Expanding your business to South Korea?Market contextAustralia and South Korea are strong economic, political and strategic partners. We have common values and interests, and the increase in links between our countries has made a significant contribution to our growing relationship.1

TradingSouth Korea is Australia’s fourth-largest overall trading partner and third-largest goods export market. In fact, between 2008 and 2013, merchandise exports to South Korea grew by an average of 6.4% per year to

As part of our commitments, Australia will remove its remaining tariffs on imported Korean goods over several years, creating one of the strongest and most complementary trading relationships in the Asia-Pacific region.1

What are they buying?The top three consumer categories in 20134 were:• Travel-related services• Clothes and fashion-related goods• Household goods (including motor vehicle parts

and accessories)

Good news for Australian exporters2&3

South Korea is the most connected country in the world:• Approximately 82% of the population is online

• It has the fastest internet in the world

• An estimated three quarters of the population own smartphones

• Approximately half of all internet users have purchased online

Business is kingBusiness-to-business eCommerce transactions make up nine out of 10 eCommerce transactions.4

Did you know?South Koreans own, on average, five credit cards per person; more than any other country.3

Baby care, premium wine and vitamins and supplements are also key products being purchased specifically from Australia.

1. Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade Website, September 2014. 2. Survey on the Internet Usage, Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), 2013. 3. Borderfree Country Report South Korea, 2014. 4. Report on eCommerce and Cyber Shopping Survey 2013, Statistics Korea. 5. Shop the World!, DHL, 2013.

How we can help get you thereThrough the combined services of Australia Post and StarTrack, we can offer you a range of products and services to help you reach your customers in South Korea. Whether you require urgent or standard delivery, supply-chain solutions, sea or air freight, we can tailor a solution for you. For more information, contact your Account Manager or visit auspost.com.au/international-business

Before you begin1. Do your research

Research your target market and consider the unique selling points of your product or service.

2. Develop your strategy Consider recent market trends and your long and short-term strategies.

3. Confirm your logistics Contact Australia Post to see how we can help streamline your logistics and help you reach your customers in South Korea.

Key drivers for online shopping5

• Lower prices• Price transparency• Shopping convenience 24/7

Key barriers for online shopping5

• Inability to try on products prior to purchase• Not being able to confirm product quality• Complicated payment systems

Customs, duty and taxes to be aware ofIt’s always best to check what you can send and how you can send it, before you send. For more information, visit: auspost.com.au/parcels-mail/dangerous-and-prohibited-items.html

For more specific information, visit the South Korea customs service at www.customs.go.kr

What’s stopping them?The key barriers to South Korean consumers ordering from overseas are5:• Long delivery time• High delivery costs• Complicated payment systems

Get started

Did you know?The average online order

value in South Korea is

US$1583

1. Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade Website, September 2014. 2. Survey on the Internet Usage, Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), 2013. 3. Borderfree Country Report South Korea, 2014. 4. Report on eCommerce and Cyber Shopping Survey 2013, Statistics Korea. 5. Shop the World!, DHL, 2013.