South Korea may be nicknamed the Hermit Kingdom. Still, as the home to massive companies like Samsung, Kia Motors, and Hyundai Motors, this Asian nation is a big player in the global economy.
So, it’s no surprise that you might find yourself needing to mail something to South Korea. But you might be wondering if USPS delivers mail to South Korea. I was curious about the same thing, so if you’re interested in learning more, keep reading!
Does USPS Deliver To South Korea In 2024?
USPS provides four shipping options when mailing to South Korea as of 2024. They include Global Express Guaranteed, Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International and First-Class Package International Service. Delivery times range from one business day to four weeks. Also, prices range from $15.25 for First-Class Package International to $55.05 for Priority Mail International.
To find out more about shipping to South Korea, be sure to read the rest of the article!
Which Shipping Options Does USPS Offer For South Korea?
USPS offers four options to choose from when shipping to South Korea, which includes:
- Global Express Guaranteed
- Priority Mail Express International
- Priority Mail International
- First-Class Package International Service
Further, here are more details about each service to help you select the best option for your shipping needs.
Global Express Guaranteed (GXG)
Global Express Guaranteed (GXG) is USPS’ fastest shipping service, providing date-certain delivery to South Korea in one to three business days.
Also, if your package arrives late, USPS will refund your postage as part of the money-back guarantee.
Additionally, GXG packages include door-to-door tracking and come with up to $100 of insurance.
Moreover, customers receive a free GXG shipping kit with envelopes, labels, and stickers when purchasing this option.
Priority Mail Express International (PMEI)
Priority Mail Express International provides rapid shipping service, with deliveries taking three to five business days on average.
When selecting PMEI service, it’s important to note that USPS offers two options—one with a money-back guarantee and one without.
Also, if you purchase the money-back guarantee, you’re entitled to a refund of your shipping costs if your package arrives late.
However, if you don’t purchase the money-back guarantee, you won’t get a refund from USPS if your package takes more than five days to arrive.
That said, you will get your money back if your item is lost or damaged. Additionally, PEMI service includes both tracking and insurance in the purchase price.
Further, USPS’ insurance includes up to $100 for non-negotiable document reconstruction and $200 for merchandise loss, damage, or missing contents.
Priority Mail International (PMI)
Priority Mail International is USPS’ reliable and affordable shipping option for packages bound for South Korea.
That said, PMI service takes between six to ten business days and includes both tracking and insurance.
Like with PMEI, the insurance covers up to $100 for non-negotiable document reconstruction and $200 for merchandise loss, damage, or missing contents.
First-Class Package International Service (FCPIS)
USPS’ First-Class Package International Service is the most economical option for shipping packages four pounds and under to South Korea.
With that, FCPIS is a good example of the saying, “you get what you pay for,” because it’s affordable, but delivery can take anywhere from one to four weeks.
However, packages sent through this service don’t come with insurance or tracking. That said, insurance is available as an add-on service, but tracking is not available.
How Long Does USPS Shipping To South Korea Take?
Shipping times to South Korea vary depending on the service you choose, so here are the estimated shipping times for each of USPS’ international services:
- Global Express Guaranteed (one to three business days)
- Priority Mail Express International (three to five business days)
- Priority Mail International (six to ten business days)
- First-Class Package International (one to four weeks)
Can I Track My USPS Package To South Korea?
Yes, you can track your USPS packages going to South Korea.
For example, Global Express Guaranteed and Priority Mail Express International tracking come with delivery status information you can check using the Track & Confirm tool.
Also, you can track Priority Mail International packages going to South Korea. However, tracking is unavailable for Flat Rate Envelopes or Flat Rate Small Boxes.
However, First-Class Package International tracking is not available for packages going to South Korea.
How Much Does It Cost To Ship To South Korea With USPS?
Shipping costs vary depending on your selected shipping service and the weight of your package. Therefore, here are the starting costs for each shipping service:
- Global Express Guaranteed (starting price of $101.00)
- Priority Mail Express International (starting price of $68.90)
- Priority Mail International (starting price of $55.05)
- First-Class Package International (starting price of $15.25)
If you want a more exact number, you can use USPS’ Price Calculator tool. With this tool, you can view the shipping cost if you can provide the weight and dimensions of your package.
Who Delivers USPS Packages In South Korea?
Once packages clear South Korean customs, Korea Post is responsible for delivering them.
What Items Can’t I Ship To South Korea With USPS?
There are several items you’re prohibited from shipping to South Korea. If you have any questions or doubts, visit the Korea Customs website for more details.
Further, you cannot ship the following items to South Korea:
- Counterfeit postage stamps
- Documents, books, printed papers, engravings, or other articles contrary to public security
- Firearms, sabers, and swords for military use
- Firing caps and loaded metal cartridges for portable firearms
- Machines and paper for making cigarettes
- Salt
- Textile fabrics
- Weights and measures
To know more about USPS, you can also see our posts on whether or not USPS ships to Columbia, if USPS ships to Germany, and also if USPS ships to Japan.
Conclusion
Shipping from the United States to South Korea with USPS is quick, easy, and affordable.
That said, USPS offers four different shipping options, allowing customers to choose the best one for their needs.
Also, almost all of the services include a tracking number and insurance.
With that, the insurance gives customers the ability to keep an eye on their packages and protect them from loss or damage.
