Thailand and Korea enjoy a relationship that goes back to the Korean war in the early 1950’s when Thailand was one of the first countries to send troops in support of the South Korean resistance to the communist aggressors from the North. In 1958, Thailand and South Korea established diplomatic relations as well. Today, Korean culture is popular in Thailand with the rise of “K-Pop” entertainers and the popularity of Korean soap operas on Thai television.
Commercial Activity
South Korea is one of the top 10 importers of goods in the world and a long time receiver of many types of goods from Thailand. Electronic components, agricultural products as well as jewelry, furniture and clothing make up a large share of the trade going from Thailand to Korea.
Shipping Options from Thailand to Korea
Ocean going freight and airfreight are the two principle modes of transport between Thailand and Korea. Choosing the right options for your particular product will depend on timing, if the goods are perishable, and your budget. Let’s look at these options in more detail, specifically using cost as the primary consideration. There are several components that determine the cost of shipping goods from Thailand to Korea, including the weight, size, type of service and transportation mode. While there are exceptions to every rule, one can use the 100 kg weight as a good decision point when considering air vs. ocean freight.
Air freight is much faster but is also more expensive. That said, ocean freight is most advantageous when your goods are large, heavy, and not time constrained.
If you decide to ship via ocean freight, there are two practical options – FCL or full container load or LCL which is less than a container load.
FCL may be the best option for you if you don’t want to share space with other goods that are going to the same place. If your goods are fragile or perishable, the extra handling involved in loading and unloading out of an LCL a container can become problematic.
If you don’t have a lot of volume to ship, maybe less than a half a dozen pallets, then the LCL option is probable better. You only pay for the space you actually need and you won’t have to wait until you can fill an entire 20 ft. container.
Clearing Customs
One of the most misunderstood and critical steps in the export process is clearing customs at the destination, in this case, a Korean port. The correct documentation, including the invoice, certificate of origin and bill of lading are just a few of the documents required for goods to enter the country of South Korea. Preparing the goods for safe shipment and accounting for all of the documentation and requirements to import goods into a country are tasks best left to professional freight forwarders.
At Eagles Air and Sea, we are well positioned to provide world class transportation services between Thailand and Korea. Call us at +66 (02) 790 4599 or email us at sales@eaglesthai.com with your shipping requirements from Thailand to Korea for a no obligation consult and quote.
Frequent Asked Questions
How do I package my shipment to Korea?
If you are preparing a package for shipment by yourself, it is best to keep these issues in mind…..water damage can occur in any mode of transport and at any time of the year. It is best to secure your goods in a water tight plastic wrap. It is also important to consider temperature variation during the transit as it can easily get over 100 degrees F in a plan or ship.
What is the transit time from Thailand to Korea?
Air freight typically takes about 3 days. For ocean freight from Bangkok to Seoul, you can expect transit times of 14 – 17 days from the port of Bangkok to the port at Inchon.
What items are restricted for importation into Korea?
Items that are restricted include all weapons, explosives, illegal drugs and large amounts of foreign currency. Additionally, items made from protected wildlife such as medicines, leather goods and ivory are also expressly prohibited.
