Kimchi Now Eligible for International Mail Shipment to 12 Countries

The number of countries where kimchi can be sent via international mail will be expanded to 12.

Korea Post Headquarters announced on the 3rd that, in response to growing demand from people wishing to send kimchi to family and friends overseas during the kimjang (kimchi-making) season, it will expand the list of countries where kimchi can be shipped via Express Mail Service (EMS) from the current 9 to 12 countries.

Provided by Korea Post Headquarters

Previously, kimchi could be sent via EMS to the following countries: the United States (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), Canada, Australia, Japan (excluding Okinawa), China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, and Singapore. Now, New Zealand, Malaysia, and the Philippines have been newly added, making EMS kimchi shipments possible to these countries as well.

Korea Post Headquarters explained that in New Zealand and the other two newly added countries, interest in kimchi has increased due to the spread of Korean culture, and active Korean communities have formed, so the expansion of the service is expected to have a significant positive impact.

However, when shipping kimchi via EMS, it is mandatory to use metal packaging containers (cans), and the contents must not exceed 70% of the total capacity of the container.

This measure is intended to prevent damage and leakage that may occur during international transport. In addition, after sealing the kimchi in a can, it must be double-packed in a box. Including an ice pack or oxygen absorber according to the temperature can help maintain the freshness of the kimchi.

Korea Post Headquarters recommends that, when sending kimchi via EMS from regions outside the metropolitan area, customers should submit shipments from Monday to Thursday. This is because shipments accepted on Fridays may be delayed due to limited weekend air transportation options.

Kwak Byungjin, Acting Director of Korea Post Headquarters, said, "We hope that expanding the list of countries eligible for EMS kimchi shipments will contribute to the globalization of K-food and serve as a bridge to deliver the taste and spirit of Korea to overseas Korean communities. We also hope that by adhering to safe packaging standards, people will be able to send kimchi more quickly and safely."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.