Sending packages abroad from Korea sounds straightforward until you're standing in a Seoul post office trying to decipher customs forms. And that convenience store down the block? Not going to help with international shipping, despite what seems logical.
The Korean postal system handles millions of international parcels annually, but recent policy changes—particularly for US-bound shipments—have created confusion. Here's what actually works in October 2025.
Why Convenience Stores Won't Ship Your Package Abroad
Walk into any CU or GS25 in Seoul, and you'll find self-service kiosks for domestic parcels. These convenience stores dominate Korea with nearly 60,000 locations combined, making them incredibly convenient for sending packages within Korea. But here's the catch: they handle only domestic shipping.
Those kiosks at convenience stores? Maximum 5kg, Korea addresses only. The system simply doesn't connect to international postal networks. Visitors often assume these 24/7 stores offer global shipping because they're so prevalent, but international parcels require customs documentation that convenience store systems can't process.
For anything crossing borders, Korea Post—the national postal service—remains the only option for standard mail service.
Finding a Post Office in Seoul
Seoul has hundreds of post offices, most located near major subway stations or universities. Search "우체국" (post office) on Naver Map or KakaoMap to find the nearest location. The symbol is distinctive: a red bird made of arrows.
Major post offices include:
- Seoul Central Post Office (Myeongdong): Located at 70 Sogong-ro, rated 4.3/5, open weekdays 9 AM–6 PM
- Seoul Station Post Office: 21 Tongil-ro, rated 4.9/5, same hours
- Gwanghwamun Post Office: Near Jonggak Station Exit 6
Most post offices close on weekends, so plan accordingly. The Central Post Office offers English-speaking staff and extended services, making it popular with foreign residents.
Critical 2025 Update: US Shipping Changes
In August 2025, Korea Post suspended several US-bound services due to new American customs regulations. Standard EMS, small packages under 2kg, and airmail parcels to the US are no longer available through Korea Post as of August 29, 2025.
What still works for US destinations:
- EMS Premium (partnership with UPS)
- Documents and letters
- Courier services (DHL, FedEx)
The policy change eliminated the previous $800 duty-free threshold for goods entering the US. Most Korean goods now face a 15% tariff, with documentation required for nearly all shipments. Korea Post is developing a lower-cost EMS Premium alternative, expected within 1-2 months of the suspension announcement.
For other destinations worldwide, standard EMS continues operating normally to over 200 countries.
Understanding EMS Services
Standard EMS delivers to most countries in 3-10 business days. The service uses commercial passenger flights, then transfers to local postal systems upon arrival. Tracking works throughout, though some regions show minimal updates for 10+ days during transit.
EMS Premium operates through Korea Post's partnership with UPS, offering faster delivery (2-5 days typically) with more consistent tracking. Maximum weight increased to 70kg compared to standard EMS's 30kg limit. Currently, this is the primary option for US-bound parcels.
Delivery times vary significantly by destination and season. Peak shopping periods like November-December often add 3-5 days to standard estimates.
Calculating Shipping Costs
Korea Post bases charges on whichever is larger: actual weight or volumetric weight.
- Volumetric weight formula: (Width cm × Length cm × Height cm) ÷ 6,000
A box measuring 40cm × 30cm × 20cm has a volumetric weight of 4kg. If actual weight is 2.5kg, you'll pay the 4kg rate.
Current pricing structure operates in weight bands. Rates differ dramatically by destination zone. The official EMS calculator at ems.epost.go.kr provides exact quotes—essential since prices fluctuate and vary by country.
As reference points from mid-2025: sending 5kg to the US via EMS Premium cost approximately 71,000 won. Rates to Asian countries typically run 30-50% lower than Western destinations.
Required Customs Documentation
Every international parcel needs a customs declaration form (CN22 for items under $400, CN23 for higher values). Post office staff provide these forms, available in English.
