A three year old Genesis GV80. Under 40,000 kilometres on the clock, fully loaded, and an accident history you can read in black and white. You won't find it at a European dealer. In Seoul, it's parked around the corner. If you want to import a car from South Korea, you gain access to a market that is surprisingly young and well documented. At the same time, it is a market that runs in Korean, with its own paperwork and its own rules. SCL Rotterdam has more than 15 years of experience importing vehicles from outside the EU into Europe. We handle the entire process: from checking the car in Korea to registration in your country.

Why import a car from South Korea?

Koreans keep their cars for a short time and trade them in quickly. As a result, the Korean used car market is full of young cars with low mileage and generous specifications. That is the first advantage. The second is just as interesting: you'll find models Europe never received. The Hyundai Grandeur and many Kia versions built for the Korean home market are not sold in Europe, and the Genesis range in Korea is far wider than what most European countries offer.

There's also a practical advantage you miss with Japanese imports. South Korea drives on the right, so the steering wheel is already on the left. That makes registration in mainland Europe a lot simpler.

Costs of importing a car from South Korea

A Korean used car often looks sharply priced in the listing. You only know the real price once you add everything up. Within the EU, import duty is the same in every country. VAT and registration taxes depend on where the car will be registered.

  • Transport within South Korea: from the seller to the port of departure.
  • Shipping: by RoRo vessel or in a container, depending on the value and type of car.
  • Import duty: 10% as standard on the purchase price plus transport costs to the EU border, equal across all EU countries.
  • Import VAT: the VAT rate of the country of import, for example 21% in the Netherlands, 19% in Germany or 21% in Belgium.
  • Registration tax: varies widely. The Netherlands charges BPM, Germany has no registration tax, and some countries charge high taxes based on CO₂ or value.
  • Inspection and registration: technical approval, any modifications and registration in your country.

Want to know your total cost? Use our cost calculation or send us the listing.

Sometimes 0% import duty thanks to the free trade agreement

This is an opportunity many importers overlook. The EU and South Korea have a free trade agreement that has removed most duties on Korean goods. If your car was built in South Korea, the duty rate can drop from 10% to 0%. You do need a valid origin declaration from the Korean exporter. With cars bought from private sellers, that is far from guaranteed. We check whether it is feasible for your car before you buy. On a car worth € 40,000, that quickly saves several thousand euros, as the import VAT drops along with it.

What to look out for with a Korean used car

The Korean market is more transparent than you might expect. But buying without local knowledge can still go badly wrong. Three points deserve your attention.

Damage history

In South Korea, damage and insurance claims are registered centrally. For every car, a report is available showing reported damage, amounts paid out and the number of previous owners. The report is only available in Korean. We have it assessed before you make an offer and can arrange an inspection on location before purchase.

Home market models and EU approval

A Ioniq 5 or Sportage that was also sold in Europe usually has European type approval. A home market version is a different story. Without a valid certificate of conformity, the car needs an individual vehicle approval in the country of registration, often with changes to lighting or emissions systems. We carry out this adaptation to EU standards in our own workshop. We find out in advance which route applies to your model, so you never buy a car that isn't allowed on European roads.

Language and payment

Used car platforms such as Encar and Korean sellers communicate in Korean. A misunderstood condition or a payment to the wrong party happens easily. We handle the contact and make sure documents and payment are in order before the car changes hands.

Importing a car from South Korea in 5 steps

From a Korean port to a European registration. This is how we do it.

Step 1: Check and purchase
We check the vehicle data, mileage and damage report. Then we guide you through the purchase and payment.

Step 2: Export from South Korea
The car goes to the port of departure, such as Busan, Incheon or Pyeongtaek. There, the export documents are handled and we record the condition of the car.

Step 3: Shipping to Rotterdam
By RoRo or container, we ship the car to Europe. The sea voyage takes roughly five to seven weeks.

