EMS Suspended? Your 2025 Survival Guide to International Shipping from Korea (한국 국제소포)

If you're a foreign resident in Korea, sending a package home isn't as easy as it used to be.

New restrictions, service suspensions, and surprise customs issues in 2025 have made 국제소포 (international shipping from Korea) a logistical headache for many.

This isn't a beginner’s guide—this is a survival kit.
In this post, you'll learn:

Why EMS is no longer an option for many destinations
What alternatives actually work in 2025
How to avoid customs disasters and shipping delays
And what most expats get wrong when sending packages abroad

Let’s fix your shipping problems—starting with what changed in 2025.

Why Shipping Packages from Korea Got Complicated in 2025

Until recently, sending a 국제소포 from Korea was pretty straightforward. You’d go to the post office, fill out a customs form, and select EMS. Delivery was fast, affordable, and reliable—especially to the U.S., Australia, or Europe.

But that’s no longer the case.

As of early 2025, Korea Post has suspended EMS service for goods/parcels to the United States and a few other countries. This suspension does not apply to documents (서류), and EMS Premium remains available. There is no clear end date for the standard parcel suspension.

Why did this happen? A few key reasons:

International air freight capacity has been reduced, especially on certain routes.
New customs regulations in destination countries require stricter documentation and tighter inspections.
Korea Post has introduced new surcharges and processing fees, making some services more expensive or unavailable.

The result? Expats are left scrambling for alternatives—some more reliable than others.

Let’s dive into the most important changes you need to understand in 2025 before choosing how to ship your next package.

What Changed in 2025: The New Rules You Must Know

In 2025, international shipping from Korea became a whole new challenge—especially for expats.

A. Navigating the US EMS Suspension (EMS 중단 대안): Your Top Priority

As of August 26, 2025, Korea Post has suspended EMS service for goods/parcels to the United States (and some other regions like Australia). This is due to the new US customs regulations. Crucially, this suspension does NOT affect EMS documents (서류). Only packages containing physical items are blocked from standard EMS.

Your alternatives:

Use EMS Premium, which still delivers to the U.S. via UPS (covered in Section IV)
Use a private courier like DHL or FedEx
Consider freight forwarding if shipping large volumes or relocating

Failing to adjust your method can result in your package being returned or held indefinitely.

B. The Fine Print: New International Processing Fees and Customs Surcharges

Korea Post introduced additional shipping surcharges (보충 운임) for many destinations. These are added on top of base rates, particularly for air and surface parcels.

Also, some countries (including Germany and Canada) now require:

Advanced electronic customs declaration
More detailed item descriptions and origin labels

Inaccurate or vague customs forms are one of the top reasons for parcel rejection or delay in 2025.

C. Why Your Shipment Might Be Rejected: Common Prohibited Items

International shipping now enforces stricter controls on:

Lithium batteries (even embedded in electronics)
Food items (meat, dairy, supplements)
Liquids and gels, including some cosmetics

Many expats are surprised to learn their package is blocked over something as common as a power bank or skincare set. Always check destination country regulations and Korea Post's prohibited list before shipping.

Choosing the Right Service: EMS vs. DHL vs. Workarounds

Now that EMS is partially off the table, what are your options? It depends on your budget, urgency, and destination country. Here's how to break it down in 2025.

A. Korea Post Services: Budget Options Beyond EMS (Air Parcel & 선편)

If your package doesn’t need to arrive quickly, Korea Post’s Air Parcel and Surface Mail (선편) can save you money.

Air Parcel: Takes 10–20 days, ideal for clothes, books, and low-value items.
Surface Mail: Takes 30–60 days or more, cheapest method for heavy goods.
K-Packet: Lightweight (under 2kg) option for small items, often used by online sellers.

Downsides:

Limited tracking
Not available to every country
Delivery can be delayed depending on customs or route capacity

Use these options only if you're not on a tight deadline.

B. The Premium Solution: DHL, FedEx, and UPS (Fast & Reliable)

Private couriers are more expensive but much faster and reliable:

DHL Express: 2–5 days to most destinations, excellent tracking, customs support
FedEx International: Competitive pricing for business-level shipments
UPS Worldwide: Good option for North America and Europe

These services allow restricted items like lithium batteries but require accurate customs documents and secure packaging.

Tip: Use their online quote tools to compare rates in real-time.

C. The Hybrid Alternative: EMS Premium (UPS Partnered Service)

EMS Premium is now the only Korea Post option that delivers to the U.S. in 2025. It's handled by UPS but initiated through Korea Post, meaning you can use post office drop-off while still getting premium-level delivery.

Delivery: 3–7 business days
Tracking: Full international tracking via UPS
Cost: Higher than EMS, lower than DHL in most cases

This is currently the best workaround for EMS-suspended countries, especially the U.S. and Australia.

Shipping Blocked? The Workarounds and Alternative Strategies

So what do you do when EMS (한국 국제소포) is no longer available to your country? Here are three proven strategies for expats dealing with blocked routes or delayed services.

A. Strategic Use of EMS Premium to the US and Australia

As mentioned earlier, EMS Premium is the last Korea Post service standing for EMS-suspended countries like the United States. It’s fast, trackable, and less expensive than DHL or FedEx for most personal shipments.

