Why choose Seven Seas Worldwide
Purpose-built shipping boxes and materials provided
Trusted with your shipments for over 25 years
Pick your own dates for shipment delivery and collection
Spread the cost by paying in several instalments
We handle the quarantine and customs clearance process
All you need to know about shipping to South Korea
With a rich history stretching back more than five thousand years, gorgeous landscapes and economically-thriving cities, South Korea is an exciting, must-visit destination. Explore holy Buddhist temples, ancient world heritage sites, beautiful beaches, bustling shopping districts, national parks, and so much more in Asia's unique Land of the Morning Calm.
So, whether you're starting a new job, embarking on an epic adventure or a student moving to the Far East, you'll want to bring a slice of home with you. With over 25 years of experience helping people all around the world ship boxes, bags and household items, we know exactly how to make the experience smooth sailing, cost-effective and stress-free.
Established overseas shippers for over 25 years
As a trusted shipping company with many loyal customers, we aim to ensure your experience of shipping personal effects internationally goes smoothly and without any issues. Book everything online at your leisure, and then we'll take your shipment straight from your door and deliver it safely to its overseas destination.
Read on for a few more special things we do to make international shipping easy:
- No hidden fees: because we offer an end-to-end process with depots and drivers worldwide, we can provide a clear, itemised cost breakdown at each step of the shipping process. Get a free instant quote today to get started.
- Tracked shipping: worried about where your precious goods are? Track their progress all around the world via your online account.
- We handle customs clearance: utilising a global network of staff with extensive local knowledge, we know how to handle customs clearance. All that's left for you to do is pack your goods and complete your online documentation.
- Friendly support throughout: from your initial booking to the day your goods arrive, our multilingual customer support team are available to offer help and advice.
Our international shipping services explained
Free online quick quote
Our instant quote tool provides a clear, itemised cost with no hidden fees or nasty surprises.
Pick your dates
When placing your order, choose the materials delivery and shipment collection dates that suit you.
Securely pack your items
We deliver your empty shipping boxes ready for you to fill.
We collect and ship
Complete the online documentation. Then we'll transport your shipment to its destination.
Delivered to your address
Our team will clear your goods through customs and deliver them safely to your new home.
Don't take our word for it
Our customers love us!
Which shipping boxes offer the best protection?
We have created chemically-hardened, double-walled cardboard containers designed to give your items the protection they need during long journeys. See below for dimensions and some packing suggestions for our two most common containers, Large and Standard. We also offer specially-shaped versions of the same first-rate boxes if you have bulky items to ship, such as sports equipment or musical instruments.
You may use your own packing containers if you wish, but please avoid supermarket boxes, laundry bags, plastic storage crates and bin liners, as they are highly likely to break or tear. Plus, with our sturdy boxes, you can order as many as you like. Got some left over after packing? No problem! We'll pick up unused, as-new condition boxes free of charge.
Large box
External dimensions:
61 x 51 x 41cm / 24 x 20 x 16.14 inches
Best for:
- Sports equipment
- Clothes
- Bedding
Standard box
External dimensions:
51 x 41 x 31cm / 20 x 16.14 x 12.2 inches
Best for:
- Files and papers
- Books
- Children's toys
We help simplify South Korea's customs process
Utilising expert knowledge gained from over 25 years of global shipping experience, we know how to make passing through Korean customs straightforward. However, there are a few essential things to take note of:
- Before packing, please read our Prohibited Items page to ensure your goods are allowed into South Korea. Specific regulations have been established in Korea to protect their borders. Being careful at this stage could help you avoid customs fees and delays!
- You must be present in South Korea when your shipment arrives.
- Customs officials in Korea could ask to open up your containers on arrival. Therefore, we recommend filling in your Inventory Packing List while you pack your possessions. Accurately detail each box's contents, the shipment owner’s destination address, name and contact details.
- Next, log into your Seven Seas Worldwide account to upload scans of your passport's picture and signature pages.
- Finally, consider adding one of our insurance policies for complete peace of mind when shipping your precious household items overseas.
Before packing, please read our Prohibited Items page to ensure your goods are allowed into South Korea.
