Korea Relocations to and from Hawaiʻi: Your Step-by-Step Guide
Moving between Hawaiʻi and Korea can feel like an exciting step—but the international logistics can also feel complex.
With careful planning—and our step-by-step guide below—you’ll be well positioned to navigate it all.
Whether you’re moving from Hawaiʻi to South Korea or moving to Hawaiʻi from South Korea, we’ll walk you through all the essential steps, including:
- How much it costs to move between Hawaiʻi and Korea
- What to look for in an international moving company
- Customs regulations for moving to Hawaiʻi, including duty-free clearance requirements
- Moving to Hawaiʻi with pets
Ultimately, we’ll give you have a clear roadmap for making your Hawaiʻi–Korea move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Shipping Your Household Goods Between Hawaiʻi and South Korea
Once you’ve decided to relocate, one of your first steps will be figuring out how you want to move your belongings between Hawaiʻi and Korea.
If you’re moving an entire household, ocean freight will likely be your best bet. It’s the most economical option, and there are a fewer restrictions on what can ship by boat.
The one downside with ocean freight is that it can take a few weeks for your items to arrive. When you request a quote for your Hawaiʻi–Korea move, your relocation company will give you a more exact timeline.
Air freight offers a fast way to move items between Korea and Hawaiʻi. However, it can be prohibitively expensive. Additionally, some items simply aren’t suited for air freight, including heavy and oversized items.
If there are a few items you’ll need immediately, talk to your moving company about sending a small shipment of essentials via air freight, with the rest of your items to follow via ocean freight.
If you choose ocean freight for your move between Hawaiʻi and Korea, you’ll have a few options to choose from:
You can ship a full 40-foot or 20-foot container of your belongings between Korea and Hawaiʻi.
Or, a professional moving company can tailor a custom-sized solution for you. For these less-than-container load shipments, your items will be loaded into sturdy wooden crates called lift vans. These lift vans are then loaded into a shipping container, which will be placed on a ship headed for the port nearest to your destination.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Between Hawaiʻi and Korea?
The price of your Hawaiʻi–Korea move will be calculated based on:
- What you want to move
- Your exact origin and destination points
- The services you choose, such as packing and unpacking and full value protection
The best way to get a ballpark for your Hawaiʻi Korea move? Request a quote from three, independent moving companies to get a good lay of the land. (Request your complimentary Royal Hawaiian quote here!)
What to Look for in an International Moving Company
- Most companies will need to partner with another company on one end of your move. Ask each company how they vet their partners to ensure a seamless experience from start to finish.
- Make sure your chosen company offers the services you’re looking for, such as packing and unpacking services or secure storage.
- Finally, look at each company’s track record: number of years in existence, experience in international moves, customer reviews, etc. Companies experienced in international relocations know how to avoid the common bumps in the road to deliver superior service.
Customs Regulations: Republic of Korea and Hawaiʻi
A customs snafu—or even a customs inspection—can add stress to your international move. (And even add to the cost of your move!)
Below, you’ll find a run-down of the customs regulations for both Korea and Hawaiʻi. Pay special attention to the restricted and prohibited items. If you have any questions, make sure to ask your moving company up front. We’ll also help you get started on the paperwork to secure duty-free clearance for your household goods, which can save you a ton of money.
Customs Regulations: South Korea Relocations
Required Documentation for Moving Household Goods to Korea:
- Copy of passport, including the photo, entry stamp, and long-term visa pages
- Detailed inventory / packing list (in English)
- Copy of bill of lading (OBL) or sea waybill / air waybill (AWB)
- Alien registration card (ARC) from the Korean Immigration Office
- Certificate of entry and exit (for returning citizens and accompanying family members only)
- Application for duty exemption issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Korea (diplomats only)
- Customs declaration form
- Power of attorney
Before your household goods can clear customs in Korea, you must be physically present in the country. Talk to your moving company for more information.
Securing Duty-Free Clearance on Arrival in Korea:
Household goods that 1) have been used for more than three months and 2) are generally recognized as personal effects will be exempt from duty. The exception: items subject to mandatory taxation, which include:
- Motor vehicles, excluding vehicles exported from Korea
- Jewelry, pearls, tortoiseshell, corals, pumpkins, ivory, and goods made thereof with taxable prices of KRW 5 million or more per unit
Prohibited Items for Korea Moves:
- Illegal drugs
- Pornographic material
- Counterfeit goods or materials
- Subversive and treasonous materials
Restricted Items for Korea Moves:
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosive materials, including fireworks. To import these items, you need permission from South Korean authorities
- Narcotic and psychotropic drugs
- Animals (see our note on moving pets below!)
