Starting June 1st, 2023 Our warehouse fee will be $0.65/cubic foot per month
In effort to lower the warehouse storage fee during inflation, we have went narrow aisle racking.This construction took us four months but the project is finally completed. With narrow aisle racking, we are able to drop storage by 24%.We as partners will go through this inflation together.
05/18/2025
Is it difficult to ship from Korea to the US? South Korea and the United States maintain a strong trade partnership, with a significant volume of goods exported between the two countries each year. For both businesses and individuals, navigating the complexities of shipping from Korea to the US requires knowledge of shipping methods, costs, transit times, and regulations in place. This comprehensive guide from Worldcraft Logistics provides the information you need to help you choose the best shipping solution and ensure a smooth delivery.
South Korea (KOR) and the United States (USA) have long shared a robust economic partnership, but recent developments have propelled this relationship to new heights. In 2025, the trade dynamics between the two nations are marked by increased exports, strategic investments, and a surge in e-commerce and B2B shipping.
In 2023, South Korea's exports to the United States reached $116.09 billion, with key sectors including automobiles ($40.55B), machinery ($21.67B), and electronics ($17.68B) . The bilateral trade relationship is further strengthened by the Korea–U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), which has facilitated tariff reductions and enhanced market access since its implementation in 2012 .
The digital transformation in South Korea has spurred growth in both e-commerce and B2B shipping sectors. In 2023, South Korea's e-commerce market reached $115.1 billion, and is projected to grow to $125.6 billion in 2024 . This growth is fueled by high internet penetration and the rise of mobile shopping platforms. The United States remains a significant source of online purchases for South Korean consumers, ranking second after China in 2022.
Choosing the right shipping method depends on your shipment’s size, budget, and delivery urgency. For small, urgent packages, express courier services like DHL or FedEx are ideal. For larger shipments, air freight offers faster transit, while sea freight is the most cost-effective for bulky goods.
Proper packing is essential to protect your goods during transit. Use sturdy packaging materials that comply with international shipping standards. Clearly label all packages with the recipient’s full contact details and delivery address in the United States.
Accurate documentation is critical for smooth customs processing. Prepare a commercial invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and an export declaration as required by Korean customs. Additional certificates may be necessary depending on your goods such as FDA approval for food products or FCC certification for electronics.
Select the appropriate Incoterms (e.g., FOB, DDP, EXW) to define responsibility and cost-sharing between the buyer and seller. Confirm who will handle customs clearance and whether shipping insurance is included.
Contact your preferred shipping carrier or freight forwarder with full shipment details—weight, volume, contents, and destination address. They will provide quotes and schedule your shipment accordingly.
File your export declaration through the Korea Customs Service. Ensure payment of any applicable export duties or taxes to avoid delays.
Use your carrier’s tracking system or freight forwarder’s platform to monitor your shipment’s progress. Maintain communication with the recipient in the US to coordinate customs clearance preparation.
Submit all import documents to US Customs and Border Protection. Pay any import duties or taxes, and ensure compliance with US regulations to facilitate smooth clearance.
Arrange for local delivery or pickup from the port or airport. Upon receipt, verify the shipment for any damage or missing items to address issues promptly.
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When shipping from Korea to the United States, selecting the right method depends on your cargo size, delivery speed, and budget. Here are the three most common options:
Express couriers like DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer door-to-door delivery with fast transit times typically 2–5 business days. This option is ideal for small parcels, samples, or time-sensitive documents. Rates are higher than freight services, but the convenience and speed make it worthwhile for urgent shipments.
Air freight strikes a balance between cost and speed, making it suitable for medium-volume shipments that require faster delivery than sea freight. Transit times range from 3–7 days. While more affordable than express courier for bulkier items, it typically involves airport-to-airport service, so coordination with a freight forwarder or local delivery provider is necessary.
For large-volume or heavy goods, sea freight is the most cost-effective option. You can choose between:
FCL (Full Container Load): Best for shipping full 20ft or 40ft containers.
LCL (Less than Container Load): Ideal for smaller shipments that share container space with others.
Though slower (typically 3–6 weeks), sea freight is budget-friendly and well-suited for non-urgent or bulk shipments.
Shipping rates from Korea to the United States vary widely depending on the shipping method, package size and weight, delivery speed, and destination. Here's a general breakdown to help you estimate your costs:
Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS): Rates typically range from $20 to $50 per kilogram for small parcels. Ideal for urgent shipments, but prices increase significantly with heavier packages.
