How to ship to South Korea with USPS as a reseller

A small package of goods to South Korea, up to 4 lb and $400, goes by First-Class Package International Service: $21.94 for up to 8 oz with a label from a USPS-approved PC Postage provider, or $23.05 at the Post Office or through Click-N-Ship. From 33 oz, a Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope costs less if the item fits: $48.12 online, against $48.19 by First-Class Package International, though USPS offers no tracking on Flat Rate Envelopes. Heavier or pricier packages go by Priority Mail International, up to 44 lb, from $66.30 for 1 lb online, and every package of goods needs an electronic customs form with a 6-digit HS code for each item. The country's own rules to watch: journals limited to 3 copies; valuables restricted.

Rules quoted from South Korea's Individual Country Listing in USPS's International Mail Manual, read Oct 19, 2026. Prices from Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026; package prices are unchanged since the Jan 18, 2026 edition. USPS also lists it as South Korea.

Rates verified on Oct 19, 2026

First-Class Package International, up to 8 oz, online: $21.94
Priority Mail International, 1 lb, online: $66.30
Heaviest package (Priority Mail International): 44 lb
Prepaid duties (USPS DDP): Not available

What you can and can't send to South Korea

Goods on a country's prohibited list can't be mailed there, and a country can return or seize mail that breaks its rules even if USPS never published them (IMM 131.32-131.33). Here is what South Korea's listing says about the goods resellers ship most, quoted from it, next to USPS's rule for every country where there is one. Other items on South Korea's lists include cartridges, fresh fruit and vegetables, fruit trees, live animals and insects, cigarette-making machines, salt, weed seeds and soil; dairy, eggs, meat and plants need certificates, and tobacco and ginseng are government-only.

Books, magazines and other printed matter

“Monthly or weekly journals are admitted to the extent of three copies per person and per issue; they are subject to a permit from the government if they exceed the limit of three copies.” (IMM South Korea listing, Restrictions)
“Documents, books, printed papers, engravings or other articles contrary to public security.” (IMM South Korea listing, Prohibitions)

Every country: USPS treats books as goods, not documents: they need a customs form with a value (IMM 123.623). There is no Media Mail abroad: USPS's five international mail categories don't include it (IMM 141.1), so books pay the same package prices as other goods. Airmail M-bags, a sack of printed matter to one address, are open to South Korea (IMM 261.21).

CDs, DVDs, records and film

Nothing on South Korea's lists.

Every country: CDs, DVDs and other recorded or blank media always need a customs form and a value; USPS never counts them as documents (IMM 123.622-123.623).

Clothing, shoes, leather and fur

South Korea's rule for these is under antiques, art, stamps and collectibles.

Cosmetics, perfume and aerosols

Nothing on South Korea's lists.

Every country: USPS lists aerosols, nail polish, perfumes containing alcohol and hemp-based (CBD) products among items that can't be sent to any country (USPS international restrictions). Dangerous goods, such as flammable materials and compressed gases, are banned in all international mail (IMM 136.1).

Electronics and batteries

Nothing on South Korea's lists.

Every country: Only new lithium batteries installed in the device they run, at most four cells or two batteries per package and 100 Wh per lithium-ion battery; no spare batteries, and no used, damaged or defective devices with lithium batteries unless manufacturer-certified refurbished. The outside of the package must not carry lithium battery marks or labels (IMM 135.62-135.64).

Jewelry, watches, coins and precious metals

“Coins; paper currency; banknotes; currency notes; securities payable to bearer; jewelry; manufactured and unmanufactured platinum, gold, and silver; precious stones; and other valuable articles are admitted only if sent in First-Class Package International Service with Registered Mail service shipments.” IMM 332 says Registered Mail is not available for First-Class Package International Service items, so that route doesn't exist as written. Ask at a Post Office before mailing these. (IMM South Korea listing, Restrictions)

Every country: Valuables can't go by Priority Mail Express International; inexpensive costume jewelry with little precious metal ships like any other merchandise, and USPS says it “is accepted to countries that prohibit jewelry, but only at the sender’s risk” (IMM 134.2).

