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According to IMARC Group, the South Korean clothing market was valued at 33.7 billion USD in 2024. By 2033, it is expected to become a 43.1 billion USD industry with a CAGR of 2.77%.
The market is divided into various sections, the prominent ones are formal wear, casual wear, sports and safety wear, and others.
When it comes to end users, it has been segmented into three parts: women, men, and kids. In 2025, online stores are gaining more popularity and have become a successful medium to kickstart a profitable Korean clothes-selling business.
This 9-step guide is your answer to how to import clothes from Korea. So keep on reading and exploring the effective steps that can help you with hassle-free import of Korean used and new clothes.
Before starting any business, it is important to do in-depth research about the niche market. As a buyer, if you are looking to import clothes from Korea, you need to decide whether you are going to sell Korean clothes locally or internationally.
Once you decide that, you need to identify the niche as the clothing industry is huge, whether you are going to sell formal clothes, casual clothes, or any other category. Who would be your target market? Is it going to be men's, women’s, or kids' clothing? How are you going to sell these clothes? Through online or offline channels?
Learn about what clothing items are in trend and will align with your target market requirements. Do not forget to keep a close eye on your competitors, find the gaps in their business, and present them as your business’s strength.
Once you have decided everything about your business initially, now is the time to find genuine Korean clothing wholesalers and suppliers for your product sourcing. Now there are various ways you can source Korean clothes in bulk from South Korea. We are going to discuss some of the best ways you can choose to source high-quality new and used clothing items at affordable prices and from South Korea-based manufacturers and suppliers.
The best way is to use online B2B marketplaces to source bulk clothing items from Korean manufacturers to anywhere in the world. These platforms enable buyers and sellers to connect with each other for seamless business dealings.
1_Tradewheel.com is the fastest-growing online B2B trading platform where you can have access to the list of hundreds of Korean fashion exporters, you can communicate with them, inquire about their products, and also get price quotations from them before making an informed final decision.
2_You can also explore platforms like TradeKorea. It is a well-known online marketplace that connects you immediately with suppliers, and you can easily import dresses from Korea. The website is easy to use and is equipped with all the right tools that make trading easy, fast, and affordable for everyone. You can negotiate the prices of the products and can also ask for sample products to enquire about the quality of the products before placing a final order for bulk product purchase.
3_Sinsang Market is a popular online marketplace to import used clothes from South Korea. The website has genuine Korea-based suppliers and manufacturers selling clothing items at reasonable prices and with various customization options as well. From trendy clothing items to the best-selling ones, all are available on the website for international buyers to purchase.
Social Media Platforms play a crucial role in making your online business successful and visible to the right audience. As a buyer, you can use LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram for networking as well as finding the right suppliers and manufacturers to import used clothes from South Korea. Join the niche-specific communities on these websites, and you will be able to find the right clothing manufacturer for your business.
Another way is that you can join trade shows and exhibitions that are mostly held by online B2B marketplaces. You can check out these platforms for Korean dress imports.
Tradeshows nowadays are being held in both online and offline settings you can choose whichever you find convenient to attend as global suppliers and manufacturers from Korea and other countries display their products on these shows you can check out the sample of the products on the spot or can order sample clothing items for online setting it will help you to secure quality products at wholesale prices saving you per unit cost each product.
The most important thing that, as an importer of clothing items from South Korea, you should focus on is following the compliance and paperwork involved in the successful sourcing of the products. From import duties to tariffs, everything you need to know for a seamless trading experience.
Ensure that you know the HS code for the clothing items you are sourcing, as it tells you about tariffs and duties. Request for documents like commercial invoices, packing lists, and certificates of origin. Also, check if your country comes under FTA free trade agreement countries; if yes, it will eliminate or reduce the import duties, making trading cost-effective for your business.
As a buyer, you need to negotiate the prices of the bulk clothing items from South Korean suppliers and manufacturers. While negotiating, do not compromise on the quality of the products. Ask for low MOQ options if you are running a small or medium-sized business.
Once the suppliers agree to export Korean fashion clothing items, you need to ask for the payment terms and conditions as well for a smooth transaction. If the suppliers are giving you the option to choose the payment method, then go for PayPal or other secure payment alternatives.
Quality is what makes or breaks customers' trust in your business. So, as a buyer, you should not compromise on the quality of the clothes. As for sample products from manufacturers, it will give you a good idea about the quality of the products, including the stitching and embroidery on the clothes.
For secure bulk product purchasing, you should hire a third-party inspection agency in South Korea. They check the quality of the products before shipping them to you from Korea.
Once you find the reliable products to stock your inventory with, now is the time to decide on the freight that you want for shipping. Air freight is expensive but delivers the products fast. Sea freight is much cheaper than air freight, but you can face the shipment delay as they are shown to deliver shipment orders more slowly than air freight.
Even if you order shipment arrives on time, but you are facing issues with customs clearance, like incomplete or incorrect codes, missing documents, etc., undervaluation, wrong HS codes, or missing certificates are some of the main issues that apparel industry buyers face. For that, you can hire a customs broker for smooth product delivery. You can save yourself from the headache of customs clearance and have a fast and penalty-free trading experience with the customer brokers.
Good supplier relationships can help your business grow. When you build trust, suppliers may offer better prices, give you early access to new designs, or lower their minimum order requirements. Stay in touch regularly to share product feedback and discuss improvements.
This shows that you value their work and want a long-term partnership. If possible, visit them in person to see how they work, or arrange video calls to keep the connection strong. Loyal buyers often get faster service, more flexibility, and even exclusive deals that other customers may not receive.
Once your clothes arrive, it’s time to let people know about them. Use the “Made in Korea” label in your marketing, as it signals quality and trendiness. Share photos and videos on social media, and work with influencers who can style your products in a K-pop or K-drama-inspired way.
This can make your collection more appealing to fashion lovers. Plan product drops in line with Korean fashion seasons to keep your store fresh and exciting. The goal is to create buzz, attract customers, and make your Korean clothing stand out in your market.
Importing clothes from South Korea can open the door to new business opportunities and a growing customer base. With the right planning, reliable suppliers, and a good marketing strategy, you can build a strong clothing line that stands out in your market. Remember, success comes from more than just buying trendy designs; it’s about maintaining quality, building strong relationships, and staying in tune with fashion trends. By following the steps in this guide, you can turn your idea into a profitable business and bring the best of Korean fashion straight to your customers.
