While in Korea

Shipping Items Abroad

With her first month’s salary earned from her new job in Korea, Huong plans to buy and ship gifts to her parents in Vietnam. Her friends in Korea explain to her how to use the Korea Post, the nation’s postal service, to send things abroad.

Written by • Kim Young Deok Translated by • Lee Jihae
Illustrated by • Yuhaill

PedroCongratulations on getting your first paycheck, Huong.

HuongThank you. I couldn’t have done it without you guys. You’ve helped me settle in Korea so much.

JessieSo what will do with your first paycheck?

Huong I want to send to my parents gifts that represent Korea. But I’ve never shipped anything internationally from Korea. What can I do?

Su-hyeonDon’t worry. We'll help you.

PedroThat’s right. I've sent parcels and mail abroad since living in Korea, so I can definitely help.

PedroI recommend sending stuff through EMS (Express Mail Service). It’s international express shipping offered by the Korea Post that’s safe and fast.

Su-hyeon Wow, Pedro, you know a lot about this.

JesiseHow do you use it?

PedroFirst, check which countries EMS delivers to. The relevant link is https://www.epost.go.kr/main/eng/Enpost_ Introduction1.html. If the country you want to ship to doesn’t use EMS, you can also see if it uses EMS Premium.

Su-hyeonThat’s right. EMS ships to 31 countries and EMS Premium to another 182, or a total of 213 countries.

HuongOh, I see. What should I remember when sending a package?

PedroJust make sure that the country you’re sending something to hasn't banned anything in your package. Prohibited items include explosives, combustibles, sprays and shampoo, as well as decomposable foods such as kimchi, medicinal herbs and perishable foods like gochujang (spicy red pepper paste). You also cannot send Korean currency, not even KRW 1,000.

Su-hyeonIf your package has prohibited items even if you didn’t know they were banned, inspectors will prevent them from being loaded on a plane and send them back to you.

JessieI knew weapons and drugs were prohibited, but not these items. This is all news to me.