Korean Job Discussion Forums

poet13 · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 2:03 am Post subject: Cost of shipping into Korea?

I put this in general cause it's related to living here.....

Has anybody shipped (by SHIP) stuff here, and if so, for used household and personal stuff, did Korean customs levy a tax on your gear?

If you haven't, but now of someone who has, or if you have a link, can you share?

Thinking of moving my family here in the fall...so starting the research now.

Thank you.

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

I know the Demophobe paid for a half shipping container several years ago from Canada. I think he said it cost a bit over 1 million won. You might want to contact him for details.

Riddzy · Joined: 06 Sep 2004 Location: London

I sent 25kg of stuff from London - Incheon for 145 pounds via a shipping company. (about 280,000 won?)

Actually, that was by air, come to think of it. But I wasn't taxed and there was no hassle at all picking it up from the airport.

pkang0202 · Joined: 09 Mar 2007

I'm getting shipped a lot of clothes from the US. Basically, my entire spring/summer wardrobe. Once I get the package, I'll let you know the exact dimensions and weight.

All I know is that it was sent 4-6 weeks delivery and was only $50.

Shipping stuff to Korea isn't that bad. Its just a matter of how long you are willing to wait for it.

poet13 · Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2007 6:18 am Post subject:

I will PM demophobe. Thank you for that.
I'm not worried about the wait.
I know shipping goes by volume, so I'm not worried about the weight.
My only real concern is the possibility of getting taxed on personal stuff.
I know that might sound silly, but as an example, when I moved to the Philippines, I shipped two sets of used golf clubs. One was considered personal, and I paid about 20% new value tax (+400US$) on the other. Philippines import customs was actually really tight. I was VERY diligent in my labelling, so when a box said 82 ties and 24 dress shirts, it had 82 ties and 24 dress shirts. I don't need much here, maybe 3 or 4 cubic meters, but I worry about a big fat customs tax on this end.

Anybody else?

Sash · Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Location: farmland

bumping this up in case anyone has some more info.

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:15 am Post subject:

It all depends on what you're shipping. Desktop computers are 20%, laptops are 10%, and I believe my digital camera/camcorders were charged 15%, as was my 2TB HDD. Used books and used CDs/DVDs are not charged. Clothing shouldn't be either. (Rates quoted were correct as of early-2006)

Way years ago (probably too long ago to be relevant now) I shipped a steamer trunk, about 1/2 cubic meter in size, and I only paid 120,000 (nothing but clothes and books and CDs)

Regardless of what is shipped, Duty is also placed on the SHIPPING CHARGE.

poet13 · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 1:45 am Post subject:

Duty on the shipping charge? What a gouge! Laughing

No computers. My wifes is ancient and not worth the space. One camera, but that is hand carry. Some old textbooks, some software cds. Going to ditch my entire collection of ripped off movies and music. Almost 2000 cds.
-Ah, dvd player, amplifier, and two custom speakers, 450 freaky-high quality watts a side. I'll have receipts prepared for 50 bucks apiece. Heavy as hell, but only about 90 centimeters tall.
-What percentage did they tag you for Data Storage Units? I have two that are pretty small, and only hold a TB between them.
-What about furniture? I only have one piece that I really want to keep.
-Pots and pans and kitchen ware? Full pro set of Calphalon and henckel knives. Maybe 3,000 dollars, but well used.

Anybodies experience shared is welcome.

Thanks.

Sash · Joined: 08 Aug 2006 Location: farmland

Does anyone know the rate of taxes customs will charge for clothing?
I ordered a little less than $300 and was wondering if I should split it into two shipments. You don't get charged if it's less than $150 I think (including tax)? Does that include shipping too?

keseki · Joined: 22 Mar 2007

what if you're shipping your desktop computer that was purchased in NA and is not new? there shouldnt be any duty on that....

how do you prove to them that its not a new purchase??

Young FRANKenstein · Posted: Mon Apr 16, 2007 7:38 am Post subject:

kat2 · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Location: Busan, South Korea

You get a 90 day (I think!) waiver on a lot of things if you can prove that it is used and part of your household goods. They count it as moving, not importing. We had to show the entrance stamp on our passport to get our dog through without tax. Can you just all customs?