Korean Job Discussion Forums

[shivasirons]

Hello,

Someone please give me the lowdown on shipping a car from the U.S. Should I just buy a used beater here? TIA.

[sheriffadam]

Depends how long you'll be here for.

But really unless your US military (which you're not) just buy one here.

[fugitive chicken]

public transportation is dirt cheap here too. It probably won't be worth it in my opinion. I would also never drive on the roads here....traffic laws are kind of bendable here...I've witnessed far too many accidents to justify driving anything here.

Although many people will disagree with me, I just don't trust Korean roads. It's always busy and there are too many helmetless motorcyclists, insane taxi drivers, and pushy buses on the roads here.

[shivasirons]

First, thanks for the replies.

Second, who knows, but I'll be here probably for at least 1-2 years, possibly 5 years. For some of that time (don't know how long), I will be in a small town/village (not one of the major cities). Right now, the primary reason is to drive to and from Gyeonggi-do on selected weekends (or at least have the option). Also, not having a car and relying on public transportation during my-almost-first year here in the suburbs of Seoul has made me weary. Finally, while I agree with the level of craziness on the roads, I won't suffer greatly since I will, for the most part, avoid Seoul and am a good driver.

Third, can anyone enumerate the approximate costs for me, e.g. shipping, duties, other(?) OR give me some links to check out for myself? This way, I can better determine if it is worth it or not. The car I wish to bring is my '96 Camry (some dings, but runs like a champ) from back home.

Finally, yes, I've searched. The one argumentative thread I found was only a bit helpful. I will call on some customs brokers, but I wanted some further input.

[Steelrails]

Related to this, any info on leasing a car here? My lazy search turned up nothing so I decided to go to a forum and post a question rather than search till my fingers go numb.

[sheriffadam]

What you have to be fair isn't a great car, I'd only import something special, its just not worth it, cars here are cheap enough.

Save yourself the hassle! You can walk in and buy a car drive home the same day, no fuss.

[hellofaniceguy]

Been their, done that....you'll also have to pay import taxes...and expect to pay around 4-5K for shipping from Long Beach.

[itaewonguy]

buy the car here.. your car is japanese you will be paying higher taxes twice a year for ownership on a foreign car..
shipping is around 3000dollars.. depending on the blue book value of your car depends on your taxes.. but look around 30%...

you can buy a nice korean car 10 years old for 2 grand...
cheap insurance and road taxes because its a local car...

[djsmnc]

The last thing I'd ever want here is a car, but I live in Seoul. Actually, this isn't even the thread to post this in. Carry on!

[goingtothecountry]

Driving in Seoul is such a pain in the butt. People honking at you every other second, bumper to bumper traffic, GPS systems I just can't understand and once you get out of the center of Seoul, those road bumps they have just about on every street. And sometimes they fake you out with just painted on road bumps...

[Steve_Rogers2008]

the best driving exp. I had for Korea was when I went to Disneyland and rode 'Mr Toad's Wild Ride.'