South Korea, e-commerce and logistics

South Korea has one of the largest e-commerce markets in the world

Find out why South Korea might be your next destination for selling online goods and what’s the best, cheapest and quickest way to send your packages there.

Image of N Seoul Tower

Why ship to South Korea?

As the biggest retail channel in Korea, e-commerce is a vital element of the entire consumer market. This may come as little surprise when you consider that South Korea’s tech-savvy consumer market has a high internet usage rate of 94%. 1 In fact, retail e-commerce volume is only expected to keep increasing in the years ahead.

  • 100%
    Online shopping usage among consumers in their 20s
  • 3%
    Annual online sales growth

[Stats taken from: https://www.statista.com/topics/2529/e-commerce-in-south-korea/#topicOverview]

The e-commerce landscape

Internet shopping is especially popular among South Koreans under 40. It appeals to 98% of the population between the ages of 20 and 39. 2 On the whole, consumers tend to shop online for food & beverages, household appliances and clothes. In June 2024, the most popular online shopping platform was Coupang.com, overtaking G-market which is owned by eBay. It is especially known for its fast next-day delivery service. 3

Opportunities

Online purchases from foreign retailers have rapidly increased in recent years because Koreans find lower prices on overseas e-commerce platforms even after adding-in international shipping fees and import duties.

South Korea’s e-commerce market reached $230 billion in 2024 4

Top selling categories in South Korea 5

  1. Food & drinks
  2. Travel
  3. Clothing & footwear
  4. Accommodation
  5. Electrical goods
  6. Health & beauty
  7. Entertainment

Logistics

Ensuring fast and cheap deliveries of your online goods to South Korea should not be a challenge. South Korea is a prominent player in global logistics, particularly due to its strategic location and well-developed infrastructure, including major ports and airports. Key logistics hubs include Incheon International Airport and the Port of Busan, facilitating the movement of goods internationally. Domestic express delivery is also well-established with companies like Korean Post Office, CJ Express, and Lotte Global Logistics.

The essentials

Transit Times 5-7 working days
Maximum Dimensions 100cm x 43cm x 43cm
Maximum Weight 20kg
Maximum Content Value 150,000 USD
Low value limit 150,000 KRW
VAT 10% - varies based on product - applicable on total custom value above
Duty Variable based on product HS codes

Good to know

South Korean consumers usually value convenience, and being offered various shopping methods can meet this demand. Omnichannel retailing offers multiple potential touchpoints to consumers, allowing for a smoother consumer experience.

What our experts say

“South Korea boasts a mature retail market that is a hotspot for e-commerce. Plus, cross-border e-commerce is still growing. Selling and shipping to South Korea has never been easier!”

Simon Perkins, Commercial Director, SAMOS.

For more information on cheap and fast parcel delivery to South Korea, get in touch today

1. https://www.statista.com/topics/2529/e-commerce-in-south-korea/#topicOverview

2. https://www.statista.com/topics/2529/e-commerce-in-south-korea/#topicOverview

3. https://www.statista.com/topics/2529/e-commerce-in-south-korea/#topicOverview

4. https://paymentscmi.com/insights/south-korea-e-commerce-market-data/

5. https://paymentscmi.com/insights/south-korea-e-commerce-market-data/