Korea Post tracking

What is Korea Post?

Korea Post is the national postal operator of South Korea, a state-owned enterprise under the supervision of the Korean Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology. Founded in 1884 under the name Ujeongchongguk, this postal service is among the oldest in Asia and plays a fundamental role in communications and commercial exchanges on the Korean peninsula. The company ensures the delivery of mail and parcels within the country while also offering international shipping services to most destinations worldwide.

The history of Korea Post is intimately linked to Korea's modernization. On April 22, 1884, Hong Yeong-shik, a high-ranking reformist official of the Joseon dynasty who had studied postal systems during diplomatic missions to Japan and the United States, established the first Korean post office in Seoul. The first Korean postage stamps, printed in Japan, were put into circulation on November 18, 1884 in Chemulpo and Seoul. However, this first attempt was short-lived: during the Gapsin coup in December 1884, the post office was burned down, interrupting postal service for nearly a decade.

Korean postal service was restored on July 23, 1895, with morning and evening mail distribution in Seoul and regular connections to other cities such as Jemulpo and Suwon. On January 1, 1900, Korea joined the Universal Postal Union, marking its integration into the international postal network. After the Japanese annexation of 1910, Korean postal services were integrated into the Japanese postal system until the end of World War II. After liberation, the South Korean government reestablished an autonomous national postal service in 1946.

• Date of establishment: 1884, with the establishment of Ujeongchongguk (우정총국), the first modern Korean post office in Seoul
• Government supervision: Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology of South Korea
• Headquarters: Sejong City, South Chungcheong Province, South Korea
• Network: More than 3,600 post offices distributed across South Korea
• UPU Member: Since January 1, 1900

Over the decades, Korea Post has considerably diversified its activities beyond simple mail distribution. The company now manages a complete postal bank offering savings accounts, money transfers, loans and insurance, making it a leading financial actor, particularly in rural areas where post offices serve as local banking agencies. Since July 1, 2000, the South Korean postal organization officially bears the name Korea Post, consolidating its modern identity while maintaining its public service mission.

The organizational structure of Korea Post reflects the diversity of its missions. The company is organized into several specialized divisions: the postal services division which oversees mail and parcel collection, sorting and distribution; the logistics and transport division which manages vehicle fleets, coordination with airlines and distribution centers; and the financial services division which operates the postal bank. This organization allows Korea Post to process a considerable volume of shipments each day while maintaining a high level of operational efficiency.

To which countries does Korea Post deliver?

Korea Post has particularly extensive international coverage, allowing mail and parcels to be shipped to virtually all countries in the world. Thanks to Universal Postal Union agreements of which South Korea has been a member since 1900, and strategic partnerships with leading international carriers such as FedEx and DHL, the Korean carrier ensures reliable deliveries across all five continents.

In South Korea, Korea Post serves the entire national territory through its network of more than 3,600 post offices. From major metropolises such as Seoul, Busan or Incheon to the most isolated rural villages, the Korean postal service guarantees universal coverage. This exceptional territorial presence allows efficient handling of domestic shipments with delivery times among the shortest in Asia.

• South Korea: Complete coverage of the territory with more than 3,600 contact points, including all provinces and administrative regions
• Asia-Pacific: Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries in the region
• Europe: All European Union countries as well as the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway and other European nations
• North America: United States and Canada with express and economical services
• Latin America: Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and other Central and South American countries
• Africa and Middle East: Major destinations with variable delivery times depending on local infrastructure

Korea Post's EMS (Express Mail Service) serves officially 101 countries around the world, offering express delivery with complete end-to-end tracking. To extend its reach further, Korea Post also offers EMS Premium service in partnership with UPS, allowing access to 182 additional countries for a total of more than 213 destinations worldwide. This combination of proprietary services and strategic partnerships makes Korea Post one of Asia's best-connected postal operators.

For shipments to Europe, North America and major Asian economies, Korea Post offers several delivery options ranging from express to surface mail. Delivery times vary considerably depending on the service chosen and the final destination. EMS shipments to Europe or North America generally reach their destination within 3 to 7 business days, while standard airmail can take 10 to 20 days. For surface mail shipments, delivery times extend from 6 to 8 weeks depending on maritime routes.

It is important to note that available rates and services are classified by tariff zones according to destination. Korea Post recommends verifying service availability for each country before shipping, as certain destinations may have temporary restrictions or service limitations. Local post offices and Korea Post's official website provide updated information on served destinations and specific shipping conditions for each country.

