Car Shipping to South Korea
2026 Guide
Car shipping to South Korea is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to South Korea, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with South Korean regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to South Korea
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to South Korea – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to South Korea — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to South Korea – Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
VAT: 19%
Cost: $1,850–$6,500+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Busan, Incheon
Import duty: 8%-10%
Required inspection: Korean Automotive Testing & Research Institute (KATRI) plus emissions and noise/vibration testing by the Ministry of Environment; registration at a local registration office
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to South Korea
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Germany
Our local broker handles all South Korean customs paperwork, VAT, duties, and other considerations.
Delivered & Registered in South Korea
Your vehicle passes the KATRI and Ministry of Environment inspections before registration at a local registration office and release.
South Korean Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to South Korea starts around USD $1,850, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. Busan is the principal South Korean port of entry, with additional service available to Incheon, Donghae, Masan and Gunsan. The estimated transit time is 4–6 weeks, but this can vary depending on routing and method.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US West Coast → Busan | $1,850 | $2,700 | $3,800 | Contact for Pricing |
US East Coast → Busan | $2,200 | $3,400 | $4,200 | Contact for Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
South Korea Destination Ports
LogisticsHere are the entry ports in South Korea that we can ship a car to.
Ports Served in South Korea
Busan
Incheon
Donghae
Masan
Gunsan
Description goes here
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the South Korean government. Some of these fees could include:
South Korean Import and Registration Fees
Import duty (8%–10%)
VAT (10%)
Special excise tax (10%–20% depending on engine size, emissions, classification)
5% consumption tax if the vehicle is sold within 1 year
Annual road tax
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
KATRI inspection and emissions/noise inspection fees
Vehicle modification costs (if non-conforming)
Compulsory third-party liability insurance
Registration fee
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. When importing into South Korea, you can generally expect an import duty of 8%–10% and 10% VAT. Some vehicles may also be subject to a special excise tax of 10%–20% based on engine size, emissions, or classification. South Korean regulations prohibit selling imported vehicles within a year of arrival; if you do, you’ll pay an additional 5% consumption tax on the CIF value plus adjustments to VAT.
South Korean Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 10% VAT plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Diplomatic Exemption | Foreign diplomats and their families are typically exempt from customs duties and VAT when importing personal vehicles into South Korea. |
Temporary Import (Events / Exhibitions) | Vehicles temporarily imported into South Korea for specific events, such as car shows or exhibitions, may be exempt from certain taxes. Standard temporary-admission rules apply. |
Transfer of Residence (Household Goods) | If you import your vehicle within 6 months of relocating to South Korea, it can be considered as part of your household goods, which helps streamline the customs clearance process. |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles | Classic vehicles may be subject to different inspection considerations. Eligibility should be confirmed with Korean Customs and KATRI before shipping. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in South Korea.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to South Korea, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to South Korea.
- To import a car into South Korea, you must have lived in South Korea for at least one year with a valid work and residence visa.
- You must have owned your vehicle for at least 3 months before shipping it to South Korea.
- Importing the vehicle within 6 months of relocating qualifies it as household goods for customs purposes.
- Due to trade regulations, Japanese-made cars are generally not allowed to be imported into South Korea.
- Only small and medium-sized passenger vehicles may be imported — vehicles seating more than 10 passengers, trucks, and mobile homes are not eligible.
- Your vehicle must comply with the Korean Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (KMVSS) and Korean emissions standards.
- Vehicles may be temporarily imported for up to about six months, after which they must be exported or formally imported and registered.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to South Korea:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or South Korean authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in South Korea, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs declaration to South Korean Customs
Original Car Title Certificate
Sales Invoice / Bill of Sale
Registration Documents
Copy of Passport
Alien Registration Card (ARC)
Certificate of Conformity
Proof of South Korean insurance
Copy of Driving License
Ministry of Environment emissions/noise inspection certificates
Vehicle Registration in South Korea (Local Registration Office)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to South Korea must be registered with the appropriate local registration office before they can be legally driven on public roads. Your vehicle must be registered within the district where you live, as shown on your Alien Registration Card (ARC).
The standard sequence is: clear customs and pay duty, VAT, and any applicable special excise tax → receive the Customs Clearance Certificate → undergo KATRI vehicle type and model approval, plus Ministry of Environment emissions and noise/vibration inspections → arrange Korean third-party liability insurance → register the vehicle and pay the registration fee at the local office.
If your vehicle requires modifications to meet KMVSS standards or Korean emissions requirements, these will need to be handled before the inspections. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic where needed.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in South Korea, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
.
Start the Process of Shipping Your
Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
South Korean Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to South Korea.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in South Korea?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
Can I import a Japanese-made car?
No. Due to trade regulations, Japanese-made cars are generally not allowed to be imported into South Korea. US-spec vehicles from non-Japanese manufacturers are typically the right fit.
.
Can I import a truck or mobile home?
No. Only small and medium-sized passenger vehicles may be imported into South Korea. Vehicles seating more than 10 passengers, trucks, and mobile homes are not eligible for import.
Can I sell my car within a year of importing?
You can, but you’ll pay an additional 5% consumption tax on the CIF value, plus VAT adjustments. To avoid this, most importers wait at least 12 months before resale.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.