Asia PacificShipping Heavy Equipment to South Korea
South Korea is a major industrial economy with strong manufacturing, construction, and mining sectors. The Port of Busan is one of the world's busiest and most efficient.
Main Ports
- Port of Busan
- Port of Incheon
Shipping Methods
- RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off)
- Flat Rack Container
- Breakbulk
Key Regulations
- Korea Customs Service
- Korean Standards (KS)
- Quarantine Requirements
Common Cargo
- Industrial Machinery
- Construction Equipment
- Manufacturing Equipment
Main Ports in South Korea
Port of Busan
Major Seaport
Port of Incheon
Major Seaport
Shipping Routes & Transit Times to South Korea
| From (US Port) | To | Service | Est. Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles / Long Beach | Port of Busan | Container / RoRo | 14–22 days |
| Houston, TX | Busan / Incheon | Breakbulk / Container | 28–38 days |
Transit times are indicative port-to-port estimates and vary by carrier, season, and sailing schedule.
U.S. Departure Ports for Shipping to South Korea
We ship to South Korea (Port of Busan) from every major U.S. port. Typical ocean transit is 14-22 days.
Gulf Coast
East Coast
Import Duty, VAT & Taxes for South Korea
Under the KORUS free-trade agreement, US-origin vehicles enter at 0% customs duty with a valid certificate of origin (otherwise 8%). On top sit an individual consumption tax (5% under 2,000cc), a 30% education surtax on that, and 10% VAT, applied cumulatively. Left-hand-drive only.
- Import Duty
- 0% (US origin under KORUS with CoO; 8% otherwise)
- VAT / Sales Tax
- 10%
- Other Taxes & Fees
- Individual consumption tax 5% (≤2,000cc) + 30% education surtax; ~7% acquisition tax on registration
Source: Korea Customs Service (KORUS FTA) · Last verified: June 2026
Used Vehicle & Equipment Age Limits
No fixed age limit, but left-hand-drive only and the vehicle must pass KOTSA safety and NIER emissions inspections to register.
Source: Korea Customs Service / KOTSA · Last verified: June 2026
Import Regulations & Requirements
Korea Customs Service
Modern electronic customs system with efficient processing procedures.
Korean Standards (KS)
Certain equipment may need to meet Korean Industrial Standards.
Quarantine Requirements
Used equipment requires cleaning and may be subject to quarantine inspection.
Required Documentation
Customs & Clearance Notes for South Korea
- Provide a KORUS certificate of origin to claim 0% duty — it also lowers the consumption-tax and VAT base.
- Busan is the main gateway; emissions and safety inspections are required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan your shipment to South Korea
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