FAQs about shipping to South Korea
At every step of the way, our knowledgeable and friendly team knows how to make international shipping to South Korea easy. Follow these three simple steps:
- Get a free quick quote to see a complete breakdown of costs. Then, place your order, pay your security deposit and select a suitable date so we can deliver your empty boxes and any packaging materials.
- Carefully pack all your items, fill in your online documentation, which includes an inventory and scans of your passport, and then contact us to arrange collection.
- After you pay your Shipping and Transportation fee, we'll send your belongings to your destination country and then guide them through customs. Finally, all that's left to do is pay the destination charge and select convenient dates for us to deliver your shipment to your new address.
With our international shipping service, you can send most of the same personal items you would typically pack to go on holiday. In addition, we can ship extra-large items, such as mountain bikes, heavy golf clubs, and acoustic guitars.
Keep in mind, however, that every country has its own customs rules, and some items are banned from importation. Please read our Prohibited Goods list before packing to avoid any unexpected fines or delays.
Most personal effects (used and personally owned for six months or more) do not pay customs duties when imported into South Korea. However, rules change often. We recommend researching the latest Korean customs regulations and checking our Prohibited Goods page to ensure your belongings can enter tax-free.
Our international shipping services are cheaper than you might think! However, rates do vary. Using our free quote tool, you can receive a transparent shipping cost in just a few minutes.
We ship boxes and bags by either sea or air. Sea shipping takes 101 days and is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly option. Alternatively, for a slightly higher fee, we can send your belongings to South Korea by air, taking 13 days.
To ensure your goods arrive via the quickest and most efficient method possible, all shipping and air routes are predefined and cannot be altered.
How long does it take to ship to South Korea from the UK?*
By sea
101 days
By air
13 days
*estimated timings dependent on global shipping circumstances
How to pack boxes for overseas shipping
To ensure your possessions arrive at your destination unscathed, consider hiring a professional packer to come to your home and prepare your goods for transportation. If hiring someone is not an option, give yourself plenty of time to calmly wrap and pack each item carefully, ask a friend to help, and follow our handy 4-step guide (check out our in-depth packing guides for further advice!).
Securely seal the box's base:
First, choose a suitable location to pack, such as a large kitchen table, and gather all necessary packing materials. Next, to create a solid base, fold in the small flaps, then the large flaps and then tightly seal with three strips of overlapping parcel tape.
With more parcel tape, seal the exposed edges and tightly wrap around the bottom of the container for a solid base. Repeat the process when sealing the lid.
Wrap fragile items carefully:
Bubble wrap is your new best friend! Wrap every item securely and use several layers for fragile items like glass and crockery. Place heavy items low down and kitchenware, picture frames and anything fragile on top and away from the walls of your container.
Fill any gaps with packing paper or newspaper, then give your box a gentle shake. If you hear anything move, add more paper.
Fill in your inventory while packing:
Log in to your account and complete the Inventory Packing List as you pack. Customs agents will inspect this document, so to avoid headache-inducing fines or delays, accuracy is a must.
Use a marker pen to write the shipment owner’s job number, box number, and destination country and city on two or three sides of every box. Ensure these details perfectly match what is on your inventory.
Prepare for your shipment's arrival:
To protect both you and our driver, containers must weigh no more than 30kg/66lbs. Weigh each box or bag on bathroom scales and transfer items to a lighter box if over the limit.
Finally, take all your belongings as close to your building entrance as possible before our driver arrives to ensure a quick and easy collection day.
Seven Seas Worldwide have been an absolute pleasure to deal with. Answering endless questions, doing endless quotes, and keeping me posted every step of the way. Great service.
Charmaine
Best activities and hotspots in South Korea
South Korea is the Far East's hidden gem, ready to be explored. From captivating World Heritage sites and Buddhist shrines to lush mountain ranges and endless market stalls, this charming country has much to offer.
The following are just a few of the attractions waiting to be ticked off your must-see list:
Seoul
From ancient wonders and natural havens to bustling street life and modern technology, Seoul is the beating heart and soul of South Korea.