Best for:

Small to mid-size personal packages
Gifts and documents that need timely delivery
Senders who prefer to work with Korea Post rather than private couriers

Use the Korea Post online smart system (인터넷 우체국 스마트 접수) to pre-register and save on processing fees.

Visit Korea Post smart system ➡︎

B. Utilizing Freight Forwarding Services for Bulk Shopping & Large Shipments (이사 화물)

If you're sending large volumes of online purchases or heavy goods, utilizing a freight forwarding or consolidation service can be your solution. These services are excellent for expats who shop at multiple Korean online stores and want to combine everything into one efficient, economical box.

Popular services for expats:

Advantages:

Consolidated shipping (combine multiple orders into one box)
Storage and handling in Korea
Optional insurance

Note: While highly effective for bulk shopping, these services are generally not designed for full-scale 이사 화물 (relocation goods). If you are planning a complete international move with furniture or large household goods, specialized international moving companies should be consulted.

C. The Magic of K-Packet (for Sellers/Light Items < 2kg)

If you're shipping small items under 2kg, especially as an online seller or gift sender, K-Packet remains one of the most cost-effective options in 2025.

Pros:

Flat-rate pricing
Available tracking
Low customs risk

Cons:

Limited to certain destinations
Slower delivery (7–20+ days)
No coverage for high-value items

Always double-check that your destination still supports K-Packet, as availability changes frequently.

Ship with Delivered Korea ➡︎

Common Mistakes Expats Make (And How to Avoid Customs Delays)

Even if you’ve shipped packages before, 2025 is a different world. Customs regulations are stricter, packaging requirements are tighter, and what worked last year might now get your package rejected.

Here are the most common mistakes foreign residents make—and how to avoid them.

A. The "Gift" Trap: Mastering the Customs Declaration (CN22/CN23)

Too many expats write “gift” or “personal use” on the declaration without being specific. In 2025, vague labels can lead to:

Customs delays
Random inspections
Returned or destroyed items

Solution: Be accurate. For example:

"Korean skincare set, 3 items"
"Used clothing for personal use, no resale"
"Vitamin supplements (non-prescription), 60 capsules"

Use CN22 for packages under 2kg, and CN23 for heavier shipments. Always list quantity, category, and estimated value.

B. The Battery Ban: Shipping Electronics with Lithium-Ion

In 2025, lithium batteries are a serious red flag—especially for standard EMS and Air Parcel shipments. These services generally prohibit all lithium batteries, even those properly installed in a phone or laptop. If you need to ship a device with an embedded battery, you must use EMS Premium or a private courier (DHL/FedEx), which handle the specialized logistics required.

What to do:

Use DHL or FedEx, which have special handling licenses
Declare the battery clearly and confirm it’s under airline-safe limits (usually under 100Wh)
Include MSDS if available (Material Safety Data Sheet)

Never ship loose lithium batteries via Korea Post.

C. Vitamins, Supplements, and Food: Legal Limits for Personal Use

Customs is increasingly strict with anything that goes into the body.

Items that often get held:

Vitamin or herbal supplements (especially in bulk)
Korean snacks with meat/dairy content
Fermented products (e.g., kimchi, gochujang)

Tips:

Only send sealed, labeled, and legal quantities
Don’t exceed 3 bottles or 6-month supply, unless you’re confident about destination laws
Always declare contents honestly—"Vitamin C supplement, 2 bottles, 500mg"

Essential Check-List: Step-by-Step International Shipping from Korea

Here’s your 2025 proofed checklist for successfully sending a 국제소포 from Korea.

Step 1: Pre-check Country Status

Is EMS suspended to your destination?
Are Air Parcel or Surface Mail available?
Can you use EMS Premium or DHL instead?

Check real-time availability on the Korea Post website.

Step 2: Register Online (인터넷 우체국 스마트 접수)

Use the Korea Post Smart Shipping system to:
- Get 5% EMS discount
- Avoid the ₩3,000–₩5,000 in-person service fee
- Fill out customs forms digitally (reduces rejection)

Make sure all addresses are written in English only.

Step 3: Choose the Right Service

EMS Premium: For U.S., Australia, fast delivery
Air Parcel: Budget-friendly for non-urgent items
DHL/FedEx: For speed and restricted goods
Forwarding services: For relocation or consolidated orders

Step 4: Prepare Your Package

Use a strong, double-walled box
Remove brand logos (if reusing boxes)
Cushion items properly—Korea Post rejects poorly packed items

Step 5: Label & Declare Properly

Fill out CN22 or CN23 with itemized detail
Include recipient phone number
Attach any required documentation (invoice, MSDS, etc.)

Step 6: Track and Monitor

Use the official tracking system (EMS, DHL, UPS)
If delayed beyond 10 days at customs, contact the courier’s customer service
Keep your customs declaration number and receipt

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let International Shipping Stress You Out

Yes, shipping internationally from Korea in 2025 is more complicated than it used to be—but it’s not impossible.

If you understand the new rules, choose the right service, and prepare your package correctly, you can still send your 국제소포 safely, affordably, and without endless headaches.

Whether you're relocating, sending gifts, or just keeping in touch with loved ones abroad, this guide should give you the clarity and confidence you need.

If in doubt, always check the Korea Post website or contact your courier before shipping. And when in real trouble? EMS Premium and trusted forwarders are your new best friends.

Now you’re ready—no more guesswork.

Send via Korea Post Office ➡︎

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