A Guide For Shipping From China to Korea

Do you want a freight forwarder that offers a high level of security and a low chance of theft! Start by looking at our guide for shipping from China to Korea to make your weakness your strength!

Shipping is becoming one of the most important economic sectors. Commercial, agricultural, industrial, and manufacturing enterprises have all benefited from this industry. Moreover, many economic activities would be impossible to carry out without the concept of domestic and international transportation networks. Also, transportation is done in various ways in today’s globe, including by sea, land, train, air, or a combination of two or more techniques).

Domestic laws and regulations, as well as international conventions and contracts, control each of the many forms of transportation. 

This page covers all you need to know about shipping from China to South Korea. So keep reading!

 

Tips on Saving Your Money & Time Before Shipping From China to Korea

Here are a few pointers to help you save money and time while shipping from China to Korea:

 

1. Verify whether or not the items may be sent.

It’s difficult to assure the safety of each box in the midst of so many, especially when there are strict deadlines to meet. Moreover, it’s not uncommon to find a shipment that has been broken or damaged, and it’s never done on purpose. Whether it was something you received from your exporter or something you were sent to a different location, it always results in a significant loss.

That is why you must inspect the package before shipping.

 

What products does South Korea import?

Imports of goods are critical to the country’s economic development. South Korea received 516.6 billion dollars in import income in 2013. South Korea imports the following items:

  • Machinery
  • Electronics and electronic equipment
  • Oil
  • Steel
  • Optical instruments
  • Transport equipment
  • Organic chemicals
  • Plastics

The following are the top import origins for importing from China to South Korea:

  • USA
  • China
  • Germany
  • Hong Kong
  • UK
  • Japan
  • Italy
  • Taiwan

 

Prohibited Items in Korea

The following items are forbidden from being shipped to any UPS-served country:

  • Ammunition (unless as clearly stated on page 136 of the “UPS Tariff/Terms and Conditions of Service – United States”)
  • Bank bills, notes, or currency (other than a coin)
  • Corpses cremated or disinterred remains
  • Fireworks
  • Hazardous waste
  • Ivory
  • Marijuana, including marijuana intended for medicinal use
  • Postage stamps
  • Shark fins
  • Shipments prohibited by law
  • Watches exceeding the value of 500USD

 

Goods were moving under ATA Carnet, and all temporary exports and imports; shipments with inherent vice, which by their nature are likely to soil, impair, or damage persons, merchandise, or equipment; goods whose carriage is prohibited by law in the country of origin, transit, or destination (e.g., ivory and ivory products); and goods that attract excise duty or require special facilities are also prohibited. Particular commodities may only be transported under certain conditions, and certain goods are prohibited from being transported by air, according to applicable law (e.g. liquids in glass containers).

 

Using UPS to ship forbidden items on a contractual basis

Certain restricted items will be accepted by UPS on a contractual basis for shippers that have a consistent volume and the ability to follow all applicable requirements.

Under specific conditions, we can transport the following items:

  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Animal products, non-domesticated (e.g., mother of pearl inlay, snakeskin watch bands)
  • Articles of high/unusual value
  • Biological substances, Category B and exempt human or animal specimens
  • Dangerous goods
  • Firearms and weapons (including inert and replica explosive weapons)
  • Furs
  • Gold or other precious metals
  • Live animals
  • Perishables
  • Personal effects
  • Plants
  • Seeds
  • Tobacco

 

2. Learn About China’s Holidays

For many importers, delays caused by Chinese holidays are a typical occurrence.

Delays in shipping are typical, especially during the Chinese New Year. Even though China’s major ports are open 24/7, not all local carriers operate on big holidays.

The following is a list of major yearly Chinese holidays where there is a chance of delays.

List of Chinese Holidays

3. Ensure Your Delivery Timing Requirements

When it comes to new clients, on-time delivery is the first litmus test, which is a must in any case. Aside from the inherent good values, delivery is also the first direct connection between a new consumer and the organization. Punctual shipments will leave a positive impression on customers and open doors to future business.

 

When shipping from China to South Korea, how long does it take?

It is critical to know how long it takes to get to your location while using this mode of transportation. It takes 10 to 31 days to ship from China to South Korea.

 

How long does air shipment take from China to South Korea?

Airplanes are the quickest mode of freight transit between China and South Korea. It takes 3 to 7 business days on average to get the packages.

The fact that these times are for usual conditions is a huge issue. Unexpected incidents occur from time to time, lengthening the procedure!

 

What is the shipping time from China to South Korea?

The transfer of non-customs items from one customs to another, albeit under customs control, is referred to as transit. For countries that are unable to produce certain things, transit is a cost-effective option. Because transit is an international activity, each country must abide by international law to transit with others. The movement of products between countries is very competitive.

Each country is attempting to develop a competitive transit pricing for goods to win and flourish in international markets.

