South Korea is one of Canada’s top 10 trading partners, with yearly merchandise trade exceeding $10B. From electronics and auto parts to cosmetics and apparel, more Canadian companies are importing from Korea—and they’re looking for the cheapest and most reliable shipping options. This guide explains carrier choices (Korea Post, couriers, air, ocean), customs and CKFTA duty savings, required documents, and tips to cut costs.
Choose based on weight/volume, urgency, value and compliance needs.
| Method | Best For | Transit Time | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Korea Post → Canada Post | Small personal parcels (≤2 kg) | 2–6 weeks (service-dependent) | From ~CAD $30 | Most affordable; final delivery by Canada Post; limited tracking on economy services. |
| Couriers (FedEx, UPS, DHL) | Urgent parcels and e-commerce | 3–5 business days | ~CAD $200 for 10 lbs (example) | Door-to-door, robust tracking; duties/taxes & disbursement fees may apply. |
| Air Freight (Consolidated) | Commercial shipments ~100–150 kg | 3–7 business days | Lower than courier per-kg | Fewer minimum surcharges than ocean; strong for mid-volume B2B. |
| Ocean Freight (LCL) | 1–5 pallets | ~30–45 days | Economical per m3 | Shared container; extra time for consolidation/de-consolidation. |
| Ocean Freight (FCL 20’/40’) | High volume / full loads | ~25–35 days | Lowest per-unit | Best for bulk; stable capacity; plan around peak season. |
📦 Get a shipping rate from Korea to Canada
Tip: Compare landed cost (freight + surcharges + duties/taxes + carrier fees). For small consignments, air can beat ocean once you include ocean’s minimums and destination charges.
Understand chargeable (volumetric) weight to avoid surprises and pack efficiently.
Korean exporters must file export declarations and, where applicable, obtain permits (e.g., for restricted goods). Work with your forwarder to align data across invoice, packing list and manifest.
Understand Canadian import fees (duty, GST/HST, carrier fees).
Goods that qualify as Korean origin under the Canada–Korea Free Trade Agreement (CKFTA) may enter Canada duty-free. “Shipped from Korea” is not the same as “originating in Korea.” You must meet CKFTA rules of origin and keep records.
Helpful: CKFTA Certificate of Origin (PDF) • Country of origin vs country of shipment
Final delivery in Canada is handled by Canada Post. Economy services are most affordable but slower.
Best for urgent parcels and e-commerce orders with full tracking and faster customs handling.
Get an instant courier rate from Korea to Canada
Useful: Ocean shipping options for Canada
Plan for returns from Canadian customers—especially for cosmetics, fashion and electronics. Jet Worldwide can provide Canadian addresses, consolidation, inspection and low-cost return shipping back to Korea.
Download PDF presentation accompanying video: Korea → Canada Shipping PDF
For small personal parcels, Korea Post small packet economy services are usually cheapest. For heavier and commercial packages, couriers offer the best option. For up to around 200 kg, airfreight options provide lower per kg costs. When shipping several pallets and bulk shipments, full and partial container ocean shipping works best.
Postal shipments average around 2–4 weeks. Courier shipments usually deliver within 3 business days. Air freight door to door can deliver within 1 week. Ocean LCL/FCL averages between 1 to 2 months (door to door) depending on consolidation and/or sailing schedule and routing.
Yes—if they meet CKFTA rules of origin and you keep proper proof of origin. Just "shipped from Korea” is not sufficient by itself. Goods must qualify as originating under CKFTA rules.
A broker is recommended for commercial imports, especially over CAD $3,300 or where HS codes and valuation are complex. Importers should also register in the CARM portal.
Have questions about Korea → Canada shipping? Get a quote or learn more about Jet Worldwide.