Car Shipping to South Korea from the USA – Instant Rates
Ship a car from the USA to South Korea with a trusted, U.S.-based international car shipping company specializing in container shipping, RoRo, and air freight. West Coast Shipping handles the entire export process — from vehicle pickup and U.S. export documentation to ocean freight, customs coordination, and delivery at South Korea’s main ports, including Busan.
As a U.S.-based international vehicle shipping provider, we offer door-to-port car shipping from the USA to South Korea for private buyers, dealerships, and exporters. With shipping warehouses in California and New Jersey, we collect vehicles nationwide and ship regularly to South Korea via container and RoRo vessels.
Frequent importer shipping cars from the USA to South Korea?
Request wholesale container shipping rates below.
Calculate Car Shipping Rates from the USA to South Korea
Why Choose West Coast Shipping to Ship a Car to South Korea?
With over 17 years of experience, West Coast Shipping helps customers ship a car from the USA to South Korea safely and efficiently. Our team manages the process end-to-end — from pickup and U.S. export documentation to ocean freight coordination and arrival at South Korea’s main port gateways — so you know exactly what to expect.
Busan (BUS) is the most common arrival port for vehicles shipped from the USA to South Korea, making it a key destination for classic cars, luxury vehicles, SUVs, and EVs.
Our Comprehensive Car Shipping Service Includes:
- International car shipping via dedicated and shared containers
- Secure vehicle transport to the Busan port
- Customs clearance and documentation assistance
- Wholesale car shipping solutions for dealerships
- Loading services for SUVs, sedans, classic cars, and electric vehicles
Use our calculator to get an instant car shipping quote from the USA to South Korea — including container and RoRo options.
We collect your vehicle from anywhere in the US using open or enclosed car transporters. The car is then transported to our nearest export warehouse in California, Florida or New Jersey.
You always have the option to deliver/drop off the vehicle yourself.
With nearly 2 decades of experience in loading containers, we make sure that your cars are safely secured for their journey overseas.
Our team works closely with US Customs to clear cars for export.
For a seamless car import experience, we work with reliable partners worldwide to ensure your cars arrive safely and are properly cleared with import customs.
Export Locations
We load and ship cars to South Korea from our U.S. warehouse network in California, Florida, and New Jersey, offering nationwide pickup options.
INTERNATIONAL CAR SHIPPING:
International Car Shipping Methods
AIRPLANE
Need your vehicle fast? Air freight delivers in just 3-10 days, making it the quickest shipping option—significantly faster than container or RoRo shipping. Exact timing depends on customs and documentation.
SHIPPING CONTAINER
Our containers fit 1-4 vehicles—running or non-running—and offer cost-saving consolidation shipping. For high-value cars, we provide dedicated 20ft or 40ft containers.
RORO VESSEL
RoRo shipping requires vehicles to be operational and empty. Available ports and rates vary. Note: This method is only available for oversized cars
Have Questions?
What Vehicles Can We Ship to South Korea?
Vehicles
We ship standard passenger vehicles from the USA to South Korea, including sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and crossovers, using secure container or RoRo shipping options.
Motocycle
We ship motorcycles from the USA to South Korea using crated or containerized transport, with export documentation support and careful handling throughout the journey.
Electric & Hybrid Cars
Electric and hybrid vehicles can be shipped from the USA to South Korea with proper documentation, battery compliance checks, and secure container loading for added protection.
Race & Rally Cars
We ship race and rally cars to South Korea using enclosed containers designed for low-clearance, high-value, and non-street-legal vehicles.
Classic Cars
Classic and vintage vehicles are regularly shipped from the USA to South Korea using shared or dedicated containers, offering maximum protection for collectible cars.
Luxury Cars
From luxury sedans to exotic sports cars, we ship high-value vehicles to South Korea with optional cargo protection and controlled loading environments.
Salvage & Project Cars
We ship salvage, damaged, and project cars to South Korea, including non-running vehicles, with appropriate handling and export documentation support.
Heavy Machinery
We ship heavy machinery and equipment from the USA to South Korea, including construction and agricultural units, using flat-rack or container solutions.
Oversized Vehicles
Oversized vehicles such as lifted trucks, large SUVs, and custom builds can be shipped to South Korea using specialized ocean freight solutions.
How Much Does It Cost to Ship a Car to South Korea from the USA?
Shipping a car from the USA to South Korea typically depends on the departure location, vehicle size, shipping method (shared container, dedicated container, or RoRo), and whether the vehicle runs. Most quotes include ocean transport and export handling, while destination charges in South Korea (port/terminal fees, unloading, customs-related handling) are usually separate.
Destination charges in South Korea are typically paid on arrival and may include terminal handling, unloading, documentation/processing fees, and local port charges. These are separate from your U.S. export and ocean freight costs, and vary by port and vehicle type.