Incheon Pyeongtaek Mokpo Gwangyang Busan Ulsan Donghae/ Samcheok
Shanghai 7 8 5 7 7 8 5
Shenzhen 7 5 7 5 8 6 7
Dalian 8 8 5 6 7 8 5
Qingdao 5 6 5 8 7 6 5
Ningbo 5 7 8 8 7 6 6
Guangzhou 7 8 6 5 6 8 7
Xiemen 6 8 7 5 8 8 7

4. Get Ready for Shipment Documents

Clearance of customs from China to South Korea

Clearance of goods is one of the essential activities in customs carried out by the owner of a product or their legal agents. The phrase business refers to the process of importing and exporting goods. The following are the stages of customs clearance:

  • Entering information from the system 
  • Printing the declaration 
  • Assessing the goods 
  • Obtaining the necessary permits 
  • Examining the goods by the Service expert 
  • Paying the cost
  • Going to the Warehousing
  • Exit of goods

 

Customs Clearance for Imports in South Korea

The import clearance from the South Korean customs authority is required for your cargo to enter South Korea officially. The clearing of customs is an essential step in the shipping process. To avoid any complications or delays, most shippers delegate this responsibility to a certified freight forwarder. It’s the most reliable technique to verify that all South Korean customs procedures and international shipping regulations are adhered to.

You must gather and submit the required documentation to begin the clearance process. South Korean customs officers will want the following documents at the very least:

  1. Commercial Invoice
  2. Packing List
  3. Certificate of Origin
  4. Other payment conditions, such as a letter of credit (depends on the contract between the parties involved)
  5. For maritime freight, a Bill of Lading is used, while for air freight, an Airway Bill is used 

 

5. Be Clear of Your Shipping Costs/ Budgets

How Much Does Cargo Shipping to South Korea Cost?

The final cost of the ocean and air transportation to South Korea is determined by a number of factors. When creating bids, freight forwarders consider the following primary factors:

  • Nature of goods
  • The chosen mode of transport (FCL, LCL, Air)
  • Weight of the cargo
  • Dimensions of the cargo
  • Distance between origin and destination
  • Type of service (such as port-to-port, door-to-door)

 

One of the most significant influences on the ultimate pricing is the weight of your package. Here’s a good rule of thumb to keep in mind:

  • If you’re transporting 100 kilograms moreover, ocean freight will almost certainly be the most cost-effective alternative.
  • If you’re moving less than 100 kg, though, the costs of both ocean and air shipment will be nearly the same.
  • Most freight forwarders will refuse to handle your cargo if it weighs less than 35 kilograms. Instead, you might use an international courier service.

Tax from China to South Korea 

These two countries have a strong trading relationship. South Korea imports agricultural products from China, and China imports automobiles from South Korea. After four years of discussions, the two countries reached an agreement on a Free Trade Agreement in 2015.

 

6. Select a Proper Freight Forwarder

Shipping from China to South Korea

When you’re a businessman or a businesswoman looking to ship items from China to South Korea, it’s essential to understand the various shipping options.

  • Sea freight 
  • Airfreight 
  • Rail freight

 

Shipping to Korea through Ocean Freight

Sea Freight Picture

Ship Ocean Freight to South Korea: FCL or LCL?

Most commercial goods arrive at South Korean ports on specialized cargo vessels loaded inside 20ft or 40ft shipping containers. These ships can not only hold containers, though. Maritime carriers also offer break-bulk shipping options for sea freight that can’t be containerized.

For now, we will focus on explaining the two alternatives for containerized ocean shipping: LCL and FCL. You will find the benefits and drawbacks of each outlined below.

 

Ocean Freight to South Korea

Less than Container Load (LCL): When you book an LCL shipment to South Korea, your items will be transported in a container alongside the cargo of other shippers for the duration of the journey. The benefit is that you pay for the space and weight that your shipment takes up rather than the entire container. For more miniature, this makes LCL a cost-effective shipping option.

Full Container Load (FCL): The entire container is yours when you arrange an FCL shipping to South Korea. Most shippers load as much product as possible within their containers to get the most value out of the cost of FCL ocean freight. FCL is suited for delivering large quantities of products to South Korea because you will pay a flat fee.

 

Benefits of Less Than Container Load (LCL) Shipping to South Korea:

  • You pay for the amount of space your shipment takes up in the container.
  • For consignments requiring fewer than six standard pallets, this is usually the most cost-effective choice.
  • It is not necessary for you to load and unload the container.
  • The freight forwarder’s warehouse is where suppliers and purchasers can drop off and pick up their goods.
  • You don’t have to wait for enough orders to fill a container to transport your freight.

 

Downsides:

  • Your cargo will have to share a shipping container with the goods of other shippers.
  • Due to the increased handling and motions, this is not a good option for fragile, delicate, or perishable products.