Antiques, art, stamps and collectibles

“Counterfeit postage stamps.” (IMM South Korea listing, Prohibitions)
“Animal products (such as antlers, bones, and feathers) are required to be accompanied by an export certificate.” from the US Fish and Wildlife Service or USDA APHIS. (IMM South Korea listing, Restrictions)

Knives, replica weapons and toy guns

“Firearms, sabres, and swords for military use.” (IMM South Korea listing, Prohibitions)

Every country: USPS says some knives and sharp instruments may be mailed to certain countries, under the conditions in each country's listing (IMM 137). Inert or replica grenades and military ordnance are banned to every country (IMM 136.2).

Brand-name, copyrighted and origin-marked goods

Nothing on South Korea's lists.

Every country: Counterfeit or pirated goods are prohibited to every country (IMM 136.3).

Home goods, instruments and baby items

“Weights and measures.” (IMM South Korea listing, Prohibitions)

Food, supplements, medicines and health items

“Agricultural products — including fruits and vegetables (except fresh fruits and fresh vegetables, which are prohibited); herbs (including herbs for medicinal use); and grains — are required to be accompanied by an export certificate.” (IMM South Korea listing, Restrictions)
“Pet food (feed), including snacks and nutritional supplements, is required to be accompanied by an export certificate. A U.S. mailer must obtain the export certificate from the USDA APHIS.” (IMM South Korea listing, Restrictions)

Packing materials and boxes

“Lumber, including wood packing material, is required to be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. A U.S. mailer must obtain the phytosanitary certificate from the USDA APHIS.” (IMM South Korea listing, Restrictions)

There is nothing on South Korea's lists about toys or playing cards.

USPS says the burden is on the mailer to follow every country's rules, whatever a USPS employee says (IMM 131.4). The full lists: South Korea in the IMM.

USPS services to South Korea and their limits

From South Korea's IMM listing (weight, size, insurance, M-bags, DDP) and Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026 (price groups). Global Express Guaranteed has been suspended since Sep 29, 2024.
Service	Price group	Weight limit	Size limit	Good to know
First-Class Package International Service	18	4 lb	24 in. long; length + height + thickness 36 in.	Value up to $400. Free electronic delivery confirmation to this country (IMM 252.22). No insurance. Customs form: PS Form 2976.
Priority Mail International	18	44 lb; Flat Rate Envelope and Small Box 4 lb, Medium and Large Box 20 lb	42 in. long; length + girth 79 in.	6-10 business days to many major markets (USPS). Tracking included, except on Flat Rate Envelopes and Small Flat Rate Boxes (USPS). Insurance: $200 included for merchandise; more can be bought up to $5,000. Customs form: PS Form 2976-A.
Priority Mail Express International	18	66 lb	60 in. long; length + girth 108 in.	Date-certain money-back guarantee offered (IMM listing). No coins, jewelry, watches or other valuables. Customs form: PS Form 2976-B.
First-Class Mail International	3	3.5 oz letters; 15.994 oz large envelopes	Letter and flat sizes	Documents and correspondence only: no merchandise of any kind (IMM 242.2).
Airmail M-bag	3	66 lb	One sack	Printed matter (books, magazines, catalogs) to one address; $133.43 up to 11 lb, then $12.13 a lb.

Online prices need PC Postage. Commercial Base prices are for labels from a USPS-approved PC Postage product, “with the exception of Click-N-Ship service”, so Click-N-Ship labels pay the retail price for Priority Mail International and First-Class Package International alike (IMM 233.231, 252.25, 253.231).
Valuables: coins, precious metals, jewelry and watches can't go by Priority Mail Express International, and Registered Mail isn't offered for First-Class Package International Service or Priority Mail International (IMM 134, 332). South Korea's own rule is under jewelry above.
Service alerts: USPS's international service alerts (updated Oct 2, 2026, checked Oct 19, 2026) don't list South Korea among the 13 destinations where mail acceptance is suspended. Check it before a big shipment.

USPS prices to South Korea

"Online" is USPS's Commercial Base price, for labels from a USPS-approved PC Postage provider. "Post Office" is the retail price, which Click-N-Ship also charges: USPS lists retail Flat Rate prices “at Post Office & Online” (USPS, IMM 233.231). Commercial Plus prices are the same as Commercial Base in this edition. First-Class Package International weights round up to the next ounce (IMM 253.12), so an 8.2 oz package pays the 9-16 oz price.

