Shipping from China to South Korea is a key route for international trade, with total bilateral trade exceeding USD 310 billion in 2025. SpeedWin offers professional logistics solutions for businesses shipping electronics, machinery, batteries, and other goods. Our services cover sea freight, air freight, rail, and express shipping, ensuring smooth delivery to major South Korean ports such as Busan, Incheon, and Gwangyang. With SpeedWin, you can navigate customs regulations efficiently, optimize shipping costs, and secure timely delivery for FCL, LCL, and high-value cargo like lithium batteries.
How to ship from China to South Korea
Shipping from China to South Korea with SpeedWin is straightforward and efficient, thanks to our integrated logistics solutions. Businesses can choose from multiple shipping methods based on cargo type, urgency, and budget. Sea freight is ideal for bulk shipments, with major ports like Busan and Incheon handling large volumes of FCL and LCL cargo. Air freight is preferred for high-value or time-sensitive goods, connecting major airports such as Incheon International Airport for rapid delivery. For special cargo like lithium batteries or energy storage systems, SpeedWin provides compliant handling and dedicated transport channels to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Door-to-door services, including customs clearance in South Korea, simplify the shipping process, allowing you to focus on your business while we manage the logistics from China to South Korea.
Sea freight from China to South Korea
Sea freight is one of the most cost‑effective ways to ship cargo from China to South Korea in 2026. SpeedWin specializes in planning FCL shipping from China to South Korea and LCL shipping from China to South Korea with clear routing, competitive pricing, and smooth customs coordination. Because South Korea is close to China, ocean transit times are among the shortest in Asia, making this route especially efficient for industrial goods, consumer products, machinery, and larger shipments.
FCL shipping from China to South Korea
Full Container Load (FCL) is ideal for large shipments that fill a 20‑ft or 40‑ft container. On common lanes such as Shanghai → Busan or Ningbo → Incheon, sea transit typically takes about 2–5 days port‑to‑port. FCL offers dedicated space and faster handling with fewer touchpoints, helping reduce risk and simplify documentation. Costs for FCL container service on this route generally remain competitive compared with long‑haul routes due to frequent sailings and close distances.
LCL shipping from China to South Korea
Less than Container Load (LCL) suits smaller shipments that don’t require an entire container. LCL shipments are consolidated with other cargo at origin and deconsolidated at the destination port, which can add slightly to transit time. Typical LCL sea transit from China to South Korea ranges from 3–6 days port‑to‑port, depending on origin and destination. For businesses with lower volume, LCL provides flexibility and cost savings while still maintaining efficient delivery schedules.
Main Ports in South Korea for Shipping from China
South Korea’s ports are well‑equipped to handle frequent China trade traffic:
Busan Port – South Korea’s largest container port and major gateway for FCL and LCL cargo from China.
Incheon Port – Close to Seoul, ideal for imports needing quick inland distribution.
Gwangyang and Pyeongtaek – Additional ports serving specialized or overflow cargo and industrial consignments.
Sea freight between China and South Korea typically benefits from high shipping frequency, robust port infrastructure, and relatively short sailings, making it attractive for companies focused on balancing cost and delivery time. SpeedWin’s coordination across carriers, documentation, and customs clearance helps ensure your sea shipment arrives on time and without unnecessary delays.
Air freight from China to South Korea
Air freight is a preferred shipping option from China to South Korea for time-sensitive and high-value cargo such as electronics, automotive parts, and urgent B2B shipments. Thanks to the short flying distance and dense flight schedules between the two countries, air cargo offers stable capacity and predictable transit performance.
At SpeedWin, we provide end-to-end air freight solutions from major Chinese airports to South Korea, covering export customs clearance, airline space allocation, and local delivery coordination. Our experience with Korea-bound cargo helps shippers avoid common issues related to documentation accuracy and import compliance.
