Sending to South Korea: at a glance
- Duty-free limit
- USD 150 per shipment (USD 200 only for US-origin goods under KORUS).
- Tax above the limit
- Above USD 150: customs duty plus 10% VAT; ask the courier for the duty rate on your goods.
- Used personal items
- Assume there is no special relief for used personal items sent by post or courier; the ordinary parcel thresholds apply.
- Put in the parcel
- Invoice with item values
- Recipient's personal customs clearance ID if requested by the courier
These are the usual rules. Customs and courier rules can change at any time, so confirm with Korea Customs Service before sending.
Korea Customs ServiceWhat can you usually send?
MedicinesUsually limited
- Medicines (including herbal): Excluded from simplified informal entry; controlled medications need a personal-import permit handled through Korean regulators.
Vapes and e-cigarettesUsually limited
- Vape / e-cigarette: May be prohibited by post or courier or need a declaration or permit; check with Korea Customs before sending.
Anything not listed here (clothes, bags, toys, your own used things) usually follows the standard parcel rules and the duty-free limit above.
Send it yourself
- Ask the office holding it whether they post items, or who may collect it for you (a written authorisation and a copy of your ID).
- Someone collects it and packs it securely.
- Book a courier with a clear description and value; outside the EU it needs electronic customs data.
- The receiver pays any import duty or tax on arrival.
Offices usually work Greek office hours, and staff may answer in Greek. A service we recommend can make the calls and handle the pickup for you.
Rather not do it yourself? Couriers we recommend
Ask whether they can collect it from the office that has it, pack it and send it, and help with the customs paperwork. Ask for the price first.
Family-run Athens courier since 1988. Sends parcels within Greece and abroad, helps with customs clearance, and can store extra bags for travellers and deliver them later. Ask for a price on their website.
We recommend services we think are useful; some may pay us a fee if you book. Prices and terms are set by the service, so check them before you book.
More details
In short
Personal imports up to USD 150 per shipment are exempt from duty and VAT; above that, duty and 10% VAT apply.
Good to know
- Check customs.go.kr before shipping.