I cover a wide range of stories about Korean society — one of the most dynamic places in the world. To me, journalism means being on the ground, uncovering untold stories and amplifying marginalized voices, especially in an era when AI is reshaping the media landscape. That’s why I’m always here to listen. Tips and stories are welcome — feel free to reach out via email. Before becoming a journalist, I traveled through 24 countries over 702 days, served two years as a military police officer in the Republic of Korea Air Force and later studied filmmaking at the Korea National University of Arts.
Foreign residents face disruptions as express mail stopped under new US rules
An airplane is parked at Incheon International Airport, Aug. 1. Yonhap
By Park Ung
As Korea Post seeks to restore service, documents, EMS Premium still accepted
Sarah Mack, 28, a Virginia native who has lived in Korea on and off for nearly 13 years and now runs high school exchange programs, grew anxious when she learned that U.S.-bound express mail, small packages under 2 kilograms and airmail parcels would be suspended starting next week.
“All of my students for Seoul SPARKS, my high school exchange program, for the most part, they’re in the U.S. And I send them a welcome package every year,” Mack told The Korea Times. “Usually, I have to use the Express Mail Service (EMS) to send it to them because I don’t even have the final student roster until about one month before the program actually begins.”
Her worry reflects the difficulties many residents in Korea will soon face, as Korea Post said Thursday it will temporarily suspend U.S.-bound express mail as of next week, due to changes in American customs regulations.
The suspension does not apply to all mail services, as documents, letters and EMS Premium will continue to be accepted as usual.
Until now, goods valued under $800 were exempt from customs duties. But starting Aug. 29, nearly all international mail to the U.S. except documents and letters must be declared and will be subject to the 15 percent tariff on most Korean goods.
As national postal services around the world are affected by the new U.S. customs policy, several countries have taken similar steps. China and Hong Kong have already suspended some postal services, with Thailand, Singapore, France, Switzerland, Denmark and Belgium following suit.
United States Postal Service (USPS) cars are parked at a lot in Miami, Fla., Feb. 5. EPA-Yonhap
Starting Monday, post offices will stop accepting small packages under 2 kilograms and airmail parcels bound for the U.S. EMS services will also be suspended, beginning Tuesday.
However, EMS Premium will remain available. Unlike EMS, which is delivered through the United States Postal Service (USPS), EMS Premium is operated in partnership with the private courier United Parcel Service (UPS).
“To send goods to the United States, customs declarations and clearance must be handled through an agency designated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP),” a Korea Post official told The Korea Times. “UPS can handle that process, but USPS cannot. That’s why EMS Premium remains available, while regular EMS is suspended.”
Korea Post said it is working with UPS to launch a lower-cost version of EMS Premium to ease the burden on customers. It added that a service comparable in price and quality to what had previously been offered will be available within one to two months, while the agency is also seeking to partner with a U.S.-approved customs payment agency.
The agency also advised users to review customs requirements carefully before sending packages.
While Korean-made products are generally subject to a 15 percent tariff, the rate may vary by item. Products that include components from other countries, such as China or Vietnam, may be taxed at that country’s rate instead.
The existing exemption that allows gifts under $100 in value to be sent duty-free to family or friends in the U.S. remains in place. However, Korea Post said such mail cannot be declared unless processed through an agency approved by the CBP. If duties are imposed, payment also cannot be made without going through a CBP-approved agency, making it difficult to send even exempt items through the postal network.
While Korea Post is exploring a range of countermeasures, the new policy has disproportionately affected foreign residents in the country.
“As a foreign resident in Korea where isolation and change are my constant companions, mail is really important,” said Ariel Schudson, 47, a California native who has lived in Korea for nearly six years, sharing her experience of sending various items to family and friends over the years for birthdays or just for fun.
“I get so much pleasure out of being able to periodically send things to my loved ones in the U.S. ... The internet is great but sometimes gifts and things are really special and cool.”
Park Ung