Air Freight: For medium-volume shipments, expect rates of around $5 to $12 per kilogram, depending on cargo dimensions, route, and fuel surcharges. This option balances cost and speed.
Sea Freight (FCL & LCL):
LCL (Less than Container Load): Starts from $100 to $300 per cubic meter (CBM).
FCL (Full Container Load): A 20ft container may cost $1,200 to $2,500, while a 40ft container could range from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the port pair and season.
Keep in mind that these are estimated base rates. Additional fees such as customs duties, insurance, port handling, and local delivery charges may apply. For the most accurate quote, it’s best to consult a professional freight forwarder who understands both Korean export processes and U.S. import regulations.
Several variables can impact your final shipping rate:
Weight and dimensions of your cargo (actual vs. volumetric weight)
Shipping method and delivery speed
Port or airport of origin and destination
Fuel surcharges, seasonal demand, and peak periods
Import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees
Additional services like warehousing, insurance, and last-mile delivery
Looking for a reliable, transparent, and cost-effective solution to ship from Korea to the United States?
Worldcraft Logistics offers professional international shipping services tailored to your needs whether you're shipping a small parcel, a commercial B2B order, or a full container load.
👉 Contact our logistics experts today for a free quote and personalized shipping consultation. Let us help you streamline your Korea–USA shipping process with peace of mind and real-time support.
The transit time for shipping from Korea to the United States depends on the shipping method you choose. Here’s a quick comparison to help you plan your logistics:
Shipping Method | Estimated Transit Time | Notes |
Express Courier | 2–5 days | Fastest and most convenient option |
Air Freight | 3–7 days | Suitable for urgent medium-sized cargo |
Sea Freight (FCL) | 15–21 days | Best for large shipments at lower cost |
Sea Freight (LCL) | 18–25 days | Slightly slower due to cargo consolidation |
Transit times can vary depending on factors like customs clearance, port congestion, weather conditions, and holidays in Korea or the US. For the most reliable results, work with a trusted freight forwarder who can offer real-time tracking and proactive updates throughout the process.
If your main goal is to optimize costs, choosing the right shipping method will make a big difference. Among the available forms, LCL (Less than Container Load) sea freight is considered the most economical option when shipping goods from Korea to the US. This method is especially suitable for small shipments that do not fill an entire container. You only need to pay according to the actual volume of goods, helping to optimize shipping costs.
For larger shipments, FCL (Full Container Load) will be a more economical choice on a per-unit basis. When you have enough volume to fill a 20ft or 40ft container, the cost per m³ of goods will be lower than LCL. This is the ideal option for businesses with regular shipping needs with large output.
Meanwhile, fast shipping forms such as express delivery or air freight often have significantly higher costs. They are suitable for cases where the goods are of high value, light weight, and need to be delivered urgently in a short time. However, if not really necessary, you should prioritize sea freight to save budget.
Efficient shipping from Korea to the United States depends heavily on well-established port infrastructure and air cargo hubs. Here’s an overview of the key routes used in international trade between the two countries:
Port of Busan: As South Korea’s largest and busiest port, Busan handles the majority of container exports bound for the U.S., making it the central hub for sea freight.
Port of Incheon: Located near Seoul, Incheon is ideal for businesses in northern South Korea and serves as a key gateway for both cargo and air-sea multimodal shipments.
Port of Los Angeles and Port of Long Beach: These neighboring West Coast ports in California handle a significant volume of goods arriving from Asia. They’re preferred for fast access to U.S. West Coast markets and inland transportation.
Port of New York and New Jersey: The main East Coast hub for shipments from Korea to the eastern U.S., especially for high-volume or East Coast-bound cargo.
Incheon International Airport (ICN): South Korea’s primary air cargo hub, offering daily flights to major U.S. airports.
Major U.S. air freight destinations include Los Angeles (LAX), Chicago O’Hare (ORD), and New York (JFK) all key hubs for distribution across North America.
By understanding these strategic routes and ports, shippers can optimize delivery timelines and minimize logistics costs. For tailored support, experienced freight forwarders like Worldcraft Logistics can help you choose the most efficient path based on your shipment type and destination.
When shipping goods from Korea to the United States, understanding tariffs and trade regulations is essential to avoid unexpected costs and delays. Currently, tariffs on Korean imports to the U.S. generally range between 8% and 13.6%. These figures come from the World Bank’s World Integrated Trade Solutions (WITS) database, with the lower rate representing the most-favored-nation (MFN) weighted average and the higher rate as a simple MFN average.
