Ocean & Air Freight Shipping from South Korea to the United States

Shipping from South Korea to the United States is common for commercial cargo across electronics, automotive components, machinery, industrial equipment, and retail inventory. Because U.S. import requirements (and inspection risk) can vary by commodity and mode (air vs ocean), the fastest way to prevent delays is to align your shipping mode, document set, and importer readiness before booking.

On the macro level, U.S. goods and services trade with Korea totaled an estimated $239.6 billion in 2024. Source: USTR — Korea trade summary.

This page explains your freight options (ocean, air, and air express), typical transit time ranges, and the customs/documentation basics to plan before you ship from South Korea to the United States.

Korea–US Freight Options at a Glance

Shipping from South Korea to the United States usually involves choosing between ocean freight and air freight, depending on shipment size, urgency, and cost sensitivity.

• Ocean Freight: Most cost-efficient for large, heavy, or non-urgent cargo
• Air Freight: Faster option for time-sensitive or high-value shipments
• Air Express: Expedited, door-to-door service for parcels and small boxes

Most shippers compare speed, cost, and shipment volume before selecting a transport mode on this trade lane.

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From South Korea to the United States?

Shippers moving cargo from South Korea to the United States generally choose between three freight options:

Ocean Freight From South Korea to the United States

Ocean freight is the most cost-effective option for large or heavy shipments where transit time is flexible.

• FCL (Full Container Load): Ideal for full container volumes or regular shipments
• LCL (Less than Container Load): Suitable for smaller loads sharing container space

Learn more about container options in Ocean Freight FCL and Ocean Freight LCL.

Air Freight from South Korea to the United States

Air freight prioritizes speed and reliability and is commonly used for high-value, time-critical, or low-volume cargo. Pricing is typically based on chargeable weight (actual vs volumetric). You can estimate costs using the Air Freight Calculator.

Air Express from South Korea to the United States

Air express is designed for parcels, documents, and small shipments that require fast, door-to-door delivery with simplified handling. See how it compares in Air Express Shipping.

Korea–US Shipping Mode Comparison

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From South Korea to the United States?

When shipping cargo from South Korea to the United States, there are a few important factors that you need to keep in mind. The most significant cost element is the freight charge, which depends on both the weight and volume of your shipment as well as its destination. 

However, you also need to consider other expenses such as fuel surcharges, ocean freight container rentals or purchases, customs duties and taxes, port handling fees, insurance costs, customs broker fees, and export/import license requirements. 

To help you get an estimate of how much it will cost to ship cargo from South Korea to the US using ocean or air freight services, request a quote from your freight forwarder.

How long does it take to ship cargo from South Korea to the United States?

Transit times on the Korea–US trade lane vary significantly by transport mode:

• Air Freight: typically 2–8 business days, depending on routing, capacity, and customs processing
• Air Express: typically 1–5 business days for parcels and urgent shipments
• Ocean Freight: typically 10–20 days, depending on port pairs, vessel schedules, and inland connections

For lane-specific timing expectations and seasonal variability, use the Transit Time Calculator.

Customs Clearance in South Korea and the United States

Customs clearance applies to both air and ocean shipments moving between South Korea and the United States. While processing locations differ (airport vs seaport), core requirements are similar:

• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Correct HS codes and declared values
• Transport document (Air Waybill for air shipments, Bill of Lading for ocean shipments)
• Any required permits/approvals (commodity-dependent)

On the Korea side, customs processes are handled by the Korea Customs Service (KCS) and many e-filing workflows are associated with UNI-PASS. Sources: Korea Customs Service (KCS) — official portal and UNI-PASS — system overview.

On the U.S. side, import filings run through CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE). For vessel cargo, Importer Security Filing (ISF “10+2”) requirements may apply. See CBP — ACE and Automated Systems and CBP — Importer Security Filing (10+2).

For document examples and templates, review Air Freight Shipping Documents and the general Shipping Documents.

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Choose air freight when:

• Delivery speed is critical
• Cargo value is high relative to weight
• Stock-outs or production delays must be avoided

Choose ocean freight when:

• Cost optimization is the priority
• Cargo is heavy or bulky
• Transit time flexibility exists

Many businesses use ocean freight for planned inventory movements and air freight (or air express) for urgent or exception shipments on the same trade lane.

