Asia-Pacific · country guide
Trade with South Korea.
South Korea is an export powerhouse in semiconductors, vehicles, ships, steel and petrochemicals. It imports almost all of its energy and much of its raw material, and Busan is one of Asia’s main transhipment ports.
- Busan · Incheon · Gwangyang · Ulsan
- 4 relevant categories
- 4 relevant products
Market overview
Key industries
- Semiconductors and electronics
- Shipbuilding
- Steel
- Petrochemicals and polymers
- Automotive
Import opportunities
- Crude oil, LNG and coal
- Iron ore and scrap
- Grains and feed
- Machinery
- Non-ferrous metals
Export opportunities
- Semiconductors
- Vehicles and parts
- Steel products
- Polypropylene and polyethylene
- Ships and marine equipment
Trade requirements
The main rules to check when trading with South Korea. This is orientation, not legal or customs advice.
- KC certification
- Many electrical and consumer products need the KC mark.
- Food safety
- Food imports are registered and inspected by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.
- FTA network
- Agreements with the US, EU, ASEAN and RCEP partners make origin documentation worth preparing.
Logistics considerations
Busan handles most container traffic and many transhipment services.
Gwangyang serves steel and bulk cargo; Ulsan serves petrochemicals.
Short sea links connect Korea with China and Japan daily.
Relevant TP4 categories for South Korea
Relevant products
Hot-Rolled Coil (HRC)
Flat steel coil for fabrication, pipe making, re-rolling and structural use.
HS 7208
Polypropylene (PP)
PP homopolymer and copolymer granules for raffia, injection and film.
HS 3902
Steam Coal
Thermal coal for power generation, cement kilns and industrial boilers.
HS 2701
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
HDPE granules for blow moulding, film, pipe and injection.
HS 3901
Information current as of October 2026. Regulations, duties and documentation requirements change. Confirm with the relevant authority, your customs broker or forwarder before shipment. TP4 does not claim offices or operations in South Korea.
Trading with South Korea?
Tell TP4 the product, quantity and route.