Step 4: Customs clearance
We take care of the full customs clearance in Rotterdam, including import duty and VAT. Is the car going to another EU country? We prepare the documents you need there.

Step 5: Approval, registration and delivery
After inspection, we arrange EU licence plate registration, for example in the Netherlands or Germany. You collect the car or we deliver it to your door, anywhere in Europe.

Through our customer portal, you can see exactly where your car is at every step. Even in the middle of the ocean.

Shipping from South Korea: RoRo or container?

South Korea is one of the largest car exporters in the world. Regular liner services carry new Hyundais and Kias to Europe. That makes RoRo shipping an affordable and reliable choice for most used cars. The car drives onto the ship and off again in Rotterdam.

Is your car in a different price class, such as a Genesis or a Ioniq 5 N? Then choose container shipping. The car travels secured and locked, protected from the weather and curious hands. A shared container keeps the costs manageable. From purchase to registration, allow an average of eight to twelve weeks.

Moving from South Korea to Europe

Have you worked in Seoul or Busan for a few years and are now moving to Europe? Then you probably want to bring your car. Under certain conditions, you can import it as personal belongings, free of import duty and VAT. Generally, you must have owned and used the car for at least six months before the move. Some countries, such as the Netherlands, also exempt it from registration tax. We handle the application and make sure all documents reach customs on time.

Your Korean car, handled from A to Z

Importing a car from South Korea is no gamble, as long as you know what you're buying and what it costs. That's what we're here for. Send us the listing or the model you're looking for, with year and asking price, and tell us in which country you want to register it. Within 24 hours you'll receive a quote with the full cost breakdown, including whether your car qualifies for 0% import duty. Call +31 10 427 77 20 or email info@sclrotterdam.com.

Why Choose SCL Rotterdam?

More than 15 years of experience

SCL is the expert in car logistics and registration. With over 15 years of experience, we have all the knowledge and skills to serve you.

Everything under one roof

From customs clearance to registration. We also offer on-site purchase assistance and modifications in our workshop. We provide the complete package.

Unlimited passion for cars

You can feel our passion for cars as a customer. We are involved in the process and proactively think along with you to achieve the best possible transport.

Advanced customer portal

SCL Rotterdam offers an advanced customer portal that provides you with real-time insights into the status of your car throughout the entire import and export process

Mark Notenboom
Owner & Managing Director
Questions? Please ask Mark

Frequently asked questions about importing a car from South Korea

How much does it cost to import a car from South Korea?

Besides the purchase price, you pay transport within Korea, shipping, import duty, import VAT and any registration tax in your country, plus inspection and registration. Import duty is the same across the EU, but VAT and registration taxes differ per country. Send us the listing and tell us where you live, and we’ll list every cost in advance.

Do I pay import duty on a car from South Korea?

The standard rate is 10% on the purchase price plus transport to the EU border. If the car was built in South Korea and the exporter provides a valid origin declaration, the rate can drop to 0% under the EU and South Korea free trade agreement. With private sales, that declaration is often missing. We check it before you buy.

How long does it take to import a car from South Korea?

Allow an average of eight to twelve weeks from purchase to registration. The sea voyage itself takes about five to seven weeks. If the car needs an individual approval with modifications, add some extra time.

Can I register a Genesis in Europe?

In most cases yes, but it takes preparation. Many Korean versions lack European type approval. The authority in your country then assesses the car individually, including lighting and emissions. We find out before the purchase whether your version is feasible and what the modifications will cost.

How do I know if a Korean used car is accident free?

South Korea registers damage and insurance claims centrally. For each car, a report is available with reported damage, amounts paid out and the number of previous owners. We have that report assessed and can combine it with an inspection on location. That gives you far more certainty than photos in a listing.

Will my car be shipped by RoRo or in a container?

Both are possible. RoRo is the most affordable choice for most used cars, thanks to regular liner services to Europe. For a valuable car, we recommend a container: locked, secured and better protected during the long crossing.