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📦 How to send albums and merch home from Korea by EMS

EMS is Korea Post's international express mail, and any post office counter can send it. You don't need a Korean address or phone plan to use it. This guide covers the counter steps; prices change by weight and country, so the clerk gives you the final price.

Step by step

Check it's worth shippingEMS usually takes up to 30 kg per box, but some countries set a lower limit, so check yours at the counter. You pay for the actual weight or the size-based weight, whichever is higher, so a box that fits snugly costs less than a big half-empty one.
Find a post officeSearch 우체국 (post office) on Naver Map or Kakao Map and check the opening hours there before you go. Most branches are open on weekdays only. Inside, take a number and go to the counter for international mail.
Pack it in a post office boxPost offices sell boxes in several sizes, and they don't accept parcels in paper or shopping bags. Leave albums in their shrink wrap, fill gaps with paper or bubble wrap, and put loose photocards in sleeves so they don't bend.
Fill in the EMS formYou can write the form in English. It asks for your name and address, the recipient's address and phone number, and each item with its value. Describe things plainly, like "Music CDs x5", and keep your store receipts. Don't write a lower value than you paid, as that can hold the parcel up at customs.
Pay and keep the tracking numberThe clerk weighs the box and tells you the price. Your receipt has the EMS tracking number, which you can look up on Korea Post's EMS site and later on your own country's postal site.
Sending to the US? Ask firstIn August 2025 Korea Post stopped taking EMS parcels to the US after a change in US duty rules. Sending resumed later in 2025 with new steps, including a customs declaration and the sender paying duties up front. Ask at the counter what applies on the day you go.

Show these in Korean

Before you go

Lightsticks and power banks have batteries, and batteries have their own shipping rules. Ask at the counter before you pack them.
Go early in the day. Some branches stop taking parcels before closing time.
Korea Post's help line is 1588-1300 (weekdays 9:00 to 18:00, Saturdays 9:00 to 13:00). From a foreign number, call +82-2-2108-9895.

Quick answers

How heavy can an EMS parcel from Korea be?

Usually up to 30 kg per box, but some countries take less. The clerk checks the limit for your country.

Can I write the EMS form in English?

Yes. Korean or English both work, and the clerk can help if you're stuck.

Can I send EMS parcels from Korea to the US?

Yes. Sending resumed in late 2025 after a pause, but with new steps such as a customs declaration and prepaid duties. Ask at the counter for the current rules.

Checked Nov 7 · Sources: ems.epost.go.kr · ems.epost.go.kr · www.khan.co.kr · www.koreatimes.co.kr · creatrip.com

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