South Korea
KR · KOR
As of: 7/18/2026
Exportnation / See- und Luftfracht-Hub Ostasien
Capital: Seoul
RCEP / WTO (zahlreiche Freihandelsabkommen)SeeLuftStrasseSchieneImport VAT: 10 Prozent Standard-MwSt (VAT) auf EinfuhrenCustoms: mittelRisk: gering bis mittelPharma/Cold Chain: hochDangerous Goods: hochE-Commerce: hoch
Overview
South Korea (KR) is a leading export nation and one of East Asia's key sea and air freight hubs. The country belongs to no customs union but is closely integrated into world trade through numerous free trade agreements (EU-Korea, KORUS with the US, RCEP). Customs clearance is fully electronic via the Korea Customs Service's UNI-PASS system, and import VAT is 10 percent. The main gateways are Incheon Airport (ICN), one of the world's largest air cargo hubs, and the seaports of Busan, Incheon and Gwangyang, with Busan serving as a global transshipment centre. Inland, the Gyeongbu Expressway and Gyeongbu rail line (Seoul-Busan) connect the core economic regions, complemented by the KTX network. The trade profile is dominated by semiconductors, vehicles, ships and petrochemical products; the main partner countries are China, the US, Vietnam and Japan.
Mentioned countries
Area100,210 km²
Population51,690,000
CurrencySouth Korean Won (KRW)
Economic areaRCEP / WTO (zahlreiche Freihandelsabkommen)
ContinentAsien
ReligionsKonfessionslos, Christentum, Buddhismus
ISO codeKR / KOR
Customs & Import/Export
Customs authority
Korea Customs Service (KCS)Import system
Elektronische Zollabwicklung über UNI-PASS der Korea Customs Service; nahezu papierlose Einfuhranmeldung inkl. Online-Zahlung von Zoll und Steuern.
Export system
Ausfuhranmeldung ebenfalls über UNI-PASS; überwiegend zollfreie Ausfuhr, vollelektronische Abwicklung durch die Korea Customs Service.
Import VAT
- 10 Prozent Standard-MwSt (VAT) auf Einfuhren
- zusätzlich mögliche Verbrauchssteuer auf bestimmte Luxusgüter.
Customs complexitymittel
Import documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Frachtbrief (B/L oder AWB)
- Einfuhranmeldung (UNI-PASS)
- Ursprungsnachweis (bei FTA)
Export documents
- Handelsrechnung
- Packliste
- Ausfuhranmeldung (UNI-PASS)
- Ursprungserklärung (FTA)
- Frachtbrief
Origin proofs / FTA
FTA-Ursprungsnachweise (EU-Korea, KORUS, RCEP): Ursprungserklärung bzw. Selbstzertifizierung durch Ausführer; unter KORUS kein vorgeschriebenes Formular.
Restricted & prohibited goods
Beschränkt/verboten: Waffen, Drogen, gefälschte Waren, bestimmte Agrar- und Quarantänegüter; strenge Kontrollen bei Lebensmitteln und Pharma.
Export controls & sanctions
Kontrolle strategischer Güter nach Foreign Trade Act (MOTIE/KOSTI): Genehmigung für Dual-Use- und Militärgüter; UN- und nationale Sanktionen gegen Nordkorea.
Without warranty — always verify with freight forwarder/customs agent and official authorities.
Customs / Import / Export (Asia) — General process
Quick operational overview for international shipments to Asia. Product requirements, certificates, and clearance processes can vary significantly by destination.
Documents (typical)
Process (simplified)
- Prepare export (docs, HS code, origin)
- Import clearance in destination country (declaration, possible checks)
- Release and delivery; duties/taxes according to classification and value
Important: Requirements depend on goods, origin, Incoterms, value, and consignee. When in doubt, confirm with your broker/forwarder and official sources.
Official links
Note: regional/general sources. Country-specific authority links will be added iteratively.
Trade
Freight Infrastructure & Transport Network
Transport relevance
Air
highSea
highRoad
highRail
mediumInland Waterway
n/aCargo airports
- Incheon (ICN)
- Gimhae/Busan (PUS)
- Gimpo (GMP)
Seaports / access ports
- Busan
- Incheon
- Gwangyang
- Ulsan
- Pyeongtaek
Road corridors & border crossings
- Gyeongbu-Expressway (Seoul-Busan)
- Seohaean-Expressway (Westkueste)
Rail corridors
- Gyeongbu-Linie (Seoul-Busan)
- Honam-Linie
- KTX-Netz
Top trade lanes
- Suedkorea-China
- Suedkorea-USA
- Suedkorea-Vietnam
- Suedkorea-EU
- Suedkorea-Japan
Risk & Operational Notes
Logistics riskgering bis mittel
Customs delay riskgering
Port congestion riskmittel
Risk notes
Moderne Infrastruktur und effiziente Zollabwicklung; Hauptrisiken sind geopolitische Spannungen mit Nordkorea und saisonale Taifune. Busan zeitweise stark ausgelastet.
Seasonal & weather risks
Taifun-Saison (Juli bis September) mit Starkregen; Monsun (Jangma) im Frühsommer; kalte, teils schneereiche Winter.
Current logistics notes
Südkorea ist viertgrösster Container-Umschlagplatz weltweit (rund 30,0 Mio. TEU 2024); Busan bleibt zentrales Transshipment-Drehkreuz Nordostasiens. Keine landesweite Störung verifiziert (Stand 2026-07-18).
As of: 2026-07-18
Operational notes – no claim to completeness. Verify with your freight forwarder and official sources.
