Find importers and wholesalers in South Korea

If you want to sell your product in a country, you mostly need a wholesaler that can also act as your importer.

It strongly depends on your expectations of such an importer how easy you can find him.

If you just want to outsource the formalities and some logistics, you will easily find a party. If you look for an importer that will also find retailers or direct customers for your product, this may be more difficult.

Importers and wholesalers in South Korea

South Korea has a population of about 52 million people and a GDP per capita of approximately $33,000 USD in 2023. It is one of the most technologically advanced economies in Asia.

The economy is driven by semiconductors, consumer electronics, automotive, shipbuilding and chemicals. Korean consumers are demanding, trend-sensitive and increasingly interested in imported premium food, cosmetics and lifestyle products.

South Korea’s main imports include crude oil and natural gas, semiconductors, coal, machinery, chemicals and agricultural products. Korean-language labelling and certification for food, cosmetics and electrical products are important requirements to arrange with your importer.

Key cities include Seoul, the capital and centre of business and consumption; Incheon, with the main international airport and a large port; Busan, the largest container port; and Daegu as an important industrial city.

What an importer really does

An importer or wholesaler can take over customs clearance, storage, product checks, repacking and returns handling. Often it also acts as importer of record: the party legally responsible for the goods in the country.

Decide what you expect. A party that only handles the formalities and the logistics is easy to find. One that also actively sells your product to retailers or end customers is much harder, and will ask for margin, exclusivity or marketing support in return.

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Finding an importer in South Korea in three steps

Step 1

Decide what you need

Formalities and logistics only, or active selling as well? Your answer decides which parties fit and how much margin you have to give away.

Step 2

Shortlist and check

Look for parties that already import comparable products. Check their licences, their storage, their customer base and whether they can act as importer of record.

Step 3

Agree the terms

Settle pricing, stock levels, who owns the goods, who pays duties and VAT, and how complaints and returns are handled before the first shipment leaves.