What are Korea Post's shipping services and delivery times?

Korea Post offers a complete range of shipping services adapted to all needs, whether for domestic shipments within South Korea or international expeditions. The offering is available at several service levels allowing shippers to choose the best compromise between speed and cost according to the urgency of their shipment.

For domestic shipments within South Korea, the national carrier offers particularly efficient solutions thanks to the density of its network. The domestic express service guarantees next-day delivery for parcels deposited before the deadline, making it the ideal solution for urgent shipments within the country. The standard service ensures delivery within 1 to 3 business days depending on the distance between sender and recipient, offering excellent value for less urgent shipments.

• Domestic express: Guaranteed next-day delivery for parcels up to 30 kg deposited before the collection deadline
• Domestic standard: Delivery within 1 to 3 business days depending on distance, economical option for non-urgent shipments
• Registered mail: Secure distribution with proof of deposit and delivery confirmation
• Collection service: Home pickup available by appointment booked online, Monday to Saturday

For international shipments, Korea Post deploys several services adapted to different deadline and budget requirements. The EMS (Express Mail Service) represents the fastest option, delivering parcels by air to their destination within 3 to 8 business days depending on the country. This premium service includes a tracking number allowing the parcel to be located at each stage of its journey, from collection in Korea to final delivery abroad.

• EMS (Express Mail Service): Delivery within 3 to 8 business days to 101 countries, complete tracking and signature on delivery
• EMS Premium: Express service via UPS to 182 additional destinations, optimized delivery times for urgent shipments
• Registered Airmail: Delivery within 10 to 20 days depending on destination, economical option with basic tracking
• K-Packet: Economical service for small parcels up to 2 kg, delivery within 10 to 30 days
• International postal parcels: For bulky shipments, delivery within several weeks depending on destination and customs procedures
• SAL (Surface Air Lifted): Intermediate option combining land and air transport, delivery within several weeks to several months
• Surface mail: Most economical option with delivery times of 6 to 8 weeks, maritime transport

International delivery times can vary depending on many factors: the destination country, local customs procedures, weather conditions and available transport capacity. Korea Post commits to indicative delivery times but cannot guarantee precise dates for international shipments, as customs clearance operations are performed by destination country authorities according to their own procedures and timelines.

For weekend deliveries, Korea Post provides limited service on Saturday mornings in South Korea, with office hours generally from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Sundays and Korean holidays are not subject to standard distribution. For international shipments, communicated delivery times generally exclude weekends and holidays in both Korea and the destination country.

What are Korea Post's rates and maximum dimensions accepted?

Korea Post shipping rates depend on several factors: the type of service chosen, the weight of the parcel, its dimensions and the final destination. The Korean postal operator offers a structured pricing grid by geographic zones, allowing shippers to estimate the cost of their shipment before visiting the post office. To obtain a precise calculation, Korea Post provides an online calculator on its official website ems.epost.go.kr.

For domestic shipments within South Korea, rates are mainly determined by the weight and size of the parcel. The standard postal parcel service offers competitive rates for shipments up to 30 kg, with progressive pricing by weight brackets. The domestic express service, guaranteeing next-day delivery, applies a surcharge compared to the standard rate in exchange for service speed.

• EMS maximum weight: 30 kg for most destinations, although some countries apply lower limits
• Standard postal parcel maximum weight: 20 kg for international surface mail
• EMS documents maximum weight: 2 kg for the documents category
• K-Packet maximum weight: 2 kg for this economical service dedicated to small shipments
• Maximum dimensions: 160 cm total perimeter (length + width + height), with a maximum length of 150 cm for a single side

International rates vary significantly depending on the destination zone. Korea Post classifies countries into several tariff zones, from close destinations such as Japan or China to the most distant destinations such as South America or Africa. As an indication, a 1 kg EMS shipment to Europe falls within a range of 25,000 to 35,000 Korean won (approximately 17 to 25 euros), while a shipment by standard airmail for the same weight will cost approximately 15,000 to 20,000 won.

The K-Packet service, particularly popular for small e-commerce shipments, offers attractive rates for light parcels up to 2 kg. This service often represents the best value for money for shipping small goods internationally, with rates starting around 10,000 won for the nearest destinations. The optional insurance option is available for an additional cost of approximately 3,000 won to cover the risk of loss during transport.