First-Class Package International Service, price group 18. Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026. Online saves $1.11 to $11.86.
Weight	Post Office	Online
1-8 oz	$23.05	$21.94
9-16 oz	$32.05	$29.90
17-32 oz (up to 2 lb)	$35.15	$33.49
33-48 oz (up to 3 lb)	$51.65	$48.19
49-64 oz (up to 4 lb)	$67.30	$55.44

Priority Mail International by weight, price group 18, weight not over. Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026.
Weight	Post Office	Online
1 lb	$68.50	$66.30
2 lb	$71.90	$69.58
3 lb	$76.50	$74.01
4 lb	$82.25	$79.58
5 lb	$87.90	$85.06
10 lb	$117.15	$113.37
20 lb	$175.65	$169.98
30 lb	$206.45	$199.75
44 lb	$267.50	$252.72

Priority Mail International Flat Rate, Flat Rate price group 3. USPS's own Flat Rate packaging only; every envelope or box named in a row costs the same, and USPS suggests the padded envelope for clothing, books and boxed jewelry (USPS). Notice 123 effective Oct 4, 2026.
Packaging	Up to	Post Office	Online
Flat Rate Envelope: regular, padded, legal, window or small	4 lb	$49.75	$48.12
Small Flat Rate Box (also the DVD and Large Video boxes)	4 lb	$51.40	$49.72
Medium Flat Rate Box (top- or side-loading)	20 lb	$96.40	$92.81
Large Flat Rate Box (also the Board Game box)	20 lb	$121.30	$116.77

Three packages, priced

A paperback in a padded mailer, 14 oz: First-Class Package International Service $29.90; Priority Mail International by weight (1 lb) $66.30; Priority Mail International Padded Flat Rate Envelope $48.12. Cheapest: First-Class Package International Service, $29.90 online.
Jeans and a sweater, 2 lb 8 oz: First-Class Package International Service $48.19; Priority Mail International by weight (3 lb) $74.01; Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box $92.81. Cheapest: First-Class Package International Service, $48.19, as long as the value is $400 or less.
Six hardcovers, 9 lb: too heavy for First-Class Package International. Priority Mail International by weight (9 lb) $107.65; Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box (if they fit) $92.81; Airmail M-bag (printed matter only, priced from 11 lb) (Post Office counter) $133.43. Cheapest: Priority Mail International Medium Flat Rate Box, $92.81.

Online prices, except the M-bag. Selling platforms and label services can charge their own rates. Domestic rates: postage calculator.

Customs form, HS codes and value

Which form: PS Form 2976 for First-Class Package International Service (up to $400), PS Form 2976-A in a 2976-E envelope for Priority Mail International, PS Form 2976-B for Priority Mail Express International. All must be printed electronically, by your label software, Click-N-Ship, Customs Form Online or the Post Office counter; hand-filled forms with a barcode are obsolete (IMM 123.11, 123.61).
What goes on it: full names and addresses, the category (gift, merchandise and so on), a detailed description with quantity, net weight and value for each item, and “the 6-digit WCO HS code for each item in the package unless otherwise specified in the individual country listing” (IMM 123.711). USPS's example: “Men's cotton shirts”, not “Clothes” (USPS).
Books and media count as goods: books, periodicals, CDs and DVDs need a form and a value even though they're printed or recorded (IMM 123.623).
Export filing: enter “NOEEI 30.37(a)” when each class of goods is worth $2,500 or less (IMM 526.2).
South Korea's listing: “An item containing goods that does not contain the addressee’s mobile phone number might be subject to processing delays in the Republic of Korea.”

Addressing for South Korea

“Articles addressed for delivery in Korea should show the name of the addressee, street, district, town, and province in Korea. The address should be shown also in Korean characters, if known.” (IMM South Korea listing, Observations)
“Mail addressed to offices north of the 38th parallel will not be forwarded to destination but will be treated as undeliverable.” (IMM South Korea listing, Observations)

Duties, taxes and fees: who pays

Normally the buyer, on delivery. USPS Delivered Duty Paid isn't available to South Korea, according to its listing, so you can't prepay through USPS; if the charges go unpaid, USPS can bill you (see below).

USPS's manual says: “The duties, taxes, import fees, and other charges, if applicable, are not included in the postage paid by the mailer,” and most countries charge the recipient a customs clearance and delivery fee on top (IMM 131.34, as revised Oct 19, 2026). USPS's Delivered Duty Paid page puts it plainly: if you don't prepay, “the recipient will have to pay the required amounts before they can get their package” (USPS). Apart from Delivered Duty Paid and the invoices below, USPS doesn't give out information on what other countries charge (IMM 131.34).

