Korea Parcel Delivery Guide for Foreigners — Price & Delivery Speed Comparison

If you are living in Korea or traveling here long-term, sending parcels can be confusing at first. Korea has several delivery options, and each service works differently depending on weight, size, budget, and delivery speed.

This guide compares the most commonly used services in Korea:

  • Korea Post (우체국 택배)

  • Registered Mail / Express Registered Mail (등기 / 빠른등기)

  • Private Couriers (Lotte, CJ Logistics, Hanjin, also known as “professional couriers”)

  • Convenience Store Shipping (GS25, CU)

We also explain the average delivery time from local areas (e.g., Busan, Daegu, Gwangju) to Seoul.


🏤 1. Korea Post (우체국 택배)

Korea Post is the most trusted option for both local and international deliveries.

👍 Pros

  • Very reliable and safe

  • Easy tracking

  • Good pricing for small to medium parcels

  • Fast delivery (usually next day for domestic parcels)

👎 Cons

  • Must visit the post office during business hours

  • Heavy parcels can be slightly more expensive than private couriers


✉️ 2. Registered Mail / Express Registered Mail (등기 / 빠른등기)

This service is mainly for documents, small items, and valuable mail that must be tracked and delivered quickly.

Ideal for

  • Legal documents

  • University or bank papers

  • Passports (when allowed)

  • Small electronic items

  • Items that must arrive the next day

Delivery Speed

  • Registered Mail: Usually next day or within 1–2 days

  • Express Registered Mail (빠른등기): Often next day nationwide


🚚 3. Professional Couriers (Lotte, CJ Logistics, Hanjin, Logen, etc.)

These companies are considered “Korea’s private courier services.”
They are widely used for online shopping, business shipping, and heavier parcels.

👍 Pros

  • Good for medium to heavy parcels

  • Door-to-door pickup available

  • Reliable national network

  • Competitive price for 5–20 kg items

👎 Cons

  • Delivery speed may vary during peak seasons

  • Tracking updates sometimes delayed

Best for

  • Online sellers

  • Moving or sending personal items

  • Heavy or large parcels

  • Bulk shipments


🏪 4. Convenience Store Shipping (GS25, CU)

This option is popular because it is available 24 hours, and foreigners can use it easily by entering a phone number and address.

👍 Pros

  • Send a parcel anytime (24/7)

  • Very convenient — stores are everywhere

  • Good pricing for light parcels

👎 Cons

  • Delivery may take longer than Korea Post

  • Limited size/weight range

  • Not ideal for urgent shipping

Best for

  • Lightweight items

  • Clothing, books, accessories

  • Travelers who need to send souvenirs home within Korea


💰 5. Weight-Based Price Comparison (Average Domestic Rates)

WeightKorea PostPrivate Couriers (Lotte, CJ, Hanjin)Convenience Store (GS25/CU)
0.5–1 kgAround 4,000 KRW4,000–5,000 KRW3,000–4,000 KRW (very small)
1–3 kg5,000 KRW range5,000–6,000 KRW~5,000–6,000 KRW
3–5 kg6,000 KRW range6,000–7,000 KRW6,000–7,000 KRW
5–10 kg7,000–8,000 KRW7,000–10,000 KRW (best option)8,000–11,000 KRW
10–20 kg9,000–12,000 KRW10,000–15,000 KRW12,000–17,000 KRW

👉 Light parcels (under 3 kg): Convenience store or Korea Post
👉 Heavy parcels (over 5 kg): Private couriers have the best price
👉 Documents: Registered mail / express registered mail


🚀 6. Delivery Time: From Local Cities → Seoul (Example: Busan/Gwangju → Seoul)

ServiceAverage Delivery TimeNotes
Korea Post Parcel⭐ Next day–1 dayVery stable & fast
Registered / Express Mail⭐ Same/next dayBest for documents
Private Couriers (Lotte, CJ, Logen)1–2 days2–3 days during peak season
Convenience Store Shipping1–3 daysCan be slower on weekends

🧭 7. Which Service Should You Use?

✔ If you want the fastest and safest delivery

Korea Post Parcel or Express Registered Mail

✔ If you are sending heavy or large items

Private Couriers (Lotte, CJ, Hanjin, Logen)

✔ If you want convenience (send at midnight)

GS25 or CU convenience store shipping

✔ If you’re sending documents

Registered / Express Registered Mail


📝 Final Summary

Korea offers many delivery options, and each service has strengths:

  • Korea Post → Fast, reliable, good for most parcels

  • Registered / Express Mail → Best for documents & urgent items

  • Private Couriers → Best for heavy parcels & home pickup

  • Convenience Store Shipping → Best for lightweight items & 24/7 access

By choosing the right service, foreigners living in Korea can save time, money, and stress when sending parcels anywhere in the country.


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