• Pricing factors: Actual weight or dimensional weight (whichever is higher), destination, service type and additional options
• Optional insurance: Approximately 3,000 won for basic coverage against loss, limited damage protection depending on the service
• Home pickup fees: Free or low-cost service depending on volume and frequency of shipments
• Fuel surcharge: Applicable to certain international services, variable depending on oil prices

Certain goods are subject to shipping restrictions via Korea Post. Items containing lithium batteries, aerosols and sprays can only be shipped through certain specific services, often via FedEx rather than standard postal services. Dangerous goods, flammable materials, illicit substances and articles prohibited from export under Korean regulations or prohibited from import in the destination country are strictly forbidden. It is recommended to check the list of prohibited items on Korea Post's official website before any shipment.

What are Korea Post's delivery options?

Korea Post offers several flexible delivery options allowing recipients to receive their parcels according to their preferences and availability. The Korean carrier has considerably modernized its delivery services in recent years, integrating digital solutions and alternatives to traditional home delivery to adapt to contemporary lifestyles.

Home delivery remains the primary distribution method for Korea Post parcels. The mailman or delivery person arrives at the indicated address during distribution hours, generally between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM on business days. For registered shipments and valuable parcels requiring a signature, the recipient must be present to receive the package. In case of absence, a delivery notice is left indicating the conditions for pickup or reattempt.

• Standard home delivery: Distribution to the recipient's address Monday to Saturday, single delivery attempt with delivery notice if absent
• Signed delivery: Required for registered and EMS shipments, the recipient or an authorized person must sign upon receipt
• Cash on delivery: Service available for domestic shipments up to 1,000,000 won, the recipient pays the amount to the delivery person
• Secure deposit: Possibility to leave the parcel in front of the door for shipments without mandatory signature, according to sender's instructions

For recipients unable to be present at home during delivery hours, Korea Post offers the possibility to pick up parcels directly at the post office. This option is particularly useful after an unsuccessful delivery attempt, with the parcel then being held at the local post office for a set period. The recipient must present themselves with a valid ID and the delivery notice to retrieve their shipment.

In South Korea, several alternatives to traditional postal deliveries have developed, although Korea Post maintains mainly a classical distribution network. Modern residential buildings are often equipped with automated lockers allowing parcel pickup 24/7. Although these lockers are not directly operated by Korea Post, they can be used by delivery persons to deposit packages if the recipient is absent, depending on arrangements in place in each residence.

• Post office pickup: Available after an unsuccessful delivery attempt or upon prior request, storage for 15 business days
• Residential automated lockers: Deposit possible in equipped buildings, retrieval via personal code or phone number
• GS25 and CU relay points: Certain convenience stores offer parcel deposit and pickup services via GS Postbox
• Scheduled collection: Home pickup service available by appointment booked online, Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Korea Post has developed notification services allowing recipients to track the progress of their delivery. SMS alerts or via the Korea Post mobile application inform customers of the imminent arrival of their parcel and its deposit at the post office if applicable. These notifications facilitate recipient organization and reduce the number of unsuccessful delivery attempts.

For businesses and regular shippers, Korea Post offers a home collection service by appointment. By registering on Korea Post's website and scheduling a pickup, shippers can have a postal agent come directly to their home or business to collect their parcels. This service eliminates trips to the post office and is particularly convenient for large volumes or bulky parcels difficult to transport.

What should I do if my Korea Post parcel is lost or damaged?

When a Korea Post parcel arrives damaged or never reaches its destination, it is essential to act quickly to maximize chances of obtaining a satisfactory resolution. The procedure for filing a claim with Korea Post follows an established process that differs slightly depending on whether the shipment is domestic or international, and depending on the type of service used when shipping.

In case of a damaged parcel, Korean postal law provides that the recipient or sender may refuse to accept the shipment if apparent damage is discovered before taking delivery. This provision is important because once the parcel is accepted and the delivery receipt signed, it becomes more difficult to dispute the condition of the package. It is therefore recommended to visually inspect the parcel before signing the delivery receipt and to immediately report any anomaly to the delivery person.

• Declaration deadline: Report the issue at the earliest opportunity after discovering damage or unusual delay, ideally within 7 days following delivery for damage
• Authorized claimants: The parcel sender, or the recipient if authorized by the sender
• Initial contact: Call Korea Post customer service at 1588-1300 (from Korea) or +82-42-609-4295 (from abroad)
• Documents to prepare: Tracking number, shipping receipt, photos of damage if applicable, proof of contents value

For lost shipments, the procedure begins with a request for investigation to Korea Post. The carrier will launch a search in its systems and may contact postal services in the destination country for international shipments. This investigation can take several weeks, particularly for shipments that have crossed multiple countries or transited through areas where tracking is limited.