 

Benefits of Full Container Load (FCL) Shipping to South Korea:

  • FCL usually has a faster transit time than LCL.
  • Your cargo is isolated in a container until it reaches its final destination with FCL.
  • If you have enough items to fill at least half of a 20ft container’s load capacity, it’s frequently the most cost-effective option.

 

Downsides:

  • Even if the container isn’t complete, there is always a price that must be paid for the entire container.
  • Some firms are unable to accept cargo containers on their premises.

Cargo Ports of Arrival in South Korea

KWANGYANG

The following are some facts regarding the port:

  • Gwangyang is another spelling of the name.
  • The UN/LOCODE KRKAN is sometimes used.
  • Located 125 kilometers southwest of Busan in South Jeolla Province.
  • Each year, it handles 200 million tonnes of ocean freight.
  • The container terminal has a total area of 4,231 square kilometers.
Yeosu Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office is the owner.

TEU Volume: >2.4 million TEUs every year

KRKWA is a UN/LOCODE.

BUSAN

The following are some facts regarding the port:

  • South Korea’s largest port.
  • The world’s fifth busiest container port.
  • It faces Japan’s Tsushima Island and is located near the mouth of the Nakdong River.
Owned By: Busan Port Authority.

Approximately 20 million containers are shipped each year.

KRPUS is the UN/LOCODE for the United Nations.

INCHEON

The following are some facts regarding the port:

  • The country’s second-largest seaport and a key transportation hub.
  • Since 1883, the port has served as an international gateway.
  • With a total quay length of 29 kilometers, it has 128 berths.
Owned By: Incheon Port Authority.

Container Volume: >3 million TEUs each year

KRINC is the UN/LOCODE for the United Nations.

PYEONGTAEK

The following are some facts regarding the port:

  • Pyeongtaek-Dangjin Port is the official name.
  • A vital link between central South Korea’s major districts.
  • The port is surrounded by large industrial complexes.
  • The closest port to China is about 350 kilometers away.
Owned By: Pyeongtaek Regional Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Office.

Approximately 1 million TEUs of containers are shipped each year.

KRPTK is a UN/LOCODE.

MASAN

The following are some facts regarding the port:

  • Located on the shores of Masan Bay, it serves South Korea’s northeastern provinces.
  • Road and rail connections to the Busan Port are very convenient.
  • It has a land area of 1,400 hectares and a coastline of 28 kilometers.
  • The Changwon Industrial Complex is the best place to find suppliers.
Owned By: Masan Regional Maritime Affairs and Port Office.

Annual Container Volume: Unknown.

UN/LOCODE: KRMAS.

 

Korean Air Freight

Air Freight Banner

If you need quick travel times and supply chain flexibility, air freight is your best option. Flying your goods to South Korea, on the other hand, is usually far more expensive than shipping them by water. Moreover, it refers to the transfer of people, products, or anything from one location to another by air, according to international definitions (Warsaw Convention). Both the origin and the destination are known to both parties, and the transfer is done with their complete cooperation. The most important benefit of air freight is its speed, which is far faster than that of maritime freight.

This approach is advised if the risk of damage from late delivery of products outweighs the cost savings of sea freight; the air freight method also ensures prompt delivery of goods. Airfreight of goods and cargo is also reasonably safe, resulting in minor damage to the goods.

The most crucial downside of this system is its expensive cost, which deters buyers and sellers of small items from adopting it. Furthermore, not all types of items may be transported by plane. Airfreight is typically utilized for relatively light and valuable items and shipments, but bulky and heavy commodities should be shipped by land or sea.

Discover more on the top freight forwarders in China

 

Shipping Your Freight to South Korea by Air

Benefits:

  • Due to the high expense, it’s best for modest shipments (two to three pallets at most).
  • The ultra-fast shipping times can help products with a short shelf life.
  • Because it is less affected by the weather than ocean freight, it is highly dependable.
  • It is a suitable choice for high-value cargo because of strict security measures.
  • Airfreight may be preferred by suppliers and purchasers who are located near international airports.

Downsides:

  • It can be very pricey for large quantities of freight.
  • Not an option for bulky or awkwardly shaped goods that can’t be loaded into an aircraft.

 

Airports of Arrival in South Korea

SEOUL-INCHEON (IATA CODE: ICN)

Facts regarding the port:

  • Due to the high expense, it’s best for modest shipments (two to three pallets at most).
  • The ultra-fast shipping times can help products with a short shelf life.
  • Because it is less affected by the weather than ocean freight, it is highly dependable.
  • It is a suitable choice for high-value cargo because of strict security measures.
  • Airfreight may be preferred by suppliers and purchasers who are located near international airports.

