipping options available, we have ranked each USA to South Korea service for sending a package, based on the estimated prices from over 250 global couriers.

While also focusing on the estimated number of business days it takes to ship from US to Korea, plus the type and quality of tracking available.

Cheapest Option:

Flat Export: At $20.88, this is the most economical choice. However, delivery times range from 10-14 working days and tracking is limited. This might be suitable for non-urgent items where price is the top priority.

Express Service:

UPS Worldwide Expedited® & Saver®: Both deliver in just 3 working days and offer excellent tracking. However, these options are the most expensive on this list, costing over $40.

Best Value:

Here are two options to consider depending on your specific needs:

• SF Express - Economy Express: This service balances speed (7-9 working days) with a reasonable cost of $24.71. Basic tracking is included.
• Asendia - ePAQ Standard or Plus: Both deliver within 6-15 working days and offer basic or regular tracking for a price between $26.14 and $29.08. This range might be a good compromise for businesses who want to keep costs down while offering a decent delivery timeframe.

Additional Considerations:

• Tracking: For most eCommerce businesses, offering tracking is crucial for customer satisfaction. Choose a service with at least basic tracking
• Volume Discounts: As your business grows, consider contacting carriers directly to negotiate volume discounts that might bring costs down further
• Remember: The ideal solution depends on your specific needs.  If you prioritize speed, UPS is the way to go, but for budget-conscious businesses with some flexibility on delivery times, SF Express or Asendia could be better options
• Send Mail with USPS: While sending mail from the local post office can be convenient, apart from USPS - First Class International, the USPS options available here are priced uncompetitively

How to Ship From US to Korea

When planning to ship from the US to Korea, understanding the landscape of international shipping is paramount. The process involves more than just sending a package; it requires a deep understanding of shipping rates, customs regulations, and choosing the right courier services.

Selecting Reputable International Carriers: Beyond the Local Post Office

Reputable international carriers like UPS, FedEx, and DHL offer various services tailored to different needs, whether it’s express service for urgent deliveries or more economical options for less time-sensitive parcels.

Each carrier provides a unique set of benefits, from FedEx’s rapid international priority service to UPS’s comprehensive customs support and DHL’s GoGreen Climate Neutral program for environmentally conscious shippers.

Navigating Korean Customs and Address System

Understanding Korean customs regulations is crucial for a smooth shipping process. Almost 98.8% of US products enter South Korea duty-free, thanks to the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA).  

The focus shifts to proper documentation like commercial invoices and ensuring that your parcel meets the import criteria without falling into the category of prohibited items.

Correctly formatting Korean addresses is vital to ensure that your package reaches the recipient without delays. The Korean address system can be detailed, requiring specific information, including the correct province, city, street name, and building number.

Cost-Effective Shipping Solutions

Finding the cheapest way to send packages internationally involves comparing prices across different mail carriers and considering package forwarding services. Companies like Easyship offer Shipping Calculators, plus and a wide range of shipping options, providing a cost-effective solution for international shoppers and small businesses aiming to expand into new markets like Korea.

Essential Shipping Tips

• Packing: Ensure your box is securely packed to prevent damage during transit. Use sufficient cushioning material and make sure the parcel is well sealed
• Labeling: Clearly print the address and commercial invoice. Double-check the recipient's details to avoid any confusion
• Tracking: Opt for a service that provides tracking for peace of mind and to keep the recipient informed of the parcel's progress
• Insurance: Consider insuring valuable items to protect against loss or damage.
• Customs Declaration: Accurately declare the contents and value of your shipment to avoid delays or penalties from Korean customs

Easyship Can Help You Find the Best Shipping Solution for Your Store

Shipping to Korea from the US? Finding a courier which can deliver to your customers in a short timeframe, with reliable tracking and at a great price can help you increase customer satisfaction and boost sales. With access to exclusive prenegotiated rates from over 250 leading couriers worldwide, start growing your store with Easyship.

• Free Shipping Rates Calculator: Explore exclusive rates with up to 91% off top carriers and create a delivery experience your Korean customers will love today
• Insurance: Keep your shipments safe and secure, so you can focus on scaling your store, with up to $10,000 in coverage
• Tracking: Take your store's delivery experience to the next level with custom-branded tracking emails and automatic message alerts, offering visibility for each event.

Looking to ship from the USA to South Korea? Sign up for a FREE Easyship account and explore exclusive discounts from over 250 couriers worldwide.

Shipping from the US to Korea can involve a complex process of choosing the right courier service, understanding customs regulations, and finding cost-efficient shipping methods. By taking advantage of the resources and tips Easyship provides, businesses can ensure their packages are delivered reliably and affordably.

Whether it's for personal mail, commercial shipments, or expanding into new markets, effective planning and knowledge of logistics can make international shipping a seamless process.

FAQs

How much does it cost to ship from US to South Korea?

Easyship offers competitive rates to ship from the US to South Korea, but the exact cost depends on your package weight and chosen delivery speed.

Who can ship to Korea?

With Easyship, you can ship to Korea and many other destinations!

Does FedEx ship to Korea?

Yes, FedEx offers international shipping to South Korea with various delivery options.

How long is shipping from Korea to USA?

Easyship can help you reduce shipping times from Korea to the USA, with options ranging from express (1-4 days) to air freight (6-12 days).

How much does it cost to ship to Korea from US?

Easyship offers competitive rates to ship to Korea from the US, but the exact cost depends on your package weight, dimensions, and chosen delivery speed.

How long does it take to ship a package to Korea?

Easyship offers shipping options to Korea that can take as fast as a few days.

How much does it cost to ship to Korea?

Easyship gets you competitive shipping rates to Korea - sign up for a free trial to see how much you can save!