TL;DR: This shipping guide for AliExpress to Korea offers useful delivery timeframes but lacks product specifics and pricing for a clear purchase recommendation.

Ordered something on AliExpress and wondering when (or if) it'll actually arrive in Korea? You're not alone. Shipping from China to Korea has gotten much faster in recent years, but there are still a few things you should know. Here's the complete breakdown.

How long does each shipping method take?

Delivery speed depends heavily on which shipping option you choose.

  • AliExpress Standard Shipping: 7~15 days (most common)
  • AliExpress Premium Shipping: 5~10 days (costs extra)
  • Choice Delivery (5-day): 3~7 days (items marked with the Choice badge)
  • Regular Post (Cainiao/Yanwen): 15~30 days (free but slow)
  • ePacket: 10~20 days (common for small, cheap items)

Choice 5-day delivery is the most reliable and satisfying option. If you're not in a rush, Standard is perfectly fine.

When do I qualify for free shipping?

AliExpress free shipping works like this:

  • Most items: Free Standard shipping on orders over $1~2
  • Choice items: Free shipping above a minimum (usually ₩10,000~15,000 / ~$8~12)
  • Seller-specific: Some sellers set their own free shipping thresholds
  • App coupons: In-app exclusive coupons can offset shipping costs

Pro tip: Add items to your cart and wait for sale events to order in bulk — saves on shipping and gets you better coupon deals.

What customs fees will I pay?

Here's what you need to know about Korean customs.

  • Duty-free threshold: Orders under $150 (or $200 from the US) are exempt
  • Personal use: Items for personal use generally clear customs without issues
  • Watch out: Multiple packages arriving the same day can be assessed together
  • Duty rates: Vary by product category, typically 8~13% plus 10% VAT
  • Delays: Food, cosmetics, and electronics may face additional inspection (2~5 extra days)

Keep individual orders under $150 to avoid duties. Splitting large orders into separate shipments is the safest approach.

How do I track my package?

Several ways to follow your delivery:

  • AliExpress app/website: Real-time tracking in your order history
  • 17track.net: The most popular international package tracking site
  • Korea Post: Once in Korea, check via the Korea Post international mail tracker
  • CJ Logistics / Lotte Global: Choice deliveries often switch to domestic carriers

Tracking numbers sometimes take 3~5 days to activate after ordering. If it still shows nothing, message the seller.

What do tracking statuses mean?

Those tracking updates can be confusing. Here's what they mean:

  • Shipped / Departed country of origin: Left China
  • Arrived at destination country: Arrived in Korea (Incheon customs)
  • Customs clearance: Going through customs processing
  • Released from customs: Cleared customs, now in domestic delivery
  • Delivered: At your door

Don't panic if it sits at "Customs clearance" for a few days — that's normal, especially around holidays when volume spikes.

What are the most asked questions?

Q. It's been over a month and nothing's arrived. A. Contact the seller first. If unresolved, open a Dispute before your Buyer Protection period expires. You'll get a refund.

Q. My item arrived damaged. A. Take photos immediately and open a Dispute for a partial or full refund. Most sellers resolve this quickly.

Q. I entered the wrong address. A. If it hasn't shipped yet, message the seller to change it. After shipping, it's difficult but worth trying.

Q. My package is stuck in customs. A. If customs contacts you, fill out the import declaration and pay any duties. For personal-use items, the process is straightforward.

What are the key tips?

  • Prioritize Choice 5-day delivery items
  • Keep orders under $150 to avoid customs duties
  • Use app-exclusive coupons to reduce shipping costs
  • Track packages via 17track.net for the most detail
  • Always check your Buyer Protection deadline
  • Buy urgent items locally, patient purchases on AliExpress

With this guide, shopping on AliExpress from Korea should feel a lot less stressful. If you're looking for product ideas, check out our best budget tech under $20 or pet products guide.

What other guides should I read?

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