Short answer: You can ship a car to South Korea by RoRo via ports such as Busan, Incheon or Pyeongtaek. The transport process is standard – the important thing is customs: imported vehicles must meet certain Type-approval, emissions and safety requirements meet. You should therefore check the exact requirements for your vehicle in advance with Korean customs and your haulage contractor.
The key points in 5 points
- RoRo is the standard for roadworthy vehicles bound for South Korea.
- Major ports: Busan, Incheon, Pyeongtaek.
- Type approval & emissions standards: Imported vehicles must comply with Korean regulations.
- Check import eligibility in advance – particularly in the case of second-hand vehicles.
- Documents and customs are key to ensuring a smooth import process.
How does shipping to South Korea work?
Your vehicle will be driven onto the ship under its own power at the port of loading – usually Bremerhaven or Hamburg in Germany – secured in place, and then driven off the ship again at the destination port in Korea. To see how the region is connected as a whole, please visit Ro-Ro shipping to Asia.
Which ports in South Korea are relevant?
- Busan: the country’s largest port and most important transhipment centre.
- Incheon: A port near the Seoul metropolitan area.
- Pyeongtaek: a major port for shipping and industry.
You choose the appropriate port of destination in consultation with your freight forwarder, depending on the route and destination.
What import regulations apply in South Korea?
South Korea permits the import of vehicles, but has set clear requirements: imported vehicles must Type-approval, emissions and safety standards meet these requirements; in some cases, a conformity check is required. Special rules apply to returning citizens and in certain circumstances. The best way to find out whether your vehicle is eligible for import and under what conditions is to before the clearance process with Korean customs.
What documents do you need?
- Commercial invoice or proof of purchase
- Bill of Lading
- Vehicle documents and proof of export from the EU
- Korean customs and import documents and, where applicable, certificates of conformity
Exports from Germany are channelled through the ATLAS customs export declaration. Our guide to explains how a local market works Shipping to Japan.
How do you plan transport properly?
- Clarify import and registration requirements – including Korean customs and freight forwarding.
- Set the destination port and route.
- Compile all the documents.
- Ensure that the lead time and cut-off time are observed.
- Book RoRo shipping and fine-tune the tracking.
FAQ
Can I ship a second-hand car to South Korea?
In principle, importation is possible, but it is subject to registration and emissions requirements. Please check the requirements for your vehicle with Korean customs in advance.
Which ports are suitable?
Mainly Busan, Incheon and Pyeongtaek. The appropriate port depends on the route and destination.
How long does it take for a shipment to reach South Korea?
The journey time depends on the route and timetable. Journeys from Northern Europe to East Asia are likely to take several weeks.
What requirements must my vehicle meet?
Generally, these are type-approval, emissions and safety standards. In some cases, a conformity assessment is required. The details depend on the vehicle.
Is it worth taking out transport insurance?
Yes. As the shipping company’s liability is limited, transport insurance is strongly recommended.
All the information in this article has been carefully researched, but is subject to change at any time. ODS Orient accepts no liability for the timeliness, accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Please contact us directly for a no-obligation quote.
