🇰🇷 Moving from the US to South Korea: Logistics, Customs & Relocation Guide.
Korea grants duty exemption on household goods imported within six months of arrival, provided you can evidence an intended stay of more than one year and hold a Personal Customs Clearance Code.
Average shipping cost
from $5,000
Door-to-door, 20ft FCL entry point
Transit timeline
4–6 weeks
Ocean freight 12–18 days to Busan or Incheon
Major ports of entry
Busan
Busan · Incheon · Pyeongtaek
South Korea customs & Transfer of Residence: step by step
Required registration: Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCCC)
- 1
Register a PCCC before the vessel arrives
The Personal Customs Clearance Code links the shipment to you. Clearance cannot start without it.
- 2
Import within the six-month window
Goods arriving more than six months after your entry date lose duty-exempt status and are assessed at market value.
- 3
Evidence a stay over one year
An employment contract, lease or long-term visa satisfies the intent test. Short assignments do not qualify.
- 4
Submit a detailed packing list
Korean Customs reviews line-item lists closely and inspects shipments with generic descriptions.
Import VAT avoided with relief
10%
Filed with Korea Customs Service via Household goods declaration with PCCC and evidence of intended stay over 12 months.
Primary visa pathways
- • E-7 Skilled Worker
- • E-2 Foreign Language Instructor
- • F-6 Marriage Visa
- • D-8 Corporate Investment
Fast Pacific sailings, Seoul tech economy and the Pyeongtaek military and contractor corridor.
Importing a vehicle into South Korea
Vehicles require emissions and safety certification from the Ministry of Environment and MOLIT before registration; older US-spec cars often fail emissions testing.
Calculate landed vehicle taxesPopular expat destinations in South Korea
| City | Profile | Cost index |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul | Largest expat base, high-rise elevator bookings essential | $$$ |
| Pyeongtaek | Military and contractor corridor, straightforward access | $$ |
| Busan | Port city, shortest inland leg, coastal housing | $$ |
| Incheon | Airport and free economic zone, modern apartment stock | $$ |