If the charges go unpaid: since Oct 19, 2026, when duties, taxes or import fees on your package haven't been paid in full and the customs authority, postal operator or broker in South Korea seeks them from you or USPS, “the Postal Service (or its representative) will send an invoice to the mailer for such amounts” (IMM 424.1). You have to pay the whole invoice by its due date “even if the mailer disputes the assessment,” whether the package was delivered, lost, damaged or returned, and anything not paid by the invoice's due date draws interest at 6% a year (IMM 424.2, 424.4). A challenge to the amount goes to the party that set it, not to USPS (IMM 424.5). USPS made these changes in an interim final rule effective Oct 19, 2026 (Federal Register, 91 FR 66000); its online manual, dated Sep 7, 2026, didn't show them yet when we checked on Oct 19, 2026. More: when USPS bills the sender for unpaid duties.

General information from USPS's manual, not tax or customs advice.

Questions

What's the cheapest way to ship a package to South Korea with USPS?

For a light package, First-Class Package International Service (up to 4 lb and $400 in value): $21.94 for up to 8 oz with a label from a USPS-approved PC Postage provider, or $23.05 at the Post Office or through Click-N-Ship, which charges the retail price (IMM 252.25). From 33 oz, a Priority Mail International Flat Rate Envelope costs less if the item fits: $48.12 online, against $48.19 by First-Class Package International, though USPS offers no tracking on Flat Rate Envelopes. Heavier or more valuable packages go by Priority Mail International, from $66.30 for 1 lb online (Notice 123).

Can I ship books to South Korea?

Yes, but check these entries in South Korea's listing. Restricted: “Monthly or weekly journals are admitted to the extent of three copies per person and per issue; they are subject to a permit from the government if they exceed the limit of three copies.” Prohibited: “Documents, books, printed papers, engravings or other articles contrary to public security.” Books need a customs form with a value (IMM 123.623). For 11 lb or more of books to one address, an Airmail M-bag starts at $133.43 plus $12.13 a pound over 11 lb (Notice 123).

Can I ship used clothing to South Korea?

Yes, but check this entry in South Korea's listing first. Restricted: “Animal products (such as antlers, bones, and feathers) are required to be accompanied by an export certificate.” from the US Fish and Wildlife Service or USDA APHIS. Describe each piece on the customs form (USPS's example: “Men's cotton shirts”, not “Clothes”) (USPS customs forms).

Can I ship electronics with lithium batteries to South Korea?

Only within USPS's limits: new batteries installed in the device, at most four cells or two batteries per package, 100 Wh per battery for lithium-ion, and no used, damaged or defective devices with lithium batteries unless manufacturer-certified refurbished (IMM 135.62-135.64). South Korea's listing adds nothing on batteries.

Who pays duties and taxes on a package to South Korea?

Normally the buyer. USPS can't prepay duties to South Korea: its listing says Delivered Duty Paid is not available. Duties, taxes and any clearance fee aren't included in postage, and most countries collect them from the recipient (IMM 131.34). USPS's own summary: “the recipient will have to pay the required amounts before they can get their package” (USPS). If the charges go unpaid and the destination seeks them from you or USPS, USPS will invoice you, and you have to pay it by its due date even if you dispute the amount (IMM 424, effective Oct 19, 2026).

Do I need an HS code to ship to South Korea?

Yes. Every customs form needs at least the 6-digit HS code for each item unless the country listing says otherwise (IMM 123.711). With USPS's own tools (Click-N-Ship, Customs Forms Online or Global Shipping Software) you can skip the lookup: give a specific description, such as “Men's cotton shirts” instead of “Clothes”, and USPS assigns the code (USPS customs forms). Whatever tool picks the code, “the mailer remains solely responsible” for it being right (IMM 537.4).

Can I mail a trading card or other small item I sold to South Korea in a letter?

No. First-Class Mail International takes only correspondence and documents: “No merchandise, whether dutiable or nondutiable, may be mailed using First-Class Mail International service” (IMM 242.2). The lowest-priced USPS service for goods is First-Class Package International Service, $21.94 online for up to 8 oz, with a customs form; the package has to be at least 6 inches long and 4 inches high (IMM 251.22).

Sources

Rates verified on Oct 19, 2026 from each official page below.

Free 1-page Reseller Cheat Sheet: fees on 8 platforms, Media Mail and stamp prices

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