South Korea is the 20th largest trading partner of the UK. In 2022, the value of exports from South Korea amounted to over 7 billion dollars. Exports included vehicles, electrical and electronic equipment, machinery, precious stones, metals, and pearls. Before you start shipping from South Korea to the UK, one of the most important things you should consider is the shipping method.
Shipping from South Korea to the UK
Sea freight from South Korea to the UK
Sea freight is not the fastest shipping method available – delivering goods from South Korea to the UK may take 15–20 days. It is also not the most convenient option as seaports are located along the seaside. Therefore, there is a matter of getting the goods to the seaport in the exporting country before transportation and after – delivering it to the final destination. If such a place is located deep within the land, it may generate additional costs as well as prolog finalization of shipment. However, it is generally considered a cheaper and more reliable option, as it is not as dependent on weather conditions as air freight. Sea freight also allows for transporting larger shipments.
Major seaports in South Korea
- Port of Busan
- Port of Incheon
- Port of Donghae
- Port of Masan
Major seaports in the UK
- Port of Felixstowe
- Port of Southampton
- Port of London
- Port of Immingham
Air freight from South Korea to the UK
The biggest advantage that air freight has over sea freight is time. Transportation from South Korea to the UK by air can be done within 1–3 days. Another asset is that airports may be scattered across the country, making delivering the goods both to the airport in South Korea and to the final destination in the UK more convenient and logistically easier. However, air freight is also a more expensive method of transportation. It is also not an option for big shipments but rather for shipping small, precious, or fragile things, where time plays an important role.
Major airports in South Korea
- Incheon International Airport
- Gimhae International Airport
- Jeju International Airport
- Gimpo International Airport
Major airports in the UK
- East Midlands Airport
- London Airports (Stansted Airport, Luton Airport, Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport)
- Edinburgh Airport
- Belfast International Airport
South Korea–UK trade agreement
South Korea and the UK signed a trade agreement, which entered into force on 1st January 2021. Therefore, if the goods of “South Korean origin” shipped to the UK are duty-free or with a reduced duty. All that is needed is a declaration from the shipper.
Cost of shipping from South Korea to the UK
If you are considering shipping from South Korea to the UK, you should check how much it may cost you. Shipping costs depend on the kind of goods you will be transporting as well as their amount. You can request free quotes on ShipHub.co and wait for offers from reliable freight forwarders.