However, it's important to note that trade between Korea and the U.S. is governed primarily by the Korea–U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), which took effect in 2012 and was renegotiated in 2018. Under this agreement, tariffs on most goods traded between the two countries are significantly reduced or completely eliminated, meaning that the standard MFN rates do not typically apply to Korean exports entering the U.S. market.
For example, nearly 95% of U.S.-made goods are exempt from Korean import duties, and similarly, many Korean exports benefit from tariff exemptions when entering the U.S. This preferential treatment makes shipping from Korea to the United States more cost-effective and competitive, especially for industries like electronics, auto parts, and cosmetics.
Understanding these tariff structures and leveraging the KORUS FTA can help businesses optimize their shipping strategies and reduce overall costs. For expert guidance on navigating these regulations and ensuring smooth customs clearance, partnering with experienced logistics providers like Worldcraft Logistics can make all the difference.
Shipping from Korea to the United States can be complex, which is why using a reliable freight forwarder is essential. A professional forwarder simplifies the entire process by managing all logistics details from documentation to delivery saving you time, money, and stress.
Freight forwarders coordinate your shipments, handle customs clearance, and ensure compliance with international regulations. They also provide tailored solutions for different shipment sizes and business needs, making international trade smoother and more efficient.
At Worldcraft Logistics, we offer comprehensive freight forwarding services including:
Documentation Management: Accurate preparation of commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, and export declarations.
Delivered Duty Paid (DDP): We handle customs duties, taxes, and delivery so you can enjoy hassle-free shipping.
Amazon FBA Shipping: Specialized services to streamline your shipments directly to Amazon fulfillment centers in the U.S.
Warehousing & Distribution: Secure storage and efficient last-mile delivery solutions to meet your inventory needs.
With years of experience in Korea-US trade, Worldcraft Logistics offers expert guidance, competitive rates, and personalized customer support. Our team is dedicated to providing seamless logistics solutions that help your business grow internationally.
Ready to simplify your shipping from Korea to the United States? GET A FREE QUOTE TODAY with Worldcraft Logistics and experience hassle-free freight forwarding!
Shipping from Korea to the U.S. can be seamless and budget-friendly when you follow a few key tips:
Avoid Delays and Paperwork Errors: Ensure all documentation such as commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates is accurate and complete to prevent customs hold-ups. Double-check customs requirements to avoid unexpected fines or shipment rejections.
Plan Ahead During Holiday Seasons: Peak periods like Korean Lunar New Year and U.S. holidays often cause congestion and longer transit times. Scheduling shipments well in advance helps avoid delays and higher costs.
Use Digital Shipment Tracking: Choose carriers or freight forwarders that provide real-time tracking tools. Staying informed about your shipment’s location allows you to address any issues promptly and keep your customers updated.
Following these tips will help your shipments from Korea to the United States arrive on time and within budget, enhancing your overall supply chain efficiency.
Sea freight, especially Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping, is usually the most cost-effective option for large or heavy shipments. It offers lower rates compared to express courier or air freight, though transit times are longer.
To ship inventory to Amazon FBA, you need to prepare your goods following Amazon’s packaging and labeling requirements, then choose a reliable freight forwarder experienced in Amazon shipments. Worldcraft Logistics offers specialized services to handle documentation, customs clearance, and delivery directly to FBA centers.
Transit times vary by shipping method: express courier takes 2–5 days, air freight 3–7 days, sea freight (FCL) about 15–21 days, and sea freight (LCL) around 18–25 days.
Shipping costs depend on factors like shipment size, weight, method, and destination. Express courier rates start higher but offer fast delivery, while sea freight is more affordable for bulk shipments. Contact Worldcraft Logistics for a customized quote.
Shipping a car usually involves sea freight using a Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) service or container shipping. Costs vary based on the vehicle size, shipping method, and destination port. It’s best to consult a specialist freight forwarder for precise pricing.
Planning shipments ahead of peak seasons—such as holidays or major sales events—helps avoid delays and higher costs. Booking at least 4-6 weeks in advance during busy periods is recommended.
Cargo insurance is highly recommended to protect your goods against loss, damage, or theft during transit. While not mandatory, insurance offers peace of mind and financial protection for valuable shipments.
SEO
Digital Marketing/SEO Specialist
Simon Mang is an SEO and Digital Marketing expert at Wordcraft Logistics. With many years of experience in the field of digital marketing, he has shaped and built strategies to effectively promote Wordcraft Logistics' online presence. With a deep understanding of the logistics industry, I have shared more than 300 specialized articles on many different topics.
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