If you're a foreign resident in Korea and often send packages abroad, you'll be happy to know there's a government-supported discount on EMS (Express Mail Service) rates just for you.
In this post, we’ll explain who qualifies, how much you can save, how to apply, and even some tips to get the most out of the program.
Table of Contents :
- What Is the EMS Discount Program?
- How Much Can You Save?
- Who Is Eligible?
- Where Can You Get the Discount?
- How To Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
- How to Use the Smart Acceptance System
- Important Notes & Tips
- Real-World Example
- Why Use This Discount?
- FAQ: EMS Discount Program in Korea
- Final Tip
What Is the EMS Discount Program?
This discount program is provided by Korea Post and aims to support foreign residents in Korea who regularly send international parcels. Whether you're an international student, a foreign worker, or part of a multicultural family, this program is designed to help reduce your shipping costs.
Korea understands that international shipping can be expensive, especially when sending care packages, important documents, or gifts back home. This program is a small way to support the diverse foreign community living across the country.
How Much Can You Save?
Here's a breakdown of the savings:
10% Foreign Resident Discount: Available to eligible foreign residents upon registration at the post office. ⚠️ Note: This discount is only available when you drop off your parcel at the post office in person. It does not apply to home pickup services.
3% Smart Acceptance Discount: This discount applies when you pre-register your EMS parcel online via the Korea Post website or app.
⚠️ Yes, these two discounts can be combined, so you can save up to 13% in total if all conditions are met.
That means if you're sending a package that costs 30,000 KRW, you could save nearly 4,000 KRW just by taking a few extra steps.
Who Is Eligible?
To benefit from this program, you must:
Hold a valid visa (e.g., F-6, F-5, F-4, D-2, D-4, D-10, E-9, H-2, F-3, F-2, etc.)
Have a valid Alien Registration Card (ARC) or Residence Card
Be living in Korea either as a worker, student, family member, or multicultural household
If you're unsure about your eligibility, bring your documents to a participating post office and ask a staff member.
Where Can You Get the Discount?
This program is active in many cities across Korea, particularly in larger urban areas where foreign residents are concentrated. These include:
Seoul: Most central post offices participate.
Busan: 190 branches reportedly offer the discount.
Gwangju and Incheon: Select post offices are participating.
Make sure to check with your local post office before visiting. Some smaller or rural locations may not yet be included in the program.
To find out whether your nearest branch offers this service, call 1588-1300 or visit the Korea Post website.
How To Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Visit a participating post office: Bring your ARC or Residence Card.
Ask for the EMS Discount Application Form: Fill out basic personal info and agree to the terms.
Register at the counter: Staff will verify your documents and process the discount.
Use Smart Acceptance for an extra 3%: Log in to the Korea Post website or app, pre-register your package, and print the label or QR code to bring to the post office.
Note: The Smart Acceptance discount is only valid if you complete the online process before going to the post office.
How to Use the Smart Acceptance System
Using Smart Acceptance can seem tricky at first, but it's actually simple. Here's a quick guide:
Go to Korea ePOST or download the "Post Office" mobile app (우체국).
Log in with your account. If you don’t have one, create a new account using your email.
Choose "EMS" from the international mail options.
Fill out the shipping form: receiver’s name, address, item details, and value.
Submit the form and either print the shipping label or save the QR code to show at the counter.
Bring your packed parcel and ARC to a post office. Show your code and ID to apply the discount.
Be sure to double-check that the information matches your ID exactly, especially your name.
Important Notes & Tips
❌ Not all post offices offer this program, so confirm in advance.
The discount only applies to EMS (Express Mail Service), not to regular mail or courier services.
Foreign Resident Discount is not available for home pickup — you must visit a post office in person.
Bring original documents: Copies or photos may not be accepted.
Drop off your parcel on the same day you apply for Smart Acceptance to avoid any issues.
💡 Tip: Use a digital scale at home to make sure your parcel doesn't exceed weight limits — overweight packages may not qualify for the discount.
🛑 Avoid common mistakes:
Do not assume Smart Acceptance is automatic; you must complete all steps online.
Make sure the name on your ID matches the shipping details.
Real-World Example
Let’s say you’re an international student in Korea and want to send a 2 kg package to the Philippines. The regular EMS rate might be around 35,000 KRW.
With the 10% discount: 35,000 KRW - 3,500 KRW = 31,500 KRW
With Smart Acceptance (additional 3%): 31,500 KRW - 945 KRW = 30,555 KRW
You save over 4,400 KRW! That’s enough to cover a cup of coffee and a subway ride, or several convenience store snacks.
Multiply that by a few shipments each semester, and you’ve saved enough to cover groceries for a week.
Why Use This Discount?
Sending packages abroad is often necessary, especially for foreigners living far from home. But costs can quickly add up. This EMS discount program is a simple, effective way to lower those expenses.
Whether you're mailing gifts, documents, or personal items, these savings accumulate over time — especially if you send packages regularly.
Think of it like this: You’re getting rewarded for planning ahead and using the system smartly. That extra 13% in your pocket could mean more treats from home or less stress when budgeting monthly expenses.
FAQ: EMS Discount Program in Korea
Q1. Can I get the discount every time I send a package? Yes, as long as you meet the requirements and complete the steps each time.
Q2. Do I need to reapply every time? Usually, the discount registration is valid for a certain period (e.g., 6 months), but policies may vary by post office.
Q3. Is there a weight or size limit? Standard EMS rules apply. The discount doesn’t change those limits.
Q4. What if my visa type isn’t listed? Check with your local post office. Sometimes exceptions can be made.
Q5. Can I get the discount for business shipping? No, this discount is only for personal international parcels.
Q6. Can I combine this discount with other promotions? No, the EMS foreign resident discount cannot be used with other coupons or sales events.
Q7. Can someone else drop off my package for me? In most cases, the sender must be present. Always ask in advance if someone else is delivering your package.
Q8. Can I use a Korean friend’s ID to get the discount? No. The program is only for foreign residents, and you must show your own ARC or Residence Card to apply.
Q9. What should I do if the post office staff is not aware of this program? Politely ask them to check their system or contact the Korea Post customer center (1588-1300). It’s possible some staff are unfamiliar if the branch is not used to handling foreign customers.
Q10. What if I make a mistake during online registration? You can usually cancel and resubmit the form online. Just make sure to do it before going to the post office.
Final Tip
Take advantage of this program while it’s available. Programs like these can change or be phased out without much notice. If you're eligible, there’s no reason not to benefit from lower EMS fees.
Always double-check with your post office for the latest updates, and don’t forget to prepare your documents ahead of time.
Stay smart, save money, and keep your connections strong — now at a lower cost!
And if you found this guide helpful, consider bookmarking it or sharing it with friends who also live in Korea!
