Ocean Freight to South Korea

Shipping ocean freight to South Korea opens your business to one of Asia's most dynamic and export-oriented markets, with world-class port infrastructure, advanced manufacturing bases, and strategic access to Northeast Asia and global supply chains.

Why Ship to South Korea with iContainers?

South Korea is a global logistics hub and industrial powerhouse. Whether you're shipping from Asia, Europe, North America or elsewhere, iContainers gives you easy access to shipping solutions into South Korea's major ports.

A High-Growth & Supply Chain-Driven Destination

• South Korea has sustained strong export and import activity, anchored by sectors like electronics, automotive, chemicals, steel and textiles.
• Its port network handles massive container volumes, enabling efficient global connectivity.
• For importers, this means access to a sophisticated market, and for exporters it means strong final-destination demand.

Flexible FCL & LCL Options

Via iContainers you can choose the most appropriate mode for your shipment size and budget:

• FCL (Full Container Load) for large-scale shipments.
• LCL (Less than Container Load) for smaller volumes or trial shipments.

Transparent Digital Quoting & Korean-Market Support

• Instant online quotes covering Atlantic / Pacific origins delivered to Korean ports.
• Clear visibility of cost breakdowns, transit times, and Korean destination handling.
• Support for Korean customs & logistics procedures.

Ocean Freight Services to South Korea

FCL Shipping to South Korea

Ideal when you have a full container's worth of cargo (e.g., industrial equipment, full SKU sets, retail-ready shipments). Enables better control, faster handling and simplified logistics.

LCL Shipping to South Korea

Best for smaller loads, startups testing the Korean market, mixed SKU shipments or when cost flexibility is a priority.

Shipping Costs to South Korea

What Influences Your Ocean Freight Cost?

Key cost-drivers for shipments into South Korea include:

• Origin region and route (Asia/Pacific vs Europe/North America)
• Container type & size (20′, 40′, 40′HC, reefer, special equipment)
• Destination port (see below) and inland haulage to final Korean consignee
• Terminal handling, surcharges, currency/fuel adjustments
• Seasonality and global container capacity shifts

Using iContainers, you receive full cost transparency and can plan accordingly.

Transit Times to South Korea

Typical Transit Durations

• From East Asia origins: relatively short transit times thanks to proximity.
• From Europe or North America: transit times depend on routing and transshipment points.

Factors That Affect Delivery Speed

• Number of transshipments or via ports
• Port congestion at major Korean ports
• Destination handling and customs clearance
• Inland transport to final delivery point

Main Ports in South Korea

South Korea offers multiple advanced container ports, providing flexibility and reliability.

Port of Busan

Located at the mouth of the Nakdong River in Busan, this port is Korea's largest container port and a major Northeast Asian hub. It handles a very high share of Korea's container volume.

Port of Gwangyang

Another deep-water port facility designed to accommodate large vessels and heavy industrial flows.

Port of Incheon / Port of Seoul

Important gateways for northern Korea and logistics hubs for the Seoul metro region and NW provinces.

Choosing the Right Port

• Match origin → port routing (e.g., Asia → Busan; Europe / Americas may prefer Gwangyang or Incheon)
• Consider final inland destination within Korea
• Evaluate cost vs transit time trade-offs
• Assess carrier service availability and container equipment at each port

How to Book Your Shipment to South Korea

Required Documents

Typical required documents include:

• Commercial Invoice & Packing List
• Bill of Lading / Sea Waybill
• HS codes and accurate cargo description
• Any certificates required for specific goods (e.g., electronics, chemicals)
• Consignee / importer registration for Korea

Customs & Import Overview

• Accurate cargo descriptions and valuations are required by Korean customs.
• Some goods may need additional permits or certifications under Korean regulation.
• Ensuring correct documentation helps avoid delays at port and inland delivery.

Step-by-Step Booking Process

• Request an online quote via iContainers (origin → South Korea, service type, cargo details)
• Compare rates, transit times, ports, and container types
• Upload required documentation and confirm booking
• Arrange container pickup and loading at origin
• Track the shipment's ocean transit and Korean port arrival
• Customs clearance in Korea and inland delivery to consignee
• Final delivery to your warehouse, store or distribution point