Overseas parcel stuck in customs? Check that your postcode matches

Since 2 February 2026, the Korea Customs Service (KCS, 관세청) checks three things against your personal customs clearance code (개인통관고유부호, the code starting with P that you type when you shop abroad): your name, your phone number and the postcode of the delivery address.

Who it applies to now
People who got a new code, or changed their code details, on or after 21 November 2025. It will reach more people as everyone renews their code under the new one-year validity.

What to do

• The postcode you type at the shop or forwarding service must match a postcode registered with your code. If it does not, clearance can be delayed.
• You can register up to 20 delivery addresses in advance: home, work, a friend's place, a forwarder.

Extra protection
KCS suggests signing up to 국민비서 (the government's alert service), so you get a message whenever your code is used. That warns you early if someone else is using it.

The catch for foreigners
Looking up or changing your code online needs an identity check in your own name (phone, certificate or simple authentication). If you cannot do that, ask at a customs office (세관).

Next step: on the KCS e-commerce clearance portal, open 개인통관고유부호 조회/정보변경 and add every address you receive parcels at.

Sources: KCS press release, 14 January 2026; KCS e-commerce clearance portal. Checked 6 November 2026.