Shipping from Canada to South Korea works through ocean container freight, not courier or postal delivery. In 2026, Canadian exports to South Korea rely on FCL (Full Container Load) and LCL (Less than Container Load) services that move cargo inside sealed containers through international ports. Because of that, understanding container logistics helps avoid unrealistic expectations about speed, cost, and handling.
This guide explains shipping from Canada to South Korea in practical terms. It covers container options, port routing, approximate pricing, and the main cost drivers, while clearly explaining how LCL differs from small-package shipping.
What Shipping From Canada to South Korea Means
When companies or individuals plan shipping from Canada to South Korea, they usually move commercial or personal cargo at scale. Therefore, freight travels through container terminals, vessels, and customs facilities rather than courier networks.
In real-world logistics, shipping from Canada to South Korea includes:
- Loading cargo into ocean containers
- Moving freight through Canadian export ports
- Transporting containers by vessel to South Korea
- Clearing customs at the destination port
Because of this structure, container freight offers reliability, capacity, and global port access.
Container Shipping Options to South Korea
Full Container Load (FCL)
FCL shipping gives you exclusive use of one container. As a result, it provides the highest level of control and predictability.
Shippers typically use:
- 20’ containers for heavy or dense cargo
- 40’ containers for higher-volume freight
- 40’ High Cube containers for tall or oversized items
Many exporters choose FCL because it reduces handling and simplifies documentation.
Less Than Container Load (LCL)
LCL shipping from Canada to South Korea supports smaller volumes, yet it still operates inside ocean containers. Instead of shipping parcels, LCL consolidates palletized or crated cargo with other freight.
With LCL shipping:
- Cargo moves inside a shared container
- Terminals handle consolidation and deconsolidation
- Transit times may increase slightly
- Pricing is based on cubic meters, not packages
Consequently, LCL suits partial commercial shipments rather than small consumer deliveries.
Canadian Ports Used for South Korea Routes
Most container shipments to South Korea depart from Canada’s Pacific gateways. In particular:
- Port of Vancouver offers the widest carrier selection
- Port of Prince Rupert provides fast Asia-Pacific transit
- Port of Montreal serves eastern Canada via transshipment
Before ocean loading, inland freight moves to these ports by rail or truck.
Arrival Ports in South Korea
After departure, vessels typically arrive at major South Korean container ports. Most shipments enter through:
- Port of Busan, the country’s primary container hub
- Port of Incheon, serving the Seoul region
- Port of Gwangyang, supporting industrial cargo
Busan handles most international volume and supports efficient inland distribution.
Transit Times From Canada to South Korea
Transit time depends on routing and port choice. On average:
| Route | Estimated Transit Time |
|---|---|
| Vancouver → Busan | 14–20 days |
| Prince Rupert → Busan | 10–16 days |
| Montreal → Busan (via Asia hub) | 30–40 days |
In addition, customs processing and terminal handling can extend total delivery time.
Approximate Shipping Costs (Indicative Only)
Shipping costs from Canada to South Korea vary widely. Therefore, the figures below serve only as very rough estimates.
FCL Cost Ranges (CAD, 2026)
| Container Type | Approximate Range |
|---|---|
| 20’ Container | $3,500 – $5,500 |
| 40’ Container | $5,800 – $8,500 |
| 40’ High Cube | $6,200 – $9,200 |
LCL Cost Ranges
LCL pricing usually follows a per-cubic-meter structure:
- $220 – $380 per CBM (highly indicative)
Actual rates depend on consolidation volumes and terminal fees.
What Influences the Cost of Shipping
Several variables affect final pricing. For example:
- Container size and service type
- Port of departure and inland distance
- Cargo dimensions and weight
- Seasonal carrier demand
- Fuel and surcharge adjustments
- Terminal handling and documentation fees
Because these factors change frequently, accurate quotes require shipment-specific details.
Cargo Suitable for Container Shipping
Container shipping from Canada to South Korea supports many cargo types, including:
- Commercial freight
- Industrial equipment
- Vehicles and motorcycles
- Household goods
- Palletized or crated cargo
Proper packaging ensures cargo safety throughout ocean transit.
Documentation and Export Requirements
To avoid delays, shippers prepare:
- Commercial invoices
- Packing lists
- Bills of lading
- HS codes and cargo descriptions
- Export declarations when required
Clear documentation speeds up customs processing on arrival.
Final Overview
Shipping from Canada to South Korea works best when approached as a container freight operation. Whether you choose FCL or LCL, cargo moves through professional terminals and vessels rather than courier networks.
By understanding container logistics, shippers gain better control over cost, timing, and handling expectations.
Contact
For container shipping from Canada to South Korea, our team can review your cargo details and outline available options.
📞 +1 (365) 829-5000
📧 service@metropolitanlogistics.ca
We provide guidance on routing, container selection, and pricing factors before shipment planning begins.