Importing a car from South Korea
South Korea has one of the largest and most transparent used-car markets in the world: Encar, the main Korean portal, lists over 200,000 cars for sale, with certified mileage and an official inspection sheet. We choose the car with you, check it, buy it and ship it to the Italian port. Here is how it works, what it costs and what is left for you to pay.
Why South Korea
In Korea a used car is sold with documents that are rare in Europe: the official inspection sheet records the condition of engine, gearbox, bodywork and chassis, and the inspector verifies the mileage; many cars also come with their history from the Korean insurance register — accidents, owner changes, floods and theft.
Hyundai, Kia and Genesis are at home there: the choice of models, versions and trims is far wider than in Europe.
What it costs
The price on every listing is turnkey to the port: the car's value in Korea, at the day's exchange rate, plus a fixed €3,000. That covers sea shipping (Ro-Ro or container, same price), the inspection in Korea, paperwork and translated documents, unloading and the customs agency at the port. The final price is set in the contract.
An example: a car worth €15,000 in Korea costs €18,000 turnkey at the port.
Customs
Customs are not included in the price and are paid by the buyer: import duties and import VAT, due at customs clearance at the port of arrival. We handle the customs paperwork, and we tell you what you will pay before you sign, not after.
Timing and ports
From purchase to loading usually takes one to three weeks. At sea: Ro-Ro 35–40 days (ports of Livorno, Salerno and Bari), container 70–80 days (Genoa, La Spezia and Naples). You follow the ship with a tracking number and get updates on WhatsApp.
From the port you can collect the car or have it delivered to your door by car transporter, from €150 to €400 depending on distance (Bari–Milan about €350).
How to buy, step by step
1. Pick a car from the catalogue or with the live search on the Korean market. 2. Receive photos, video and the official inspector's report. 3. If the car fails the inspection, we check another one at no cost. 4. Sign the contract, electronically or on a video call, and pay on signing, with an invoice. 5. We buy the car, deregister it in Korea and load it on the ship. 6. It arrives at the port, clears customs and you collect it ready for registration.
Warranty
Engine, gearbox and chassis are covered by a warranty, as defined in the purchase contract.
Brands from Korea
Pick a brand: for each one, the models available now and the lowest turnkey price.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to import a car from South Korea?+
The car's value in Korea plus €3,000, turnkey to the Italian port: shipping, inspection, paperwork and documents, unloading and the customs agency are included. Customs are extra.
Who pays customs?+
The buyer: import duties and import VAT are paid at customs clearance and are not included in the price. We handle the customs paperwork.
How long does it take for the car to arrive?+
One to three weeks until loading, then 35–40 days by Ro-Ro or 70–80 days by container.
Ro-Ro or container: what changes?+
Only the timing and the port of arrival, the price is the same: Ro-Ro arrives in Livorno, Salerno or Bari, containers in Genoa, La Spezia or Naples.
Can I see the car's condition before buying?+
Yes: before purchase you receive photos, video and the official inspector's report on engine, gearbox, chassis and accident history. If the car fails the inspection, we check another one at no cost.
How and when do I pay?+
On signing the contract, with a regular invoice. The contract is signed electronically or over a video call.
Is there a warranty?+
Yes, on engine, gearbox and chassis, as defined in the purchase contract.
Do you deliver to the door?+
Yes, by car transporter anywhere in Italy, from €150 to €400 depending on distance (Bari–Milan about €350). Otherwise the car is collected at the port.
What is Encar?+
South Korea's main used-car portal. Photos, price and inspection sheet of our cars come from Encar in real time.
Can the price change?+
Published prices follow the day's euro/won exchange rate; the final price is the one set in the contract.