 

Arrival Airports in South Korea

SEOUL-INCHEON (IATA CODE: ICN)

The following are some facts regarding the port:

  • The country’s largest airport.
  • In terms of freight traffic, it is Asia’s third busiest airport.
  • Between the islands of Yeongjong and Yongyu, on an artificially formed piece of land

 

Terms and conditions for air freight

This technique is the best option if the following conditions are met.

  • The commodities are less than 200 kg in weight.
  • The items aren’t incredibly substantial.
  • You’re short on time.

 

China’s airports that sail to South Korea

  • Dalian
  • Shanghai 
  • Hong Kong 
  • Qingdao 
  • Jinan 
  • Yantai

All packages are sent to Seoul’s Incheon International Airport.

 

Seoul’s Incheon International Airport is located in the South Korean capital of Seoul.

Incheon Airport was named the third largest airport in the world in 2011 with a 179 square meter watchtower. In 2015, the airport received passengers from 49 countries, ranking it tenth in the world in terms of passenger volume.

 

Shipping with airlines from China to South Korea!

Following the acknowledgment of air cargo as one of the essential ways of goods transportation, a slew of airlines attempted to enter the market in order to meet consumer demand. Customers can select from a wide range of services offered by numerous airlines across the world. The following are some of the virtual airlines for shipping from China to South Korea:

  • Air Incheon 
  • Asiana Airlines 
  • Korean Air 
  • China Cargo Airlines 
  • China Southern Airlines

Also, gain insights about Qingdao freight forwarders

 

Rail freight from China to South Korea

 

Rail Freight Illustration

Goods that are moved by rail networks and stations are referred to as rail freight. Rail transportation is a cost-effective mode of goods transportation. In comparison to land transit, this kind of transport is frequently faster. A railway can also transport substantially more cargo than a truck. It provides a substantial benefit by allowing a more significant volume of commodities to be transported at reduced costs.

 

Furthermore, transporting the same amount of material requires fewer people and energy. A locomotive pulls a train of wagons that travel directly or partially to their eventual destination. Rail transportation, both domestic and international, is carried out via freight-only tracks that do not transport passengers.

 

The Advantages of Rail Transportation:

  • This method allows for the transportation of large loads.
  • It is better for the environment because it requires less energy.
  • It is the most cost-effective way of transportation.
  • It has the highest level of security for transporting commodities.

 

Rail transportation costs Factors:

The cost of international train travel is determined by a number of factors, including the following:

  • Shipping dimensions: It provides the dimensions and weight of the objects being transported.
  • Distance: When traveling great distances, rail is the most cost-effective mode of transportation.
  • Delivery type: The delivery destination is located close to the train station or not!
  • Nature of goods: What are the types of commodities that are transported? Others include fragile, poisonous, and flammable items.
  • Insurance: there may be additional insurance requirements.
  • Customs clearance: Customs clearance and import taxes may occur when the shipment reaches the border.

 

Top Freight Forwarder in China: Choosing Your Preferred Option to Ship from China to Korea

FBABEE

Overview of the Company

Origin:   Guangdong, China
Brand Name: FBABEE
Via:   Direct Flight
Shipment Type:  All Types
Service:  Door to Door Shipping
Warehouse:  14 Days Free Warehouse Storage
Exceptional Service:  Full Range Prep Services
Location:  #302, Bld D, New Retail Digital Industrial Zone, Xixiang Street, Bao’An, 518100, Guangdong Province, China

FBABEE Freight Forwarders Logo Graphics

FBABEE is a full-service preparation and shipping firm that assists our clients in focusing and growing their businesses. In addition to China and the United States, the corporation has offices in China and the United States. The Chinese side handles product preparation and delivery.  Customs processing, taxes, delivery to the AMZ warehouse, and acting as a backup in the event of transportation delays are all handled by the American side. It also offers door-to-door delivery from China, allowing you to manage and integrate products from numerous manufacturers and suppliers before transferring them to the Deliver fulfilment network for nationwide delivery.

Services Offered

  • Air + Express Freight: YES
  • Sea Freight: YES
  • Express Shipping: YES

Additional Services

  • Fulfillment Network Stock Keeping Unit (FNSKU) Labeling
  • Bundling
  • Packaging
  • Warning and Other Labels
  • Poly Bagging
  • Market Material
  • 14 Days Storage

Find out the shipping companies in Beijing

 

Conclusion

When shipping overseas, hiring a freight forwarder is a wise decision. International trading necessitates time and skill, whether you’re in international retail or need to import and export commodities for your company. Moreover, you can focus on the main components of your business instead of worrying about the complications of global shipping with the help of a freight forwarder.

Many businesses lack the resources to handle international transportation. Also, this is the fundamental reason why some companies never develop internationally.

FBABEE can assist firms with overseas ventures by taking everything from paperwork to laws and negotiating freight prices to securing cargo insurance. Visit their website or call them today for more information or assistance from one of their knowledgeable and experienced employees.

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