Korean Job Discussion Forums

Patrick Murtha · Joined: 23 Mar 2010

I am finishing my year here in Korea, and I'm moving on to a university job in Mexico, which I'm really excited about. I'll have a few boxes of books, DVDs, extra clothing, and miscellaneous personal effects to ship to Mexico -- not too many, maybe 5 to 8 medium-sized boxes altogether. Would the Korean postal service be my best bet, or are there any outfits that can handle moderately sized shipments like mine at a fairly reasonable price?

Thanks in advance for any insights.

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

I found the Korean postal service to be quite adequate in sending my stuff. It seemed a reasonable price. This was a few years ago, so I don't know if there are cheaper options.

sheriffadam · Joined: 10 May 2010 Location: Busan

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

Korea post.
Surface mail.
Number 5 boxes (buy them at the post office).
Mexico is in Zone 4

http://kpn.koreapost.go.kr/eng/sub/subpage.jsp?contId=e1010605
scroll down for surface mail/parcels (2nd table).

58k won for 20kg (44lbs). Less for smaller weights.

Make sure you tape the boxes well (especially down and along the corners!)

.

Captain Corea · Joined: 28 Feb 2005 Location: Seoul

A friend was getting quotes on shipping by container (for those looking to send more).

And apparently 3 cubic meters starts at 1.4m won. Shocked

OiGirl · Joined: 23 Jan 2003 Location: Hoke-y-gun

Have you checked out Mexican customs? I got seriously dinged while doing the same thing. If any package has anything "Made in China," (even used!) they could choose to charge ridiculously high customs fees. I just abandoned several packages. Might it be possible to have things shipped to the nearest US border town?

Patrick Murtha · Joined: 23 Mar 2010

Thanks everyone. I think I'll use the Korean postal service, it seems the best way to go.

As for the Mexican customs fees, I'll look into that. I won't be sending any electronics or "Made in China" items, just my clothing, books, DVDs, maybe some personal papers. I think that's it. But I'll certainly ask the director who hired me for the new university job what to expect. I'll need to know anyway, so that later I can bring my stuff in storage in the U.S. down to Mexico.

ktkates87 · Joined: 13 Apr 2010 Location: Busan

Can anyone comment on how long it takes for the parcel to arrive to its destination? I'm pretty sure I'll be shipping home a few things come september to Canada.

ttompatz · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Location: Kwangju, South Korea

suprd3vil · Joined: 14 Jun 2009 Location: Sindorim, Seoul

Patrick Murtha · Joined: 23 Mar 2010

A few quick follow-up questions for anyone who might know:

(1) Is it possible to track packages through the Korean postal service? I'd like to be able to check the progress of the packages online, if possible.

(2) When sending a medium-sized box such as I have referred to earlier, I imagine that you have to fill out a customs form, correct? Since the items are personal, clothing and books but no new merchandise, is it OK to declare them as having no monetary value, in order to keep incoming customs fees low?

(3) But of course if you choose to insure the package, you would have to declare a value, and that would push the customs fees back up?

Triban · Joined: 14 Jul 2009 Location: Suwon Station

I'm sorry but every time I read this (10 times now) I do a double take because I think it says

"SHIPPING BELONGS TO KOREA!"