Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jstubley80]

Ok, so I know this is a bloody daft idea but I'm considering shipping my car from the UK to SK. I've had a quote that seems reasonable from a shipping company, but I was curious as to the particulars of actually getting the beast on the road if/when it arrived.

Anyone had experience of doing something as stupid as this? What's the process? What's the deal with insurance and road tax? Is there and equivalent to the MoT?

I'm well aware that I could just get a cheap runabout when I land, but I'm really quite attached to my motor!

Thanks in advance for your input, ladies and gents.

[Chokse]

I don't know what the duty and registration fees will be on it, but I do know that you'll have to bring it to Incheon to have it tested for emissions and noise before you can get it registered (necessary for all imported cars in Korea, even ones you buy new here). The test (more than one) is about 800,000 won and takes about 4-6 hours depending on how busy they are.

[nathanrutledge]

go to the korean customs website.

It's either 10% (which is what I just found) or 30% (which I saw a while back).

Either way, its high.

[jstubley80]

[jstubley80]

[tegu]

its 32% or more.

if your car isnt perfectly clean emissions and low noise, it will not pass the tests

testing is only 800,000 - but mods, insurance, towing costs about $2k-$5k before plates.. then there is a car bond, and 7% tax.

Only way to get old cars in is 이사집..moving articles.. you have to live overseas with a visa (koreans only) for 6 months and bring it back with them

just buy a pos here, much cheaper

[orosee]

[Chokse]

You don't have to have any towing. Any car, whether tested or not, gets a 60 day temporary registration during which time you can drive it around the country for any tests you might need.

That being said, it is unlikely your car will pass the emissions and sound test. It is too old. Look around. How many old or classic cars do you see in Korea? This is the land of Hyundai and Kia. The K-gov wants you to buy a new (Korean) car. This is why they put all the restrictions on foreign cars. Korean cars don't have to go through the emissions and sound test that foreign cars do. This is an example of the artificial trade barriers that the EU has been complaining about recently.

[jstubley80]

Yeah..

This is all pretty much as I suspected but, being the stubborn type, I guess hearing it from folks in the know has done it for me.

I've now sold my car, and I am gutted!

Thanks for the advice, folks.