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Shipping cost from China to South Korea
Shipping Cost from China to South Korea (2026 Guide) Verified & Reviewed · Last updated May 2026 Shipping cost from China to South Korea in 2026...
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Shipping from China to South Korea – Sea, Air & DDP in 2026
Fast, reliable shipping from China to Korea for B2B importers,
industrial cargo, and general goods.
Compare sea freight, air freight, and DDP door-to-door options with clear transit times,
costs, and customs handling — before you book.
Sea freight: 2–7 days
Air freight: 1–3 days
DDP: 3–10 days (Door-to-door)
- Experienced China-based logistics specialists
10,000+ international shipments handled Global sea, air & DDP shipping solutions 24/7 shipment tracking & customer support
Shipping Methods from China to South Korea
Compare China–Korea shipping by schedule, clearance, and final delivery—covering Busan, Incheon, and Seoul-area destinations.
Air Freight
Fast air shipping to Incheon for urgent cargo.
Sea Freight (FCL & LCL)
FCL/LCL to Busan and major Korea seaports.
Express Shipping
Parcels and documents delivery to South Korea.
DDP Door-to-Door
Customs, duties/taxes, and delivery included.
Shipping from China to South Korea: Trade & Logistics Overview
Shipping from China to South Korea supports strong bilateral trade across electronics, machinery, and industrial goods. Importers typically choose between ocean freight and air freight based on cost, transit time, and cargo urgency.
Tonlexing provides shipping from China to South Korea with sea freight, air freight, customs clearance coordination, and door-to-door delivery options. Our service scope can include packaging, warehousing, pickup, documentation, and final delivery—helping you keep shipments compliant and on schedule.
Table of Contents
Shipping from China to South Korea: Sea Freight, Air Freight, and Door-to-Door Services
What are the Shipping Methods from China to South Korea?
There are two primary shipping methods available when transporting goods from China to South Korea: sea freight and air freight. Both methods offer unique advantages depending on your shipment’s needs, such as cost, speed, and the type of goods being shipped.
Sea Freight from China to South Korea
Sea freight is one of the most popular and cost-effective methods of shipping goods from China to South Korea, especially for large or heavy cargo. Most shipments are sent via container vessels and bulk carriers from major Chinese ports to key South Korean destinations like Busan, Incheon, and Pyeongtaek.
Main sea ports for shipping from China to South Korea
China’s Main Ports:
- Shanghai Port – The busiest container port in China.
- Ningbo-Zhoushan Port – Known for handling large volumes of cargo.
- Shenzhen Port – A key export hub in southern China.
- Qingdao Port – Major port located in the northern region.
- Guangzhou Port – Significant port in southern China.
South Korea’s Main Ports:
- Busan Port – The largest port in South Korea and a major transshipment hub.
- Incheon Port – Key port for imports and exports, serving Seoul and the surrounding areas.
- Pyeongtaek Port – An important port for automobiles and other heavy goods.
These ports provide strong connectivity for sea freight between China and South Korea, ensuring efficient and reliable transportation for businesses.
⏳How long is sea freight from China to South Korea?
The average sea freight transit time from China to South Korea typically ranges from 5 to 10 days depending on the port of origin and the specific destination port.
| Port of Origin (China) | Port of Destination (South Korea) | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Busan | 5-7 days |
| Shenzhen | Incheon | 7-10 days |
| Ningbo | Gwangyang | 5-8 days |
| Qingdao | Busan | 6-9 days |
| Guangzhou | Pyeongtaek | 7-10 days |
💰How much does sea freight from China to South Korea cost?
The cost of sea freight between China and South Korea depends on container size, shipment type (FCL or LCL), and the specific port route. Below are estimated prices for both Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping:
| Port of Origin (China) | Port of Destination (South Korea) | 20ft Container FCL | 40ft Container FCL | LCL (per CBM) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Busan | $650–$850 | $1,350–$1,750 | $55–$65 |
| Shenzhen | Incheon | $560–$740 | $1,100–$1,400 | $50–$60 |
| Ningbo | Gwangyang | $700–$900 | $1,450–$1,850 | $60–$70 |
| Qingdao | Busan | $750–$950 | $1,350–$1,750 | $55–$65 |
| Guangzhou | Pyeongtaek | $900–$1,200 | $1,750–$2,350 | $60–$70 |
These prices are approximations and subject to fluctuations depending on market demand, seasonal trends, and fuel surcharges. For the latest rates and custom quotes, contact us directly.
Sea freight process from China to South Korea
1. Booking and Planning
- 📝 Arrange Shipment: Contact your freight forwarder to book the shipment. You will need to provide details such as cargo type, volume, and preferred shipping date.
- 📦 Prepare Goods: Pack and label your goods according to shipping standards. Ensure that all required documentation is prepared (e.g., invoice, packing list, certificates).