- Food items are allowed in sea shipments only. All items must be sealed and labeled. Small amounts are granted a duty-free entry, but the shipment can be subject to a payment of 20% duty if the total is deemed too large for a household goods shipment
- Plants and plant byproducts are subject to quarantine and approval by the authorities
For more information, refer to the Korea Customs website or ask one of our international experts!
Customs Regulations: Hawaiʻi Relocations
Customs procedures on arrival to Hawaiʻi will be handled by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol. In addition to CBP rules and regulations, the state of Hawaiʻi also has its own agricultural restrictions to protect the islands’ unique ecosystem. You’ll find more details below.
Required Documentation for Moving Household Goods to Hawaiʻi:
- Copy of passport
- Copy of visa, permanent resident card, or I-94 stamp/card
- Copy of bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
- Detailed inventory in English
- Importers Security Filing (ISF)
- Form CF-3299, CBP Form 7501, CBP Form 6059B
- Food questionnaire
- Permit C – household goods permit (if importing alcohol) (Hawaiʻi)
- Supplemental declaration (Hawaiʻi)
Securing Duty-Free Clearance on Arrival in Hawaiʻi:
Your household items—such as furnishings, rugs, paintings, books, and other usual household furnishings and effects—can clear into the U.S. duty-free, as long as they:
- Were used abroad for not less than one year.
- Are not intended for any other person or for sale.
For more information, see the U.S. Customs & Border Patrol website.
Prohibited Items for Hawaiʻi Moves:
- Tuna
- Drug paraphernalia
- Haitian animal hide drums
- Cuban cigars
- Blank tapes and CDs from Iran
- Absinthe
- Counterfeit items or items inappropriately using a federally registered trademark
- Products made from dog and cat fur
- Flavored cigarettes, including cloves
Restrictions on Agricultural Items Entering Hawaiʻi
Both local and federal agencies—including the Hawaiʻi Plant Industry Division and the USDA—oversee agricultural items entering Hawaiʻi. If you plan on bringing plants, flowers, seeds, or cut plant parts, check the Can I Bring It? website.
All the items you’re shipping to Hawaiʻi must be free of dirt, insects, and plant material. If you’ve hired professional movers to pack your belongings, they may clean gardening tools, outdoor furniture, and bicycle tires to meet these requirements.
If you’re packing yourself, be sure to clean everything thoroughly. If soil or insects are located, your shipment may need to be fumigated or frozen. This can be an expensive process, and you’ll be responsible for the cost.
Finally, if you’re moving to Hawaiʻi with your pet, you’ll need to follow a strict set of procedures to avoid mandatory quarantine. You’ll find more information below.
Restricted Items for Hawaiʻi Moves:
- Plants and seeds (requires an import permit and plant and plant product declaration form)
- Soil (requires an import permit)
- Meats and meat byproducts
- Medications
- Fruits and vegetables
- Game and hunting trophies
- Gold
- Merchandise from embargoed countries
- Textiles and clothing
- Biological materials of public health or veterinary importance (requires an import permit)
- Wood packing materials (materials from China must be fumigated and verified by documentation)
- Used beekeeping equipment
- Alcohol – Permitted, but may require a permit from the county liquor commission
- Inherited Goods – Can be imported if the items are documented to be more than 100 years old and were available for use for at least 12 months prior to entry to the US
- Food Items – Importation is strongly discouraged and will require a detailed inventory.
- Items that include animal parts—including ivory, skins, feathers, and shells—may require CITES permits
- Some types of weapons can be imported, with restrictions
Moving with Pets to Korea or Hawaiʻi
Both Hawaiʻi and South Korea have strict regulations for importing pets. It’s important to start the process early to ensure you have enough time to complete any necessary vaccinations and testing before your move.
Moving Your Pet to Korea
Korea recognizes Hawaiʻi as a rabies-free destination, which will make the process for importing your pet significantly easier. To move your cat or dog to Korea, you’ll need to:
- Ensure your pet has a working microchip
- Get a current health certificate from your vet, with the matching microchip number
Your veterinarian can help you get everything set for your move. You can also review the regulations for importing pets on the South Korea Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency website.
