📦 Delivery & Postal Services in South Korea

South Korea is famous for its ultra-fast and reliable delivery services — from same-day groceries to overnight nationwide shipping. Whether you’re living here short-term or long-term, this guide explains how to send, receive, and track packages across the country, even without an Alien Registration Card (ARC).

🚚 Overview of Delivery Culture

Delivery is deeply integrated into Korean daily life. You can get almost anything delivered — meals, groceries, clothes, furniture, and even paperwork. Major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon have 24/7 delivery systems with nationwide coverage.

There are three main types of delivery:

Online shopping delivery — through platforms like Coupang, Gmarket, Naver Shopping, or 11Street.
Quick delivery (퀵서비스, Quick Service) — instant courier options within the same city, used for urgent or heavy items.
Postal delivery — through Korea Post and convenience store parcel services.

Coupang

🏠 Receiving Deliveries Without an ARC

For long-term residents, delivery is straightforward — but even if you don’t have an Alien Registration Card (ARC), you can still receive packages by using your address in Korean and your phone number.

No ARC? You can still receive most parcels from Coupang, Gmarket, and Naver Shopping using your passport and local address.
However, Coupang’s “Rocket Delivery” and some subscription services require ARC verification. In that case, use guest checkout or order via Coupang Global (international mode).
Korea Post also allows non-ARC users to receive international parcels if you show a passport and explain your temporary stay. You may need to email customs documents (invoice, flight info, passport ID page).

Tip: Always provide your address in Korean for accuracy. Use Naver Map to copy it directly in the correct postal format.

Korea post

🛒 Major Delivery Platforms

Coupang (쿠팡) — Korea’s Amazon equivalent. Offers “Rocket Delivery” (overnight shipping) for members. Guest mode available for foreigners without ARC.
Gmarket Global — English-friendly platform for clothes, cosmetics, K-pop goods, and groceries.
Naver Shopping — used by locals for most online purchases. Requires a Korean account, but many stores accept card payments without ARC.
Baemin (배달의민족) & Yogiyo (요기요) — top food delivery apps, though both require a Korean number. Many convenience stores now allow in-app delivery to dorms or apartments.

Note: Foreign cards work on Gmarket and some Coupang sellers, but not always on Naver. If a payment fails, use PayPal (Gmarket) or a Korean friend’s KakaoPay with consent.

📮 Sending Packages

1. Korea Post (우체국)

Nationwide and international delivery.
Standard mail, express mail (EMS), and registered mail available.
Bring your passport or ARC for international shipping.
Open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Tip: If you don’t have an ARC, passport is accepted for sending small international packages. Be ready to show your invoice or online order receipt to customs.

2. Convenience Store Shipping

Available at CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24.
Send or pick up parcels using smart lockers or counter service.
Most use CJ Logistics or GS Postbox for domestic shipping.
You can ship small parcels without ID — just enter a phone number and address.

Perfect for: Students, interns, or travelers without ARC who need to ship within Korea.

GS25

📦 Delivery Lockers & Pick-Up Options

Apartment lockers (무인택배함): Common in modern buildings. Enter your phone number to retrieve packages 24/7.
Convenience store lockers: Found at CU, GS25, 7-Eleven. Great for privacy or late-night pickup.
Office pickup: Many workplaces allow parcels to be delivered to the front desk or lobby.

Tip: Delivery drivers often call or text when they arrive. Even if they only speak Korean, a simple reply like “문 앞에 두세요” (please leave it at the door) works perfectly.

Locker

💳 Payment Methods

Online card payment: Works for most international Visa/Mastercard cards.
Cash on delivery (착불): Still accepted by many small sellers — pay the driver in cash.
Mobile payments: KakaoPay, NaverPay, and Toss — require Korean bank accounts and ARC.

📦 Returning Items

Returns are typically free within 7 days for defective items, or 14 days for change-of-mind (depending on seller).
Most platforms offer pickup service — just schedule through the app or website.
Without ARC, you may need to contact the seller directly to arrange courier pickup or drop off at a convenience store.

📱 Useful Apps & Websites

✨ Summary

From instant city deliveries to nationwide shipping, South Korea makes it incredibly easy to receive and send packages. Even without an ARC, you can use Coupang Global, convenience store delivery, or Korea Post with your passport. Just remember to use your Korean address and phone number, and you’ll enjoy the same ultra-fast service locals do.