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in South Korea 

Port of Incheon

The Port of Incheon is the fourth-largest cargo port in South Korea and one of the busiest ports in Asia. The Port’s expansion project, which is known as Haemul Pungmul-gil, was completed in 2005 and includes a multi-purpose terminal, container terminal and fish market. This makes it easier for ships to stop at the port and carry out their business activities there.

Port of Busan

The Port of Busan is the fifth busiest container port in the world, handling over 20 million TEUs annually. The port is located in South Korea and is a major hub for shipping in Northeast Asia. The port offers excellent facilities and infrastructure, making it a popular choice for international shipping companies. The port is also home to a large number of warehouses and distribution centers, making it an important center for logistics in the region.

Port of Gwangyang

The Port of Gwangyang is a seaport located in the city of Gwangyang, South Korea. It is the country's second-largest seaport after the Port of Busan. The port serves as a gateway for trade and transportation between South Korea and other countries in East Asia.

The port has a deep water harbor that can accommodate large vessels. It is equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure to handle a variety of cargo. The port handles both containerized and bulk cargo, including crude oil, coal, and grains. The Port of Gwangyang is an important hub for the Korean economy. It plays a vital role in trade and transportation and is a key driver of economic growth.

Cargo ports of arrival in the United States 

Port of Los Angeles 

The Port of Los Angeles is located in the San Pedro Bay in Los Angeles, California, about 20 miles south of downtown. It is also known as America's busiest port and one of the world's largest seaports. The port occupies 7,500 acres of land and water along 43 miles of waterfront. It is responsible for nearly one-quarter of all containerized imports entering the United States and handles more containers than any other port in North America.

Port of New York and New Jersey

The Port of New York and New Jersey is the largest port on the East Coast, handling over $200 billion in cargo annually. It was established as a port district in 1921 under the terms of an interstate agreement that gave New York State and New Jersey equal ownership rights to all navigable river waters within their borders.

The port consists of six major facilities: Newark Bay, Arthur Kill, Staten Island, Brooklyn-Red Hook, Canarsie, and Howland Hook. These ports are managed by a joint venture between the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ) and the South Jersey Port Corporation (SJPC). The operations at each facility vary widely; some handle containerized freight while others focus more on breakbulk or roll-on/roll-off (RO/RO) cargo.

Port of Miami 

The Port of Miami is one of the busiest ports in the world, handling over 4.33 million passengers each year. The port is located on Dodge Island, just off the coast of downtown Miami. The port is home to cruise ships, cargo ships, and yachts from all over the world.

Air Freight from South Korea to the United States: An airport guide

Airports of origin in South Korea 

Incheon International Airport

The Incheon International Airport is the primary airport serving Seoul and the surrounding area, and is one of the busiest airports in Asia. It is located on an island west of the city and offers a wide variety of international and domestic flights.

Gimpo International Airport

The Gimpo International Airport is a smaller airport located in the northwest part of Seoul. It primarily serves domestic flights, but also offers some international routes to nearby countries. 

Cheongju International Airport

The Cheongju International Airport is located in the central region of South Korea and serves both domestic and international flights. It is a growing airport, with new airlines and routes being added regularly.

Airports of arrival in the United States 

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

The John F. Kennedy International Airport, or JFK for short, is one of the busiest airports in the US and a major international hub for air travel. Located on the far eastern tip of New York City's borough of Queens, JFK sits just across from Brooklyn and near Manhattan. The airport is well-connected to public transport networks like the subway system, with several terminals located within close proximity to other subway stations.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

The Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the largest and busiest airport in the Greater Los Angeles Area and the state of California, as well as one of the busiest airports in the United States. It is also the main international gateway to the United States from Asia and Europe. LAX is located in southwestern Los Angeles, about 20 miles (32 km) from Downtown Los Angeles. The airport covers 3,500 acres (1,416 ha) of land.

Miami International Airport (MIA)

The Miami International Airport, or MIA for short, is one of the busiest airports in the United States. Located in southern Florida just west of downtown Miami, the airport sees nearly 50 million passengers a year and over 1,000 flights every day. The airport also has several international carriers that fly to destinations all around the world.

Planning costs? Estimate scenarios using the Freight Cost Calculator.

Shipping by air? Compare options with the Air Freight Calculator.

Shipping by ocean? Explore options in Ocean Freight FCL and Ocean Freight LCL.

Unsure about documents? Review Air Freight Shipping Documents and Shipping Documents.

Need timing estimates? Use the Transit Time Calculator.