If you shop more than expected in Korea, shipping items home may be easier than carrying everything. But shipping is not always cheaper than airline baggage, and some items cannot be shipped easily.
Quick Answer
Compare shipping cost with airline baggage fees before sending purchases home. Check restrictions for food, liquids, batteries, cosmetics, plants, and fragile items, and keep receipts for customs or insurance.
When Shipping Makes Sense
Shipping can help with:
- Books
- Clothes
- Stationery
- Nonfragile gifts
- Extra souvenirs
- Long trips
It is useful when suitcase space is the problem.
What Ships Well
Choose durable, nonliquid, nonfragile items. Clothing, paper goods, packaged nonrestricted items, and light souvenirs are better than glass or liquids.
Pack tightly and protect corners.
What Can Be Restricted
Be careful with:
- Food
- Liquids
- Batteries
- Cosmetics
- Medicine
- Plants
- Animal products
- Aerosols
- Alcohol
Rules depend on Korea, the courier, and your destination country.
Packing and Receipts
Keep receipts and product information. Customs in your home country may require value details. Insurance claims may require proof of purchase.
Ask the post office or courier how to complete customs forms.
Shipping vs Extra Baggage
Sometimes paying for extra airline baggage is simpler and cheaper. Compare:
- Parcel fee
- Delivery time
- Risk of damage
- Insurance
- Customs duty
- Airline baggage fee
Do the math before shipping.
FAQ
Can tourists ship items from Korea?
Yes, through post offices or couriers, subject to rules.
Is shipping cheaper than extra baggage?
Not always.
Can I ship cosmetics?
Some cosmetics may be restricted, especially liquids or aerosols.
Should I keep receipts?
Yes, for customs and insurance.