Compensation in case of loss or damage depends on the type of service used and possible additional insurance subscription. EMS shipments benefit from basic coverage included in the rate, allowing compensation in case of total loss. However, this standard coverage may be insufficient for valuable items. Korea Post offers optional paid insurance providing more extensive protection, with an additional cost of approximately 10,000 won for coverage against loss during transit.

• Standard EMS coverage: Basic compensation in case of loss, amount capped according to international conventions
• Supplementary insurance: Optional protection against loss for EMS and EMS Premium shipments, generally does not cover damage to contents
• Uninsured shipments: Limited or no compensation for economical services without tracking option
• Items recovered after compensation: If the parcel is located after compensation payment, the beneficiary may request to retrieve it by reimbursing all or part of the compensation received

For international shipments, it is important to note that Korea Post is only responsible for the portion of transport carried out in South Korea. Once the parcel is handed over to the postal services of the destination country, responsibility is transferred to that local operator. In case of problems occurring after this handover, the sender will need to work with Korea Post which will coordinate with the foreign postal operator concerned, which can significantly extend the processing time for the claim.

Korea Post's insurance service can be contacted directly at +82-42-336-6898 for any questions regarding coverage, claim filing procedures and compensation amounts. It is advisable to keep all documents related to the shipment (deposit receipt, tracking screenshots, correspondence with Korea Post) until complete resolution of the case.

Does Korea Post handle international shipments and customs procedures?

Korea Post is a major player in international shipping, offering several services adapted to cross-border shipments with more or less complete management of customs procedures depending on the option chosen. A member of the Universal Postal Union since 1900, the Korean carrier benefits from bilateral agreements with postal administrations worldwide, facilitating the international transit of shipments.

For any international shipment, the sender must complete a customs declaration detailing the parcel contents, its value and the purpose of the shipment (gift, commercial merchandise, documents, etc.). Korea Post provides the necessary forms in its post offices, and it is also possible to pre-fill these declarations online before visiting the counter. Accurate and honest description of contents is essential to avoid delays in customs clearance in the destination country.

• CN22 customs declaration: Simplified form for low-value shipments, generally for contents with a value below 300 SDR (special drawing rights)
• CN23 customs declaration: Detailed form required for shipments of higher value or containing commercial goods
• Commercial invoice: Document required for shipments of commercial nature, detailing the nature of goods, their quantity, unit value and total value
• Certificate of origin: May be required for certain products or destinations to benefit from preferential tariffs

Customs clearance procedures are performed by customs authorities of the destination country and not by Korea Post. The Korean carrier handles transporting the parcel to the competent customs office, but it is then up to the recipient or their representative to complete import formalities if necessary. Customs clearance times vary considerably from country to country and may add several days, or even several weeks, to the stated delivery time.

Customs duties and import taxes are generally borne by the recipient. Depending on the countries and the value of goods, the recipient may be required to pay customs duties, import VAT and possibly customs presentation fees charged by the local postal service. Korea Post has no visibility or control over these fees which depend entirely on the regulations of the destination country.

• Customs duties: Variable depending on the destination country, the nature of goods and their declared value, generally borne by the recipient
• Import VAT: Applicable in many countries on imported goods, rate variable depending on destination
• Duty-free thresholds: Some countries apply value thresholds below which no duties are levied, these thresholds vary from country to country
• Prohibited goods: Each country has its own list of products prohibited from import, to be verified before shipping

For shipments to the European Union, the United States and other major economies, Korea Post recommends accurately declaring the value of goods. Intentional undervaluation to avoid customs duties is illegal and may result in parcel seizure, penalties for the recipient, or return of the shipment to the sender at sender's expense. South Korea has signed free trade agreements with many countries, including the KORUS agreement with the United States, allowing reduced tariff rates for certain product categories properly certified.

The Korean UNI-PASS electronic clearance system, operated by Korean customs, allows real-time monitoring of the customs status of parcels entering or leaving South Korea. For shipments destined for Korea, this system provides detailed information on the progress of customs clearance and any additional documents required. Senders and recipients can consult this system on the Korean customs portal at portal.customs.go.kr.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track a Korea Post parcel online, different statuses may appear to indicate the progress of your shipment through the postal network. These statuses are updated at each key stage of the journey, from initial pickup to final delivery. Here are the main statuses and their meaning: