Ship Your Military Car To South Korea – 2025 PCS Guide

Receiving Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders for Camp Humphreys, Osan Air Base, or Kunsan can feel like a sprint. Add a privately owned vehicle (POV) to the move, and the sprint turns into a logistics marathon—unless you have a clear plan and a battle-tested partner. 

1. Know Your DoD Entitlement

What the Government Pays For

1. One POV at no cost via the official Vehicle Processing Center (VPC) contract—turn-in at a U.S. VPC and pick-up at the Pyongtaek VPC near Camp Humphreys.

2. Storage in lieu of shipment if you leave your car stateside and buy local wheels.

3. Return transport when you PCS out of Korea.

When You Pay Out-of-Pocket

• Second cars, motorcycles, trailers, or project builds.

• Late VPC turn-in (beyond 30- or 90-day windows, service-specific).

• Upgrades such as enclosed pickup, door delivery, or rapid air freight.

• Port charges for POVs shipped outside the DoD contract.

2. Choose Your Transport Mode

Key Takeaways

• Plan early and container service fits most PCS timelines at one-third of air cost.

• Shared containers let you pair two POVs with a buddy and slash per-car ocean fees.

• Air freight is your lifeline when orders shift last minute or family situations compress the schedule.

3. From Orders to On-Base Delivery – A PCS Timeline

4. Documentation Checklist

Gather originals or notarized copies

• PCS orders authorizing POV shipment

• Title or lienholder permission letter

• Power of attorney granting West Coast Shipping export authority

• EPA 3520-1 (Box 7 for PCS exemption)

• DOT HS-7 (Code C for non-resident military)

• Military ID copy for customs duty waiver

• Proof of Korean Compulsory Coverage quote (needed for registration)

Templates and how-to guides appear in Documents You Need to Ship an Auction Car—identical forms apply to PCS POVs.

5. Vehicle Prep Checklist

1. Steam-clean undercarriage—Korean customs rejects soil or vegetation.

2. Remove personal items except factory jack, spare, and OEM tools.

3. Set tire pressure to factory spec for container stacking safety.

4. Disconnect aftermarket alarms to avoid battery drain.

5. Fuel below ¼ tank; no jerry cans or fluids in trunk.

6. Provide two keys plus wheel-lock adapter taped to steering wheel.

7. Photographic documentation by West Coast Shipping captures pre-load condition for full transparency.

The photo workflow mirrors our Auction to Your Door process.

6. Arrival in South Korea: Customs, Inspection, Registration

Customs & Duties

• First POV shipped under PCS orders clears duty-free with SOFA status.

• Additional POVs pay 8% VAT and 7% duty on CIF value.

• West Coast Shipping’s Busan partner pre-files entries to cut clearance waits.

Korea Vehicle Inspection (KVI)

• Mandatory for emissions, noise, lighting, and safety.

• Vehicles older than six years may need extra emissions testing.

• Modifications (lift kits, aftermarket exhaust) often require reverting to stock.

Base Registration

1. Obtain USFK Form 134EK from the Vehicle Registration Office.

2. Present customs release, title, and proof of Korean liability coverage.

3. Receive decals and Korean tags valid for the duration of your tour.

7. Cost Breakdown Example – Shared Container

2020 Jeep Wrangler | Fort Hood pickup → Oakland yard → Busan → Camp Humphreys

Add ₩70,000–₩120,000 for compulsory liability coverage and ₩30,000 for KVI inspection.

8. Five Cost-Saving Tactics

1. Share a Container – Pair with another service member; each saves up to $1,000 on ocean freight.

2. Ship Off-Peak – Fall sailings avoid summer PCS premiums and port congestion.

3. Group Pickups – West Coast Shipping runs monthly on-base pickups at Camp Pendleton, JBLM, and Fort Liberty, saving $150–$250 in inland fees.

4. Use SOFA Duty Waiver – Ensure customs officer stamps duty-free paperwork for your first POV.

5. Verify Mod Rules Early – Stock height and exhaust equal smoother KVI; avoid costly port-lot reversions.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ship a left-hand-drive muscle car?

Yes. It passes KVI if headlights are adjusted for Korean traffic patterns.

How soon should I start the process?

Begin 60 days before your report date. This locks the best container slots and avoids expedited fees.

What about leased vehicles?

Secure a lienholder letter authorizing export and Korean registration; most lenders respond within 10 days.

Do I need an international driver’s permit?

Service members typically drive on a stateside license for 30 days; then obtain a USFK driver’s permit on base.

Can West Coast Shipping deliver to my off-base residence?

Yes. We offer door delivery anywhere on the peninsula for added convenience.

10. Why West Coast Shipping Leads PCS Moves to Korea

• Oakland headquarters near Travis AFB for rapid POV drop-off and weekly Pacific sailings.

• Military-ready paperwork team—SOFA duty waivers, EPA/DOT forms, and KVI prep.

• Real-time tracking and photo milestones in our secure portal.

• On-base pickups and peninsula-wide delivery—skip port errands.

• Consolidation expertise—share containers, cut costs, keep timelines.

Dive deeper on Pacific routes at our Asia shipping hub (many tips apply to Korea as well).

Calculate Your South Korea PCS Shipping Quote

Ready to move your POV across the Pacific? Click below for a transparent, all-inclusive rate—then let West Coast Shipping deliver your vehicle from your driveway to Korean roads, safely and on schedule.