If you order something from abroad to an address in Korea (AliExpress, Amazon, iHerb, Coupang’s overseas “Rocket Direct”), customs needs a personal customs code in the recipient’s name. It looks like P followed by 12 digits.
Orders from Korean stores, like normal Coupang, Musinsa, Olive Young or Kurly orders, don’t go through customs, so they don’t need one.
What changed for foreigners
- Since January 2025, an ARC or passport number no longer works on e-commerce import declarations. Only the customs code does.
- Since March 2026, the code is required for foreigners’ other personal imports too, with a passport number accepted only as an exception.
- Codes now expire after one year. Codes issued from 2026 on must be renewed every year (from 30 days before to 30 days after expiry). Older codes first expire on your birthday in 2027.
- Your details must match. Customs checks that the name, code and phone number match what’s registered, and since February 2026 the delivery postal code too. You can register up to 20 addresses.
How to get one
- Online: through the Korea Customs Service portal (ecos.customs.go.kr) or the Mobile 관세청 app. It needs phone verification in your own name or a certificate, which in practice means you need an ARC and a Korean line in your name.
- In person: Korea Customs says foreigners can apply with a passport (valid for 6+ more months) or an ARC. Without a phone in your name, you can apply at a customs office. Reports of visitors getting one this way are rare, so call first.
- Help line: Korea Customs 1544-1285.
How Toyoni can help
If what you want is sold by a Korean store, no customs code is needed. We can order it for you on Coupang, Musinsa, Olive Young, Kurly and similar stores and have it delivered to your address in Korea. For items shipped from abroad, the code has to be yours, but we can walk you through getting one if you have an ARC.