We offer multiple shipping options from the USA to South Korea:
- Shared container shipping for cost efficiency
- Dedicated container shipping for maximum protection
- RoRo shipping for eligible running vehicles
- Air freight for urgent shipments
If you’re shipping a classic car, luxury vehicle, or EV, we’ll help you plan the shipment with the right documentation and shipping method based on your destination port and vehicle details.
Optional Cargo Damage Protection is available for added peace of mind, especially for high-value vehicles shipped by container.
Get Instant Rates
Get instant shipping rates from anywhere in the USA to South Korea — including Busan — based on your ZIP code, vehicle type, and shipping method.
SHIPPING TIMES TO SOUTH KOREA
Shipping a car from the USA to South Korea takes approximately 14 to 35 days, depending on the departure port and the destination in South Korea.
Vehicles shipped from New Jersey typically arrive in South Korea faster than those shipped from California due to shorter transit routes.
ADDITIONAL COSTS TO CONSIDER
Vehicle Collection: Additional fees may apply for picking up the vehicle from its location before shipping.
Import Duties & Taxes: Import duty on cars in South Korea varies based on the vehicle type and engine size. VAT and customs duties must be paid for all vehicles upon arrival.
Homologation Fees: All vehicles must meet South Korean import regulations, and additional fees may apply to ensure compliance.
PAYMENT OPTIONS
We accept wire transfers, checks, and ban deposits only. Read more about banking fees when paying from overseas.
We do not accept credit card payments.
Ports We Serve in South Korea
South Korea — Car Shipping Ports of Busan & Incheon
Busan is the primary gateway we use for vehicle shipments from the USA to South Korea. We coordinate ocean freight (container or RoRo when eligible), arrival handling, and release steps so your vehicle can be picked up at the port or moved onward within South Korea.
Incheon is also available for select shipments, especially when final delivery is closer to the Seoul metro area. Once your vehicle arrives, we help you understand what’s included in your quote versus what is typically paid at destination (terminal handling, port documentation, and local clearance-related charges).
Want to see what it would cost to ship your vehicle to Busan or Incheon?
RoRo Shipping from the USA to South Korea: What Is Best for Running Vehicles?
RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) is a popular option for shipping running vehicles from the USA to South Korea. Your car is driven onto the vessel and secured for ocean transport, which can make RoRo a cost-effective choice when available for your route and vehicle type.
RoRo is available for eligible vehicles and may have restrictions based on size, condition, and the departure schedule. If your vehicle isn’t a fit for RoRo (or you want maximum protection), container shipping is the recommended alternative.
RoRo is ideal for:
- Heavy machinery (excavators, loaders, tractors)
- Oversized vehicles and commercial trucks
- Units that can be driven onto the vessel
Need a RoRo price to ship a car from the USA to South Korea?
Visit our RoRo Shipping Calculator or our RoRo Services Page to get a personalized quote instantly.
Container Shipping Is the Best Option for Most Cars to South Korea
For most standard vehicles shipped from the USA to South Korea, container shipping is the preferred method. It offers enclosed protection, more flexibility for vehicle condition, and the option for shared or dedicated containers depending on your budget and cargo value.
Vehicle Protection When You Ship a Car to South Korea
Protect your vehicle when you ship a car from the USA to South Korea with optional Cargo Damage Protection. Coverage is designed to help safeguard your vehicle from the time it departs our U.S. warehouse network through ocean transport and arrival at major South Korean ports such as Busan and Incheon.
Most personal auto insurance policies don’t extend to international ocean shipping. If Cargo Damage Protection is declined, compensation may be limited under standard carrier liability terms, which can be significantly lower than your vehicle’s declared value.
For added peace of mind, we recommend Cargo Damage Protection for classic cars, luxury vehicles, EVs, and any shipment where the vehicle’s value exceeds standard carrier liability.
Wholesale Vehicle Shipping from the USA to South Korea
We provide high-volume dealers, auctions, wholesalers, and exporters with turnkey logistics for shipping vehicles from the USA to South Korea — including container loading, export clearance, and port delivery to Busan or Incheon.
- End-to-end vehicle logistics between the USA and South Korea
- Vehicle pickup, warehouse receiving, and U.S. export clearance support
- Private warehouse network in CA, FL, and NJ for nationwide collection
- Vehicle and parts consolidation (multi-unit and mixed cargo)
- Shared or dedicated container shipping options based on volume
- Use our carrier bookings or ship under your own contracts
- Choose your own destination agent (especially for dedicated containers)
- Expedited air freight options for urgent shipments
Documents Required to Ship a Car from the USA to South Korea
Shipping a car from the USA to South Korea requires the right export paperwork and identity documents so your vehicle can be released for ocean transport and processed on arrival. Below are the most common documents needed for USA → South Korea car shipping.
