Why buy used cars from Korea
South Korea has become one of the world's largest sources of used cars for export. In 2025 Korea's used car exports reached a record US$8.9 billion, up about 75% on the previous year.
Source: The Korea Times, May 2026
- Left-hand drive. Korea drives on the right, so Korean-market cars are left-hand drive — a direct fit for Europe, the Balkans and Ukraine.
- Wide choice. Hyundai, Kia and Genesis alongside imported brands such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi and Land Rover.
- Condition records. Cars sold by registered Korean dealers come with a performance and condition inspection record, and the large platforms such as Encar publish photos and history details.
- Export infrastructure. Incheon port is a major hub for Korean used car exports, with both RO-RO and container shipping.
How Korea used car export works, step by step
The steps below are how an order moves from your first message to your port.
Export documents you receive
- Commercial invoice — the car and the FOB Incheon price.
- Export deregistration certificate — confirms the Korean registration has been cancelled for export.
- Export declaration certificate — issued after the export declaration is accepted by Korea Customs.
- Bill of lading (B/L) — issued by the shipping line once the car is loaded; you need it to collect the car at the destination port.
Your customs broker may ask for other papers depending on the destination country. Tell us early so they can be prepared with the export documents.
FOB vs CIF: what the price includes
FOB (Free On Board) Incheon — the price covers the car, export clearance in Korea and loading on board. Sea freight and insurance are arranged separately. Prices on our stock list are FOB Incheon in USD, with an approximate EUR price.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) — the price also includes sea freight and insurance to the named destination port, for example CIF Durrës or CIF Klaipėda. Import duties, taxes and port charges at destination are paid by the buyer.
Suho Trading quotes FOB Incheon only. Sea freight and insurance are arranged and paid by you or your forwarder.
RO-RO or container shipping
Both methods are used for Korean used car exports. The right choice depends on your port, the number of cars and your budget.
| RO-RO (roll-on/roll-off) | Container | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | The car is driven onto a car carrier vessel and secured on deck. | Cars are loaded into a shipping container and lashed to the floor. |
| Good for | Single cars and ports served by car carriers. | Several cars together, or ports without regular car-carrier service. |
| Things to know | Personal items are usually not allowed inside the car. | Extra handling at both ends; loading and unloading costs apply. |
Every car we export is lashed and secured before it sails. We quote the method that suits your route.
Shipping routes for our main markets
Choose your country for the route and how an order works.
Before you buy: check your import rules
Import rules belong to the destination country and can change. Confirm these points with your customs broker before you pay for a car:
- Maximum vehicle age allowed for import
- Emission standard required (for example the Euro class) and how it is proven
- Import duty, VAT and any excise or registration taxes
- Technical inspection and registration steps after arrival
- Transit rules if the car passes through another country (for example the EU)
Korea used car export FAQ
Are Korean used cars left-hand drive?
Yes. Traffic in South Korea drives on the right, so Korean-market cars are left-hand drive. That suits buyers in Europe, the Balkans, Ukraine and other right-hand-traffic countries.
Which documents come with an exported car?
A commercial invoice, the export deregistration certificate that cancels the Korean registration, the export declaration certificate issued through Korea Customs, and the bill of lading from the shipping line.
What is the difference between FOB and CIF?
FOB means the price covers the car loaded on board in Korea; sea freight and insurance are arranged and paid separately. CIF means the price includes sea freight and insurance to the named destination port. Suho Trading quotes FOB Incheon only.
How long does shipping take?
It depends on the route, the shipping method and the sailing schedule at the time of your order. Your forwarder confirms the sailing schedule for your port.
Do you deliver to inland countries such as Kosovo or Ukraine?
We ship to the sea port, for example Durrës in Albania for Kosovo buyers or Klaipėda in Lithuania for Ukraine buyers. Road transport from the port and import clearance are arranged by the buyer or the buyer's forwarder.
Can I check the car before paying?
Yes. Ask for the full photo set and condition details by the stock number on WhatsApp before you decide.
Ready to import a car from Korea?
Tell us the car you want and your destination port. We reply with matching cars from our stock and FOB Incheon prices.