Required information includes:
- Sender and recipient details (name, address, phone)
- Detailed contents description (avoid vague terms like "gift" or "personal items")
- Quantity and value of each item
- Total declared value in USD
For food items, documentation becomes more complex. Commercial invoices, packing lists, and sometimes phytosanitary certificates are required depending on the destination country and food type. Processed foods generally require fewer documents than fresh items.
Prohibited items include lithium batteries (except in devices), liquids over 100ml, fresh produce, and items varying by destination. Picture guides at most post offices illustrate restrictions clearly.
Packaging Options and Insurance
Post offices sell official Korea Post boxes ranging from 400 won to 1,700 won depending on size. The real value: free packing supplies. Tape, bubble wrap, scissors, glue, and pens are available at no charge when you purchase a box.
For envelopes, head to Daiso or Artbox instead—post offices don't typically stock them.
Insurance coverage for EMS includes 100 USD automatically for documents. Additional insurance costs around 3,000 won and scales with declared value. Given Korea Post's reported loss rate of 0.03% or lower, insurance mainly makes sense for high-value items.
Step-by-Step Sending Process
- Prepare your package at home or use post office supplies
- Weigh your parcel at the post office counter
- Fill out customs form (CN22/CN23) with staff assistance if needed
- Choose service level (EMS, EMS Premium, or standard airmail where available)
- Add insurance if desired
- Pay shipping costs in cash or card
- Receive tracking number (format: EE123456789KR for EMS)
The entire process typically takes 10-20 minutes during non-peak hours. Bring your passport or alien registration card, as some post offices require ID for international shipments.
EMS vs. Private Couriers: When to Choose Which
EMS and EMS Premium advantages:
- Generally cheaper by 30-50% compared to private couriers
- Delivery in 3-10 days for standard EMS, 2-5 days for Premium
- Weight limits up to 30kg for EMS, 70kg for EMS Premium
- Tracking ranges from basic to detailed, with Premium offering better visibility
- Very high reliability with 0.03% loss rate
- Standard customs processing through postal networks
DHL and FedEx advantages:
- Consistent 2-5 day delivery times globally
- Premium pricing but predictable service
- Can handle 68kg+ packages, including oversized items
- Real-time detailed tracking throughout journey
- Sometimes faster customs clearance through dedicated channels
- Very high reliability with corporate-grade service guarantees
For personal packages under 30kg, EMS Premium now offers competitive speed at lower cost than private couriers. DHL and FedEx make sense for urgent business shipments, oversized items, or when you need guaranteed delivery dates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Declaring false values: Customs officers check package values against typical market prices. Under-declaring to save on duties can result in delays, fines, or package seizure.
Vague content descriptions: Writing "cosmetics" instead of "BB cream, 2 units, Brand X" causes customs delays. Be specific.
Ignoring destination restrictions: Each country prohibits different items. Check Korea Post's country-specific guidelines before packing.
Weekend shipping attempts: Most post offices close Saturdays and Sundays. Plan accordingly, especially for time-sensitive shipments.
Forgetting recipient phone number: Many countries require recipient contact information for delivery coordination. Include it on customs forms.
What You Can Learn
For foreigners sending packages from Korea:
- Convenience stores only handle domestic shipping—no international options exist through CU or GS25
- US-bound shipments face significant restrictions as of August 2025; use EMS Premium or private couriers
- Volumetric weight often exceeds actual weight for larger boxes, increasing costs unexpectedly
- Post office packing supplies are free with box purchase, saving money versus buying separately
The Korean postal system operates efficiently once you understand its structure. The key difference from some Western systems: convenience stores handle domestic parcels excellently but draw a hard line at international shipping. That separation keeps customs processing centralized and manageable, though it means an extra trip to the post office.
Korea Post continues adapting to international shipping policy changes, particularly US customs requirements. Check their English website (koreapost.go.kr/eng) or call 1588-1300 for current restrictions before packing valuable or time-sensitive items.