Public holidays
As of: Jul 18, 2026
| Date | Holiday | Type | Customs closed | Transport affected | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | National | |||
| Feb 16, 2026 | Seollal (Lunar New Year Holiday) | National | Part of the three-day Seollal holidays (16–18 Feb 2026): nationwide standstill, customs and ports operate at heavily reduced capacity. | ||
| Feb 17, 2026 | Seollal (Lunar New Year) | National | Main day of the Korean Lunar New Year; nationwide standstill of business and logistics. | ||
| Feb 18, 2026 | Seollal (Lunar New Year Holiday) | National | Final day of the three-day Seollal holidays; operations resume only afterwards. | ||
| Mar 1, 2026 | Independence Movement Day | National | |||
| May 5, 2026 | Children's Day | National | |||
| May 24, 2026 | Buddha's Birthday | National | |||
| Jun 6, 2026 | Memorial Day | National | |||
| Aug 15, 2026 | Liberation Day | National | |||
| Sep 24, 2026 | Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Holiday) | National | Part of the three-day Chuseok holidays (24–26 Sep 2026): one of the year's largest travel and standstill periods. | ||
| Sep 25, 2026 | Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) | National | Main day of Korean Thanksgiving; nationwide standstill of business and logistics. | ||
| Sep 26, 2026 | Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Holiday) | National | Final day of the three-day Chuseok holidays; operations resume only afterwards. | ||
| Oct 3, 2026 | National Foundation Day | National | |||
| Oct 9, 2026 | Hangeul Day | National | |||
| Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | National |
New Year's Day
Jan 1, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Seollal (Lunar New Year Holiday)
Feb 16, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Part of the three-day Seollal holidays (16–18 Feb 2026): nationwide standstill, customs and ports operate at heavily reduced capacity.
Seollal (Lunar New Year)
Feb 17, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Main day of the Korean Lunar New Year; nationwide standstill of business and logistics.
Seollal (Lunar New Year Holiday)
Feb 18, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Final day of the three-day Seollal holidays; operations resume only afterwards.
Independence Movement Day
Mar 1, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Children's Day
May 5, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Buddha's Birthday
May 24, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Memorial Day
Jun 6, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Liberation Day
Aug 15, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Holiday)
Sep 24, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Part of the three-day Chuseok holidays (24–26 Sep 2026): one of the year's largest travel and standstill periods.
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
Sep 25, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Main day of Korean Thanksgiving; nationwide standstill of business and logistics.
Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Holiday)
Sep 26, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Final day of the three-day Chuseok holidays; operations resume only afterwards.
National Foundation Day
Oct 3, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Hangeul Day
Oct 9, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Christmas Day
Dec 25, 2026
Customs closedTransport affected
Sources: Regulations on National Holidays (KR) / timeanddate · Regulations on National Holidays (KR) / timeanddate
Tolls & charges
As of: Jul 18, 2026
Autobahn-Maut (Expressway Tolls)
Distance-basedOperator: Korea Expressway Corporation (KEC)
car, truck, articulated
Distance-based tolls on the national expressways operated by the Korea Expressway Corporation. Payment at toll plazas or electronically via the Hi-Pass system (OBU optional). Rates depend on vehicle class and distance travelled.
Sources: Korea Expressway Corporation
Airports in this country
Gimhae International Airport
PUS · Busan
Gimpo International Airport
GMP · Seoul
Incheon International Airport
ICN · Incheon
Jeju International Airport
CJU · Jeju City
Muan International Airport
MWX · Muan (Piseo-ri)
Cheongju International Airport/Cheongju Air Base (K-59/G-513)
CJJ · Cheongju
Daegu Airport
TAE · Daegu
Gangneung Airport (K-18)
KAG · Gangneung
Gunsan Airport / Gunsan Air Base
KUV · Gunsan
Gwangju Airport
KWJ · Gwangju
Jeongseok Airport
JDG · Jeju Island
Jungwon Air Base/Chungju Airport
JWO · Gimseang-ro
Seaports in this country
Popular Transit Time Routes
Latest News
More content for this country
As content becomes available, additional information and articles will automatically appear here.
Sources & Data Confidence
hochVerified: 2026-07-18
Official sources
- customs.go.kr, motie.go.kr, kosis.kr
Source references without warranty. For legal/tax decisions consult official authorities.
FAQ
What is the import VAT rate in South Korea?
The standard VAT rate is 10 percent on imports. Certain luxury and consumer goods may also be subject to an additional excise tax.
Which customs system does South Korea use?
The Korea Customs Service processes imports and exports fully electronically via the UNI-PASS system, including online payment of duties and taxes.
Which free trade agreements does South Korea have?
South Korea has numerous FTAs, including the EU-Korea FTA (since 2011), KORUS with the US (since 2012) and RCEP. These grant tariff preferences when origin rules are met.
What is South Korea's most important port?
Busan, handling about 24.4 million TEU (2024), is the country's largest port and one of the world's leading transshipment hubs.
How important is Incheon Airport for air cargo?
Incheon (ICN) handled about 2.95 million tonnes of air cargo in 2024 and ranks among the world's three largest cargo airports.
Are there export controls for strategic goods?
Yes. Under the Foreign Trade Act, dual-use and military goods require a licence (MOTIE/KOSTI). UN and national sanctions against North Korea also apply.
What seasonal transport risks exist?
Typhoons with heavy rain occur between July and September; the monsoon (Jangma) in early summer. Winters can be cold and snowy.
Which trade partners are important for South Korea?
Which logistics terms are especially relevant for South Korea?
For international shipments, these terms are a good quick start:
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