Moving Your Pet to Hawaiʻi
Although Hawaiʻi has lifted its mandatory quarantine for arriving dogs and cats, pet owners must complete a number of steps, including rabies testing and documentation, to secure release of their pets on arrival.
We’ll walk you through the whole process in our Complete Guide to Moving Your Dogs, Cats and Other Pets to Hawaiʻi.
Choosing an Airline to Fly Your Pets
Both Korean Air and Hawaiian Airlines fly nonstop between Honolulu (HNL) and Incheon International Airport (ICN). Airline pet policies change frequently, so reach out directly to the airline to explore your options.
Next, let’s discuss what comes after the move—adapting to your new home.
South Korea–Hawaiʻi Moves: Cultural & Lifestyle Adjustments
Every international move comes with an adjustment period. Whether you’re relocating from Hawaiʻi to Korea or moving from Korea to Hawaiʻi, knowing what to expect can help you settle in quickly—and smoothly.
Cost of Living: Hawaiʻi vs. South Korea
If you’re moving from Hawaiʻi to Korea, you’ll likely enjoy a lower cost of living. Mercer’s 2024 cost-of-living study ranked Honolulu, Hawaiʻi the 12th most expensive city in their list, while Seoul was ranked 32nd.
12th most expensive city: Honolulu
32nd most expensive city: Seoul
36.5%
In fact, the website Numbeo estimates that the cost of living in Seoul is 36.5% lower than in Honolulu.
If you’re moving to Hawaiʻi from Korea, you’ll need to adapt to a slightly higher cost of living. (Read more in our article on the cost of living in Hawaiʻi.) To make their budgets work, some Hawaiʻi residents shop at farmer’s markets to secure fresh, more budget-friendly produce. Others load up at big box stores like Costco. Once you arrive, you’ll discover your own tricks for making your Hawaiʻi budget work.
Public Transportation in Korea vs. Personal Cars in Hawaiʻi
If you’re moving from Hawaiʻi to South Korea, you’ll get to enjoy all the benefits of Korea’s public transportation system. Between trains, buses and even ferries, it’s quite possible to get around many parts of Korea without a car of your own. In fact, Korea’s six largest cities—including Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Incheon—all have their own subway systems.
In contrast, if you’re moving to Hawaiʻi—and you want to make the most of your time in the islands—consider getting a car of your own. Each island has its own bus system, but a car will give you maximum flexibility and range so you can truly explore your new home.
Cultural Notes: Hawaiʻi vs. Korea
Finally, we’ve got a few cultural notes to help you acclimatize to your new home.
Greetings
In Hawaiʻi, a handshake, a hug, and a kiss on the cheek are all common greetings. In Korea, physical contact is much less common, unless you’re very familiar with the person you’re meeting. A slight bow at the waist or a slight nod would be more appropriate.
If you want to go deeper on proper Korean greetings, check out this YouTube video, which covers several different scenarios:
Remove Your Shoes
Here’s one shared tradition that will make your international move easier: In both Hawaiʻi and Korea, it’s considered polite to remove your shoes before entering someone’s home.
Respect for Elders
You’ll find a shared respect for elders in both Hawaiʻi and Korea. In Korea, it’s considered polite to wait for the oldest person at the table to start eating before you begin.
Punctuality
In Hawaiʻi, “island time” is a real phenomenon. In Korea, punctuality is a sign of respect. If you’re moving from Hawaiʻi to South Korea, you may need to shift your mindset to avoid offending the person you’re meeting.
Hawaiians vs. Hawaii Residents
If you’re moving to Hawaiʻi from Korea, you’ll meet people from a wide variety of ethnic backgrounds, including descendants of the first human settlers of Hawaiʻi: the Native Hawaiians. Note that the adjective “Hawaiian” is reserved for those of Native Hawaiian ancestry. The rest of the people living on Hawaii are called “Hawaiʻi residents.”
Make an Eas(ier) Transition Between Hawaiʻi and Korea
When it comes to international moves, knowing what to expect is half the battle. Now that you understand more about Hawaiʻi–Korea shipping logistics, customs regulations, pet moving procedures, and cultural differences, you’re well positioned for an easy transition to between Hawaiʻi and Korea.
Need some help on your South Korea-Hawaiʻi move? Our experienced international team would be happy to help with a safe, easy, and stress-free relocation. Just reach out to our team for a complimentary quote to get started.