2. Pickup & Transportation to Port
- 🚚 Cargo Pickup: Your freight forwarder will arrange for the pickup of your goods from your warehouse or supplier.
- 🏗️ Transport to Port: Goods are transported to the nearest loading port in China (e.g., Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen).
3. Customs Clearance in China
🛃 Chinese Export Customs: Your freight forwarder will handle the customs export declaration to ensure your goods are legally allowed to leave China. This includes checking all necessary export documents.
4. Loading and Shipping
- 🚢 Container Loading: We load your goods into a container (either FCL or LCL) and prepare them for shipping.
- 🌍 Sea Transit: The container sets sail from China to South Korea, with typical transit times ranging from 5 to 10 days, depending on the departure and arrival ports.
5. Arrival in South Korea
- 🚢 Port Arrival: Once the vessel reaches South Korea, the container is unloaded at the destination port (e.g., Busan, Incheon).
- 🛃 South Korean Import Customs: Customs clearance will be required upon arrival. Your forwarder will assist in providing necessary documents such as the bill of lading, commercial invoice, and packing list.
6. Final Delivery
- 🚛 Transportation to Final Destination: Once customs clearance is completed, the goods are then transported to the final destination, whether that’s a warehouse or the customer’s address in South Korea. Additionally, this ensures a smooth and timely delivery.
- 🏠 Goods Delivered: Your shipment is successfully delivered to the recipient in South Korea.
This process ensures smooth shipping and timely delivery of goods between China and South Korea. Let me know if you need further customization!
Air Freight from China to South Korea
For businesses seeking faster shipping options, air freight provides a more rapid solution. Moreover, this method is especially useful for high-value, time-sensitive goods that need to reach their destination quickly. In addition, air freight offers greater security and reliability, ensuring that your products arrive in the shortest possible time.
Main airports for air freight from China to South Korea
China’s Main Airports:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) – Major hub for international cargo.
- Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) – Handles significant air cargo traffic.
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) – Key airport in southern China for exports.
- Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX) – Important cargo hub in southern China.
- Qingdao Liuting International Airport (TAO) – A vital air freight center in northern China.
South Korea’s Main Airports:
- Incheon International Airport (ICN) – The largest and busiest airport in South Korea, handling the majority of international cargo.
- Gimpo International Airport (GMP) – Supports domestic and some international cargo shipments.
- Gimhae International Airport (PUS) – Located in Busan, it is important for regional cargo operations.
These airports provide essential air freight connections for businesses shipping goods between China and South Korea.
⏳How long is air freight from China to South Korea?
Shipping by air freight from China to South Korea is fast, typically taking between 1 to 5 days for most routes.
| Airport of Origin (China) | Airport of Destination (South Korea) | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai (PVG) | Seoul (ICN) | 1-3 days |
| Beijing (PEK) | Busan (PUS) | 2-4 days |
| Guangzhou (CAN) | Incheon (ICN) | 2-5 days |
💰 How much does air freight from China to South Korea cost?
Air freight is more expensive than sea freight but offers faster delivery times. Prices vary based on cargo weight, size, and the specific route.
| Weight Range | Cost per KG (Approximate) | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| 100kg – 299kg | $5.50 – $7.00 | 1-5 days |
| 300kg – 1000kg | $5.00 – $6.50 | 1-5 days |
| 1000kg+ | $4.80 – $6.00 | 1-5 days |
For the most up-to-date air freight prices, feel free to contact us.
Air freight process from China to South Korea
1. Booking and Planning
- 📝 Arrange Shipment: Contact your freight forwarder to book the air shipment. Provide information such as cargo details, weight, dimensions, and preferred shipment date.
- 📦 Prepare Goods: Properly package and label your goods according to air cargo standards. Ensure all necessary documentation is ready (e.g., commercial invoice, packing list, certificates).
2. Pickup & Transportation to Airport
- 🚚 Cargo Pickup: The freight forwarder arranges pickup from the supplier’s location or your warehouse.
- 🏗️ Transport to Airport: The goods are transported to the departure airport in China (e.g., Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN)).
3. Customs Clearance in China
🛃 Chinese Export Customs: Your freight forwarder will assist in processing the necessary export customs clearance in China, ensuring your cargo is cleared for international shipment.
4. Air Freight
- ✈️ Flight Loading: The goods are loaded onto the airplane. Air freight typically offers both direct and consolidated flights to South Korea (e.g., Incheon (ICN), Gimpo (GMP)).
- 🌍 Transit Time: The flight from China to South Korea typically takes 1-5 days depending on the service level (direct flights or consolidated shipments).
5. Arrival in South Korea
- ✈️ Arrival at Destination Airport: The goods arrive at the designated airport in South Korea (e.g., Incheon, Gimpo).
- 🛃 South Korean Import Customs: The customs clearance process begins upon the arrival of goods. Your freight forwarder assists in submitting documents such as the air waybill (AWB), commercial invoice, and packing list to South Korean customs.
6. Final Delivery
- 🚛 Transport to Final Destination: After customs clearance, the goods are transported to the final delivery location, whether it’s a warehouse or a business address in South Korea.
- 🏠 Goods Delivered: The air freight shipment is delivered to the recipient, completing the door-to-door process.
This air freight process is suitable for time-sensitive and high-value shipments between China and South Korea, providing a balance of speed and reliability.
Door-to-Door Shipping from China to South Korea
For businesses and individuals who want a hassle-free shipping experience, door-to-door services offer the perfect solution. With this option, we handle everything from picking up the goods from the supplier in China to delivering them directly to the customer’s address in South Korea.
⏳How long is door-to-door shipping from China to South Korea?
Door-to-door shipping generally follows the same transit times as sea or air freight, but with the added benefit of end-to-end service, including customs clearance and final delivery:
- Sea Freight Door-to-Door: 7-12 days
- Air Freight Door-to-Door: 3-6 days
💰 How much does door-to-door shipping from China to South Korea cost?
The cost of door-to-door shipping includes pick-up, transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery. Rates are based on the shipping method (air or sea), the size of the shipment, and the destination.
For detailed quotes on door-to-door shipping, please get in touch with us.
Door-to-door shipping process from China to South Korea
1. Booking and Shipment Preparation
- 📝 Contact Freight Forwarder: Get in touch with a reliable freight forwarder to arrange the shipment, providing details like the nature of goods, weight, volume, and preferred shipping method (air or sea).
- 📦 Packaging: Ensure that the goods are properly packaged, labeled, and ready for transport. Necessary documents (commercial invoice, packing list, certificates, etc.) should be prepared in advance.
2. Pickup from the Supplier
- 🚚 Pickup: The freight forwarder arranges for the cargo to be picked up from the supplier’s location or your warehouse in China.
- 🏗️ Transport to Port/Airport: The goods are transported to the designated departure port or airport, depending on the shipping method (sea or air freight).
3. Export Customs Clearance in China
🛃 Customs Clearance: The freight forwarder assists in completing export customs clearance in China, ensuring all documentation is submitted and approved.
4. Shipping from China to South Korea
- ✈️ Air Freight: For air freight, the shipment is loaded onto a direct or consolidated flight. Transit time is typically 1-5 days.
- 🚢 Sea Freight: For sea freight, the shipment is loaded onto a container (FCL or LCL) and shipped to South Korea. Transit time is usually 5-10 days.
5. Import Customs Clearance in South Korea
🛃 Customs Clearance in South Korea: Upon arrival at the destination port (Busan, Incheon, etc.) or airport (Incheon, Gimpo, etc.), the freight forwarder handles the import customs clearance. Necessary documents (Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, commercial invoice, etc.) are submitted to South Korean customs.
6. Final Delivery to Destination
- 🚛 Transportation to Final Destination: Once cleared by customs, the goods are transported from the port or airport to the final delivery location, whether it’s a business address, warehouse, or private residence.
- 🏠 Goods Delivered: The door-to-door service is completed when the shipment reaches the recipient’s address in South Korea.
This process ensures a hassle-free and seamless shipment from China to South Korea, covering every step from pickup to final delivery.
Top Products Imported from China to South Korea
South Korea imports a wide range of goods from China, including:
- Electronics: Smartphones, computers, and other consumer electronics.
- Machinery: Industrial machines and equipment.
- Automotive Parts: Engines, gearboxes, and other vehicle components.
- Chemicals: Organic and industrial chemicals used in manufacturing.
- Textiles: Fabrics, clothing, and apparel.
- Plastics and Packaging Materials: Various types of plastic products.
- Medical Devices: Optical instruments, medical equipment, and other health-related products.
By staying informed about the most in-demand products and adjusting your shipping strategy accordingly, you can improve efficiency and lower costs.
(FAQs) about shipping from China to South Korea
- Sea freight costs for a 20ft container range from $550 to $1,550, while a 40ft container costs $1,050 to $2,550, depending on the port and shipping route.
- Air freight costs range from $5 to $8 per kg, depending on the weight and service level.
Yes, door-to-door services are available, where the freight forwarder manages the entire process, from pickup in China to final delivery in South Korea.
Common documents include the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading (sea freight) or air waybill (air freight), and a certificate of origin, if required.
The most common goods include electronics, machinery, automotive parts, plastics, steel products, and consumer goods.
Most freight forwarders provide online tracking for both air and sea freight, allowing you to monitor your shipment’s status from departure to arrival.
Related Logistics Guides
Useful freight, customs and importing resources related to this shipping guide.
