Introduction
A Personal Custom Code (개인통관고유부호) is a unique identification number issued by the Korea Customs Service for international shipping and online purchases. This code is essential for anyone in Korea who wants to order items from overseas.
When shopping on popular e-commerce platforms in Korea, you'll quickly become familiar with certain indicators of international shipping. On Coupang, Korea's largest online marketplace, you might notice a distinctive purple rocket symbol (로켓직구) next to some products. This symbol is your cue that the item will be shipped from overseas, and during the checkout process, Coupang will prompt you to enter your Personal Custom Code.
The same applies to other popular international shopping platforms like AliExpress and Temu. When you're ready to complete your purchase on these sites, you'll need to provide your Personal Custom Code to ensure smooth customs clearance. This system helps streamline the international shipping process and ensures compliance with Korean customs regulations.
In South Korea, the Personal Custom Code system was implemented to regulate and monitor international purchases, ensuring proper taxation and preventing illegal trade activities. This system helps the Korean government:
- Track Import Volume: Monitor the quantity and value of goods individuals import for personal use
- Prevent Commercial Activities: Identify if someone is importing excessive quantities that might indicate unauthorized business operations
- Ensure Tax Compliance: Calculate and collect appropriate customs duties and taxes on imported goods
- Combat Illegal Trading: Prevent smuggling and the import of prohibited items
It's important to note that if you frequently import large quantities of goods or high-value items, your activities might be flagged for review. The customs service monitors patterns that could indicate:
- Regular imports exceeding personal use quantities
- High-value purchases that might suggest commercial intent
- Suspicious patterns of importing restricted items
📢 If you plan to import goods for business purposes, you should register as a business entity and obtain proper import licenses instead of using your personal custom code.
The system helps maintain transparency in international transactions while protecting both consumers and legitimate businesses in Korea.
Why Do You Need a Personal Custom Code?
- International Shopping: Required for purchasing items from overseas websites that ship to Korea
- Package Tracking: Helps track your international packages more efficiently
- Customs Clearance: Speeds up the customs clearance process for your packages
- Identity Verification: Serves as a unique identifier for customs-related matters
How to Get Your Personal Custom Code
- Visit the Korea Customs Service website (https://www.customs.go.kr/english/main.do)
- Click on "Personal Customs Clearance Code Issuance"
- Select "Issue" and choose your verification method (Foreign Registration Card or Passport)
- Fill in your personal information
- Submit the application and receive your code instantly
💡 If you already have a Personal Custom Code but forgot it, click the left button (조회 Personal Customs code Check). If you've never had one before, click the right button (신규발급 New Issue).
If you have connected your ARC (Alien Registration Card) with your mobile provider in Korea, you can use simple authentication (간편인증) through your mobile phone:
- Choose '간편인증' (Simple Authentication) from the verification options
- Select your mobile carrier (SK, KT, LG U+)
- Enter your phone number
- Complete the mobile authentication process through your carrier's app or SMS
This method is typically faster and more convenient than other verification methods, but requires your ARC to be properly registered with your mobile carrier.
💡 Make sure your ARC is properly registered with your mobile carrier before attempting to use simple authentication. If you haven't registered yet, visit your carrier's store with your ARC to set this up.
After completing the verification, you'll see your basic personal information displayed, followed by your Personal Custom Code in red text that begins with "P". Make sure to verify that all your personal information is correct and matches your identification documents.
⚠️ Your Personal Custom Code will look something like "P-########" (where # represents numbers). Write this down or take a screenshot - you'll need it for all your future international purchases.
Important Tips
- Keep it Safe: Store your code securely as you'll need it for future purchases
- One Code Per Person: You only need to apply once - the code is permanent
- Free Service: There is no cost for obtaining a Personal Custom Code
- Processing Time: Online applications are instant
Common Uses
Your Personal Custom Code is commonly used for:
- Shopping on international websites (Amazon, iHerb, etc.)
- Receiving packages from overseas
- Processing customs declarations
- Tracking international shipments
⚠️ Remember: Always double-check your Personal Custom Code when entering it for purchases or shipping. Incorrect codes can delay your packages or cause customs clearance issues.
With your Personal Custom Code, you'll be able to shop freely from international websites and receive packages without customs-related delays. It's an essential tool for anyone living in or staying long-term in Korea.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Personal Custom Code is a straightforward but crucial step for anyone planning to receive international shipments in South Korea. This unique identifier not only simplifies your online shopping experience but also ensures compliance with Korean customs regulations.
By following the simple online application process and keeping your code secure, you'll be well-equipped to handle international purchases and shipments. Remember that this is a one-time process - once you have your code, you can use it for all future international transactions.
Whether you're a long-term resident or planning an extended stay in Korea, having a Personal Custom Code will make your international shipping experience smoother and more efficient. Just be mindful of import regulations and use the code responsibly to maintain its benefits.
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