Korean Job Discussion Forums

sonicmatt · Joined: 04 Oct 2007

I am going to be going back home this summer for vacation and want to buy a desktop and bring it back with me. I was wondering if I would have to pay a tax on it when I get back to Korea? I'm assuming no but just want to make sure.

Troglodyte · Joined: 06 Dec 2009

Why would you want to cart around a desktop?

If you really want, strip it down and bring the components with you. Stick them in a new tower when you get here. It will be a lot easier. But really, I don't seem much point in even doing that. It's not like computers are that much cheaper back in the States. You can get custom made ones here easily enough.

sonicmatt · Joined: 04 Oct 2007

I was thinking about bringing a Mac over and with back to school sales going on I think it would be much cheaper than here.

PeteJB · Joined: 06 Jul 2007

I travel with my desktop all the time (stripped down with no case ofcourse). It raises a few eyebrows at customs and I usually have to take the stuff out, so it's advisable that you put your hardware in an easy to access part of your baggage.

yodanole · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Location: La Florida

I came back to the states and bought a HP desktop. Biggest mistake of my life since I was the inspiration for "Dog Day Afternoon".

It eats hard drives for breakfast.

SeoulNate · Joined: 04 Jun 2010 Location: Hyehwa

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

I HAVE carried desktops into and out of Korea.

Assuming it is used before you bring it in

Toss it into a suitcase. Pack it well. Hope the case doesn't take a hard hit (HDDs don't like the shocks).

Customs have never asked or checked (even when I inquired at the customs checkpoint going into Korea).

I am a foreigner and it is in my personal possessions as I pass through customs and I am expected to take it with me when I leave so there is no duty payable (just like a laptop or DSLR camera).

IF you sell or dispose of it then technically you are liable for the import duty on it but no-one ever checks to make sure that you export it with you when you leave.

Shipping it in means you are "importing it" and you will get hit with duties unless you can qualify for an exemption (educational materials?).

If it is NOT used and/or it IS in the original box you can expect raised eyebrows and you will probably have to pay import taxes.

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madoka · Joined: 27 Mar 2008

sonicmatt · Joined: 04 Oct 2007

Thanks for answering my questions. Will have to think about it more whether it's worth te risk to damaging the computer.