Hike a city-adjacent national park: explore 31 square miles of trails, temples, ancient fortresses and plantlife just north of Seoul. The gorgeous Bukhansan National Park is an enduring favourite destination for tourists and locals alike.
Explore a sixth-century palace: spend a day inside the fascinating Gyeongbokgung Palace, built by the Chosun dynasty, which includes The National Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum.
Learn about Korea's war past: take a poignant stroll around The War Memorial of Korea, dedicated to a hopeful future peace with North Korea, including full-size replicas of tanks, ships, planes and much more.
Shop till you drop: Ginsadong is Seoul's vibrant, artistic hub. Enjoy endless alleyways of street food, tea houses, galleries and boutique souvenir shops.
Step back in time: dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, Bukchon Hanok Village is a well-preserved escape from modernity right in the heart of Seoul.
Busan
Sitting on the southeastern tip of Korea, Busan is a port city known for transport, shipping, and fishing. Explore delightful street markets, cutting-edge cinemas, and authentic street food straight from the sea.
Sun yourself silly: at 1.5km long, Haeundae Beach is South Korea's longest and busiest beach by far. As well as sun, sand and sea, there are also year-long festivals and a buzzing nightlife to enjoy.
Catch a just-released movie: host to the annual Busan International Film Festival, BIFF Square is a four-hundred-and-twenty-eight-meter-long celebration of the Korean film industry, packed with cinemas, art prints and street food.
Pay your respects: the UN Memorial Cemetery is a burial ground for casualties of the Korean War, featuring more than two thousand graves, walls of remembrance and statues.
Try not to get lost!: Busan's Gukje Market is a maze of never-ending market stalls full of colourful trinkets, toys, clothes and gorgeous street food.
Incheon
Korea's third-largest city, Incheon, is an ever-growing, dynamic destination, home to the country's largest airport and a busy international seaport. There are no shortage of things to see and do, including ancient Buddist shrines, sprawling parks and Korea's only official Chinatown!
Noodle heaven: enjoy the beautiful architecture and tasty street food in Incheon's fascinating Chinatown - a colourful and atmospheric shrine to nineteenth-century China!
The countryside within a city: take a breather from the hustle and bustle of the city by losing a day in the family-friendly Incheon Grand Park. There is plenty to see and do, including a botanical garden, walking trails, a skating rink, and an outdoor theatre!
Bow down to Buddha: built in the fourth century, Jeondeungsa Temple is Korea's oldest known Buddhist temple and a true must-tick on your list of Incheon sights.
Shaken, not stirred: worthy of a scene from a 1960s James Bond film, Paradise City is a luxury resort, casino, hotel and entertainment complex where tourists come to relax, dine, mingle and play.
Daegu
Known as The Apple City due to its high-quality apples produced in a subtropical climate, Daegu is an exciting city on the rise. Enjoy an array of museums, gorgeous parks and historical sites.
Know your history: with thirty thousand artefacts to explore, the Daegu National Museum takes a comprehensive delve into the ancient and modern history of Daegu.
Safety + fun? Who knew?!: with lots of fun, interactive activities that simultaneously teach the value of being careful, such as go-karting and 4D animation, Daegu Safety Theme Park is a treat for the whole family.
Travel in style: slowly take in the lush surroundings of Palog Mountain in a cable car ride to remember. Once at the top, grab a bite to eat at a restaurant and enjoy incredible views of the entire city.
See a stadium: built for the men's football World Cup 2002, take a stroll around the hallowed grounds of Daegu Stadium, which has hosted sporting legends such as Landon Donovan, Thomas Gravesen and Usain Bolt.
More handy information about shipping to South Korea
Prohibitive goods
Before packing, check this list of items prohibited from entering a particular country or region.
Shipping terms glossary
This jargon-busting page provides definitions of common shipping and delivery terms such as personal effects and transit times.
International shipping services
As one of the country's top international shipping companies, trusted for over 25 years, we make sending boxes and luggage overseas affordable and stress-free.
Insurance
If you’re shipping your prized possessions with us, it will be worth you having a quick look at the insurance packages we offer.