Required for most shipments
- Original vehicle title (or lender letter + lien release if applicable)
- Bill of Sale (proof of purchase/ownership)
- Photo ID (passport or government-issued ID)
- Power of Attorney (POA) (authorizes export filing/processing when required)
If the vehicle has a lien
- Lienholder authorization letter and/or lien release (as applicable)
If you’re exporting as an individual vs business
- Individuals: passport/ID copy
- Businesses: EIN letter (when applicable)
Our dedicated export team will guide you through every step to ensure all documentation and customs requirements are met for seamless shipping to South Korea.
Dedicated Export Team
Your assigned coordinator guides you through U.S. export paperwork, checks your documents for common issues (missing signatures, lien status, name mismatch), and helps keep your shipment on schedule to Busan or Incheon.
Car Import Process in South Korea
Shipping Cost & Duties
Shipping your car from the United States to South Korea requires clearing US customs and complying with South Korean import regulations. Below are the required costs and duties associated with importing a vehicle to South Korea.
Mandatory Fees in the USA
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) is 0.125% of the cargo value, excluding air freight. Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF) is 0.3464% of the cargo value, with a minimum charge of $31.67 and a maximum of $614.35.
Import Duties & Taxes in South Korea
The import tax on vehicles varies based on engine type, weight, and emissions. Customs duties on vehicles in South Korea typically range from 8% to 10% of the total customs value, which includes the vehicle’s purchase price and shipping costs. A Value Added Tax (VAT) of 10% is also applied.
Used vehicles imported into South Korea must meet emissions and safety standards. The vehicle must pass an emissions test and obtain a roadworthiness certificate before being registered.
Car Import Process from USA to South Korea
Shipping a car from the USA to South Korea typically follows a clear sequence: pickup or delivery to our U.S. warehouse → export paperwork → ocean freight → arrival at Busan or Incheon → destination release and registration steps. Below is a step-by-step overview so you know what happens at each stage.
South Korea has specific requirements for duties/taxes, emissions/inspection, and import documentation. We’ll help you prepare the shipment and coordinate the paperwork needed for export and arrival, while your destination agent handles final import processing and local registration steps.
South Korea Car Shipping Service
Our South Korea Car Shipping Service includes door-to-door vehicle transport from any US location, dedicated container shipping for secure vehicle transport, customs clearance and documentation handling, secure vehicle transport at both the origin and destination, compliance assistance for South Korean import regulations, and special handling for classic, luxury, and electric cars.
Our consolidated container shipping service makes shipping more cost-effective, saving importers and car dealers significant costs compared to other methods. We manage every step of the process, from pickup to delivery in South Korea.
Registering Your Car in South Korea
After your vehicle arrives in South Korea (typically Busan or Incheon), registration generally involves customs release, paying applicable taxes/fees, completing any required inspection, and submitting paperwork to register the vehicle for road use. The exact steps depend on the vehicle type, age, and importer status.
To register your vehicle, you need a foreign registration certificate and proof of ownership, customs duty and VAT payment records, approval from the South Korean Transport Agency, and vehicle approval certificates to comply with South Korean import laws. You must also provide the original bill of sale, shipping documents, and import declaration form.
Classic Car Exemptions
If your car is over 30 years old, unmodified, and no longer in production, you may qualify for a reduced VAT rate and a simplified registration process.
South Korean authorities require homologation to ensure compliance with safety and emissions standards. Modifications may be necessary, such as adjusting headlights for South Korean roads and ensuring compliance with CO₂ emissions regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Shipping to South Korea
The cost of shipping a car to South Korea starts at $1,700 per vehicle. The most affordable option is consolidated container shipping, which allows multiple cars to share the cost. Use our shipping calculator to get an accurate quote.
Transit time varies depending on the departure port. Shipping from New Jersey to South Korea takes around 14 days, while shipping from California takes approximately 35 days.
To export a car from the USA to South Korea, you need the original vehicle title, a bill of sale, a copy of your passport or EIN letter, a power of attorney form, and a completed international car shipping form.
South Korean import duties and taxes depend on the vehicle type and value. VAT rates may vary, and additional import fees can apply. For the latest information on import taxes, visit the Korean Customs Service website.
We offer multiple shipping options, including container shipping, roll-on/roll-off (RoRo), and air freight. Container shipping is ideal for high-value vehicles, while RoRo is an option for drivable cars. Air freight is the fastest but most expensive method.
Yes, classic cars can be shipped to South Korea. If your vehicle is over 30 years old, unmodified, and no longer in production, it may qualify for a reduced VAT rate and simplified registration.
Yes, motorcycles can be shipped using containers or air freight. A 20ft container can hold up to eight motorcycles, while a 40ft container can fit up to sixteen. Motorcycles shipped by air freight require a custom-built crate.
If shipping via container, you may include personal belongings inside the car. However, if using roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) shipping, personal items cannot be left inside the vehicle.
Yes, optional cargo damage protection is available for additional peace of mind. We recommend purchasing coverage to protect your vehicle during international transit.
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