Transport South Korea

DSV provides air freight, sea freight, XPress, and multimodal transport solutions for shipping to and from South Korea. Additionally, we offer warehousing, distribution, and customs clearance to streamline your logistics processes. Air freight is the best option for time-sensitive shipments, while sea freight offers a cost-effective solution for large volumes. For urgent deliveries, we provide XPress services, where shipments are prioritised for maximum expedited transit times.

Air freight to South Korea typically takes 2–5 days, depending on the route and customs clearance. For sea freight from Rotterdam or Antwerp to major South Korean ports such as Busan, Incheon, and Gwangyang, transit times generally range between 50 and 60 days, depending on the exact shipping route and any stopovers. With DSV’s advanced track & trace solutions, you can monitor your shipments in real time, always giving you full visibility of your transport’s location and progress.

Transport costs vary depending on volume, weight, the chosen transport method, and import duties. Feel free to contact us for a customised quote.

For transport to South Korea, you typically need a commercial invoice, a packing list, a Bill of Lading (B/L) or Air Waybill (AWB), and possibly a certificate of origin. South Korea has strict regulations for importing medical products, chemicals, food, alcohol, tobacco, and electronics. Certain goods require compliance with the Korean Customs Service (KCS) and approval from agencies such as the Korean Food and Drug Administration (KFDA). DSV assists with fast and accurate customs clearance.

For sea freight, the main ports are Busan, Incheon, and Gwangyang. For air freight, we utilise Incheon International Airport (Seoul), Gimhae International Airport (Busan), and Jeju International Airport. With our strong presence in these key logistics hubs, we ensure fast and efficient transport solutions.

South Korea observes national holidays such as Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), during which businesses, ports, and customs offices temporarily close. This can lead to delays in clearance and transport, while increased freight demand extends transit times and raises shipping costs.
Additionally, traffic congestion, port bottlenecks, and seasonal weather conditions—such as typhoons—can disrupt transport, especially in cities like Seoul and Busan. Complex customs procedures may also require extra processing time.
DSV recommends that customers schedule shipments well in advance and provides adaptable shipping routes and strategic planning to reduce potential disruptions.