Main Airports in South Korea for Shipping from China
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
South Korea’s largest international cargo hub, handling the majority of air freight imports from China. ICN is best suited for general cargo, electronics, and battery-related shipments requiring strict customs control.Gimpo International Airport (GMP)
Mainly used for regional and express air cargo serving Seoul and nearby industrial zones, ideal for urgent and smaller shipments.Gimhae International Airport (PUS – Busan)
A strategic gateway for cargo serving southern South Korea, often combined with sea-air or inland distribution solutions.
In practice, airport-to-airport air freight from China to South Korea typically takes 1–3 days, while door-to-door air shipping usually completes within 3–5 days, depending on customs clearance speed and delivery location. SpeedWin helps optimize routing and flight selection to minimize delays during peak seasons.
FCL shipping from China to South Korea
Full Container Load (FCL) is ideal for large shipments that fill a 20‑ft or 40‑ft container. On common lanes such as Shanghai → Busan or Ningbo → Incheon, sea transit typically takes about 2–5 days port‑to‑port. FCL offers dedicated space and faster handling with fewer touchpoints, helping reduce risk and simplify documentation. Costs for FCL container service on this route generally remain competitive compared with long‑haul routes due to frequent sailings and close distances.
LCL shipping from China to South Korea
Less than Container Load (LCL) suits smaller shipments that don’t require an entire container. LCL shipments are consolidated with other cargo at origin and deconsolidated at the destination port, which can add slightly to transit time. Typical LCL sea transit from China to South Korea ranges from 3–6 days port‑to‑port, depending on origin and destination. For businesses with lower volume, LCL provides flexibility and cost savings while still maintaining efficient delivery schedules.
Main Ports in South Korea for Shipping from China
South Korea’s ports are well‑equipped to handle frequent China trade traffic:
Busan Port – South Korea’s largest container port and major gateway for FCL and LCL cargo from China.
Incheon Port – Close to Seoul, ideal for imports needing quick inland distribution.
Gwangyang and Pyeongtaek – Additional ports serving specialized or overflow cargo and industrial consignments.
Sea freight between China and South Korea typically benefits from high shipping frequency, robust port infrastructure, and relatively short sailings, making it attractive for companies focused on balancing cost and delivery time. SpeedWin’s coordination across carriers, documentation, and customs clearance helps ensure your sea shipment arrives on time and without unnecessary delays.
Express shipping from China to South Korea
Express shipping from China to South Korea is one of the quickest ways to deliver small parcels, urgent parts, or e-commerce orders — especially when timing is critical. With SpeedWin’s express logistics solutions, you get end-to-end coordination including pickup in China, carrier booking, customs documentation, and door-to-door delivery support. South Korea’s proximity to China and frequent flights make express services especially efficient for routes such as Shanghai/Guangzhou/Shenzhen → Incheon or Busan, with reliable transit times and tracking throughout the journey.
On this route, express shipping typically reaches South Korea within 1–3 days from major Chinese cities, making it suitable for urgent inventory replenishment or time-sensitive shipments like samples, fashion stock, or replacement components. Costs vary with weight and carrier, but modern market averages hover around USD 5–10 per kilogram — a competitive range for door-to-door express delivery. Many express options also offer DDP service (Delivered Duty Paid), simplifying customs clearance in South Korea by including duties and taxes upfront.
Express shipping remains a top choice when speed and reliability matter most, and SpeedWin’s professional handling ensures your China–to–South Korea express shipments are tracked and delivered with minimal delay and clear cost expectations.
Door to door shipping from China to South Korea
Door-to-door shipping from China to South Korea is one of the most efficient logistics solutions in 2026, especially for importers who want clear costs and stable transit times. This service covers pickup in China, international transportation, customs clearance in South Korea, and final delivery to the consignee’s address, reducing coordination risks and delays.
At SpeedWin, door-to-door shipping is designed to simplify cross-border operations while keeping landed costs under control. Depending on the importer’s customs and tax strategy, we support multiple Incoterm options.
DDP shipping from China to South Korea is widely used by overseas buyers who prefer an all-inclusive solution. Duties, VAT, customs clearance, and delivery are handled in advance, allowing goods to arrive without additional payment at destination.
DDU shipping from China to South Korea and DAP shipping from China to South Korea are suitable for importers with local customs capabilities, where duties and taxes are settled separately upon arrival.
Thanks to the short distance between the two countries and frequent sailings and flights, transit times remain highly competitive. Door-to-door air freight typically takes 2–5 business days, while door-to-door sea freight usually ranges from 4–8 business days, depending on origin and destination. Major gateways such as Busan Port and Incheon International Airport ensure fast customs processing for compliant cargo.
With transparent pricing, flexible Incoterm options, and Korea-focused operational experience, SpeedWin helps importers move goods from China to South Korea smoothly and predictably.
Battery shipping from China to South Korea
Shipping batteries from China to South Korea requires careful planning due to safety, regulatory, and handling requirements. Whether you are arranging lithium batteries shipping from China to South Korea, Energy storage system shipping from China to South Korea, or Photovoltaic system shipping from China to South Korea, understanding the logistics involved is essential for cost control and compliance.
South Korea enforces strict customs and safety protocols for batteries and related energy systems. All lithium battery exports must meet documentation standards such as UN38.3 certification and detailed commercial invoices to avoid clearance delays. For example, shipments of lithium batteries often require dangerous goods (DG) handling before departure, adding 1–3 days to processing time before the cargo can be loaded at the origin airport. At destination, batteries must clear Korean customs with correct packing lists and invoices to prevent fines and hold-ups.
Transit times for battery shipments vary by mode. Air freight for hazardous battery cargo typically takes 2–5 days door‑to‑door from major Chinese airports to South Korea, assuming all DG documentation is in order. Sea freight to ports such as Busan or Incheon is usually 5–8 days, with additional time for customs clearance and inland delivery. Express courier services for smaller battery components can reach South Korea within 4–6 days once DG handling is completed at origin.
Because battery and renewable energy system components are classified as regulated goods, extra compliance steps like UN38.3 reports, DG labels, and accurate HS codes are crucial. At SpeedWin, we assist clients from hazardous goods documentation and packaging compliance to customs clearance in South Korea, reducing operational friction. Our experience in handling sensitive cargo such as lithium batteries, energy storage systems, and photovoltaic components ensures safety and predictability for your supply chain.
Shipping cost from China to South Korea
Understanding the shipping cost from China to South Korea in 2026 involves considering both transportation mode and additional fees such as fuel surcharges, customs, and inland delivery. Due to strong trade ties and frequent sailings and flights between Chinese ports/airports and South Korean gateways like Busan and Incheon, this route typically offers competitive intra‑Asia logistics rates compared with long‑haul lanes. At SpeedWin, we provide transparent cost breakdowns to help you choose the most cost‑effective solution for your shipment needs while managing duties and delivery requirements efficiently.
Estimated 2026 Shipping Rates (China → South Korea)
| Shipping Mode | Estimated Cost (2026) | Typical Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight – 20FT FCL | USD 315–385 | ~8–12 days | Most cost‑efficient for standard full container loads |
| Sea Freight – 40FT FCL | USD 378–462 | ~8–12 days | Best for large shipments, better unit cost |
| Sea Freight – LCL | USD ~10/CBM | ~9–16 days | Smaller shipments sharing container space |
| Air Freight | USD 4–6/kg | ~3–5 days | Faster than sea, ideal for high‑value or urgent goods |
| Express Courier | USD 5–10/kg | ~2–5 days | Door‑to‑door priority service for parcels |
Notes:
Sea freight costs can fluctuate based on origin port, seasonality, and carrier capacity.
Air freight tends to be more affordable for larger freight volume contracts but varies with weight, cargo type, and departure city.
Express prices depend on courier and parcel size.
At SpeedWin, we tailor quotes in real time based on shipment size, product type, and preferred delivery speed to ensure optimum balance between cost and transit time.
Shipping time from China to South Korea
Understanding shipping time from China to South Korea in 2026 is essential for importers managing inventory, customer expectations, and supply chain timing. The route between China’s major ports and airports and South Korea’s logistics hubs like Busan Port and Incheon Airport features some of the fastest international transit times in Asia due to proximity and frequent sailings/flight schedules. At SpeedWin, we provide realistic transit estimates for different modes, taking into account port handling, customs clearance, and inland transport — critical components that influence total delivery time.
Estimated Transit Times (China → South Korea)
| Shipping Method | Typical Transit Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Freight – FCL (Port‑to‑Port) | 3–7 days | Shanghai/Ningbo/Qingdao → Busan/Incheon |
| Sea Freight – LCL (Port‑to‑Port) | 5–10 days | Consolidation adds time |
| Air Freight (Airport‑to‑Airport) | 1–3 days | Major airports: Shanghai/Beijing → Incheon/Gimpo |
| Express Courier (Door‑to‑Door) | 2–5 days | Includes customs clearance & delivery |
Notes:
Sea freight times are often shorter than typical ocean routes due to direct calls and close proximity; however, total door‑to‑door can extend 1–2 days depending on trucking and customs handling.
Air freight provides the fastest transit for urgent or high‑value shipments, with flights between major Chinese and Korean airports operating frequently.
Express services (e.g., DHL, FedEx) typically complete door‑to‑door shipments within a few days when customs documentation is complete.
At SpeedWin, we work with trusted carriers and Korean customs partners to optimize routing and clearance processes, helping importers meet just‑in‑time schedules or seasonal demand peaks with reliable transit times.
Import Tax and Duties in South Korea for Goods from China
When importing goods from China to South Korea in 2026, companies must account for both customs duties and local taxes to accurately forecast landed costs. South Korea applies customs duties based on the Harmonized System (HS) code of each product, and most imported goods are also subject to Value Added Tax (VAT) and occasional excise taxes. At SpeedWin, we help importers classify items correctly, estimate duty costs, and optimize tariff treatments under applicable trade agreements to streamline clearance.
| Tax / Duty Type | Rate / Rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Customs Duty | ~8% (typical) | Varies by HS code; some categories range 0‑40% based on product type. |
| Value Added Tax (VAT) | 10% | Applied on CIF value plus customs duty. |
| De minimis Threshold | ~KRW 150,000 (~USD 110‑150) | Goods below this value may be duty and VAT exempt. |
| Special/Excise Tax | ~10‑20% on specific goods | Applies to luxury items, certain durable products, alcoholic beverages, etc. |
Customs duties are generally assessed on a CIF basis (Cost + Insurance + Freight), meaning that duties and VAT are calculated on the total value of the goods plus shipping and insurance costs. Accurate HS classification and supporting documentation (invoice, packing list, and origin certificates) are crucial to avoid clearance delays or penalties.
For products eligible under Korea’s free trade agreements (e.g., with ASEAN or RCEP partners), preferential rates may reduce or eliminate applicable tariffs, provided that proof of origin is provided. SpeedWin assists clients in leveraging these agreements where applicable to lower overall import tax liabilities.
Customs Clearance in South Korea for Imports from China
When importing goods from China to South Korea, customs clearance is a mandatory step that ensures compliance with Korean regulations and allows goods to enter the market legally. The Korea Customs Service (KCS) oversees clearance procedures, which are largely digitalized via the UNI‑PASS system, enabling import declarations to be filed online before arrival. Goods may be released quickly if the declaration is accurate and complete, but extra inspections can occur for high‑risk or restricted items.
To clear customs efficiently, importers must prepare a set of core documents including a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, and, when applicable, certificates of origin to claim preferential tariff treatment under the China‑Korea Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Electronic import declarations can be submitted via UNI‑PASS prior to arrival, which often speeds up clearance and reduces port dwell time.
Because Korean customs operates a risk‑based screening model, not all shipments are physically inspected; most compliant declarations are accepted automatically upon review. However, electronics, food items, and regulated products may require documentary or physical inspection by sector authorities before release. Import duties, VAT, and any applicable fees must be paid or secured via UNI‑PASS before customs acceptance, after which cargo can be moved out of bonded areas.
At SpeedWin, we assist clients by preparing accurate HS codes, coordinating advance filing, managing certificates of origin, and staying updated with Korean Customs’ procedural changes to avoid clearance delays. Our proactive documentation checks and electronic submissions help minimize detention time at key gateways like Busan and Incheon, ensuring timely delivery and compliance for each shipment.
Freight Forwarders from China to South Korea
SpeedWin – A dedicated freight forwarder specializing in shipping from China to South Korea with sea, air, and express solutions. SpeedWin offers DDP/DDU options, customs clearance support, and real‑time tracking to help importers manage costs and transit times efficiently.
CFC (Cargo From China) – A known forwarder with over 20 years of experience handling China–Korea shipments by sea and air, offering documentation support and customs clearance services for destinations across South Korea including Seoul and Busan.
Sinotech Logistics Co., Ltd. – An established international logistics provider offering multimodal freight services from China to South Korea, noted for reliable delivery and strong customs coordination.
Shenzhen Yaohui International Freight Forwarding Co., Ltd. – Provides China–Korea freight forwarding with competitive rates, express integration (DHL/UPS), and options for DDP delivery, suitable for both B2B and e‑commerce shipments.
Smart Logistics Co., Ltd. – A logistics company established in Korea with services covering customs advisory, inbound transport, and integrated solutions for China imports, supporting bilingual communication and local customs expertise.
SpeedWin for shipping from China to South Korea
SpeedWin offers tailored freight forwarding services for businesses importing goods from China to South Korea, combining cost efficiency, reliable transit times, and deep market expertise. With robust partnerships on frequent Asia–Pacific trade lanes, SpeedWin supports sea, air, and express cargo movement while optimizing each shipment based on customer needs.
Advantages
Fast transit times: Sea shipments 3–7 days, air/express 1–3 days to major Korean ports like Busan and Incheon.
Customized services: Flexible options for bulk cargo, urgent shipments, and door-to-door delivery.
Customs expertise: Accurate documentation and compliance checks reduce clearance delays.
Competitive pricing: Market-aware planning ensures cost efficiency even during peak seasons.
SpeedWin ensures businesses importing from China to South Korea in 2026 enjoy speed, reliability, and full visibility throughout the supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sea freight: 3–7 days
Air freight: 1–3 days
Express courier: 1–2 days
Sea freight: $300–$600 per 20FT container (depends on weight/volume)
Air freight: $3–$7 per kg
Express: $4–$8 per kg
Commercial invoice
Packing list
Bill of lading or airway bill
Certificate of origin (for preferential tariff)
Import license (if required for specific goods)
Yes，SpeedWin can ship all kinds of battery.
Yes, SpeedWin and other forwarders provide door-to-door DDP/DDU services, including customs clearance.
All shipments must be declared via UNI-PASS system
Correct HS codes and documentation are required
Certain goods may require inspections or licenses
Most forwarders provide online tracking using Bill of Lading, Airway Bill, or Express tracking number.
Duties vary by product type, typically 0–8% for most consumer goods
VAT: 10% on total value including duties
Preferential tariffs apply if goods qualify under China-Korea FTA
Restricted items include explosives, firearms, certain chemicals, and hazardous materials
Batteries and electronics require special handling and documentation
Transit time: Air/express is faster than sea
Cost: Sea freight is cheaper for bulk shipments
Cargo type: Batteries, electronics, perishable goods need special handling
Customs clearance: Consider DDP/DDU services for smoother import