Korean food has become a beloved part of global dining culture. From kimchi and tteokbokki to ready-to-eat stews and Korean fried chicken marinades, many Australians crave authentic Korean flavors. While dry and packaged foods are often available in local Asian supermarkets, frozen and perishable Korean foods remain much harder to source in Australia.
This has left many shoppers wondering: Can you actually ship frozen dumplings, refrigerated side dishes, or perishable snacks directly from Korea to Australia?
In this guide, we’ll explore what’s possible under Australian import rules, which foods are restricted, and how a trusted service like Buy&Ship can help you buy Korean food products safely.
The Appeal of Korean Frozen and Perishable Foods
- Authentic Taste – Frozen dumplings, marinated meats, and ready-to-cook stews taste closer to what you’d get in Korea.
- Limited Availability in Australia – While dry snacks are easy to find, frozen or chilled items are far less common in local markets.
- Cultural Connection – For Korean Australians and food enthusiasts, perishable foods bring home comfort.
- Convenience – Ready-to-eat banchan (side dishes) and frozen staples simplify cooking authentic meals.
Challenges of Importing Frozen & Perishable Foods
Unfortunately, shipping these products across borders is complicated:
- Biosecurity Restrictions – Australia has some of the world’s strictest food import regulations. Many frozen or chilled items are prohibited.
- Temperature Control – International parcel services do not usually provide cold-chain shipping. Frozen foods would thaw during transit.
- Customs Risk – Prohibited food items may be seized and destroyed upon arrival.
- Shelf Life – Even if items could be shipped, the long delivery time means freshness is not guaranteed.
What Cannot Be Shipped to Australia
According to Australian Border Force and biosecurity rules, the following items cannot be imported by mail:
- Frozen or refrigerated meat, seafood, or poultry
- Perishable dairy products (e.g., milk, cheese, yogurt)
- Prepared meals requiring refrigeration or freezing
- Fresh fruit, vegetables, or seeds
- Honey and honey-based products (strictly prohibited due to biosecurity risks)
⚠️ These items are non-negotiable and will be seized by customs if attempted.
What Can Be Imported
While frozen or perishable foods are out of the question, many Korean food items are still possible to ship:
- Instant ramen and noodles
- Snack foods (chips, cookies, rice crackers)
- Powdered drinks and teas
- Sauces and condiments in sealed packaging (gochujang, doenjang, ssamjang)
- Canned or retort-packaged meals (curries, stews, rice dishes that are shelf-stable)
- Confectionery (chocolates, candies, gummies)
These items are shelf-stable, don’t require refrigeration, and are generally cleared for import into Australia when in sealed packaging.
How Buy&Ship Helps You Access Korean Foods
While frozen dumplings or chilled banchan may not be possible, Buy&Ship’s proxy shopping service makes it easy for Australians to buy and ship a wide range of shelf-stable Korean foods directly from Korea.
How It Works
- Browse Korean Food Websites – Shop from Coupang, Gmarket, Market Kurly (dry foods only), or official brand stores.
- Submit Proxy Order – Provide Buy&Ship with the product link for instant noodles, sauces, or packaged snacks.
- Transparent AUD Quotation – You’ll see the item cost, proxy fee (from 6%), and domestic delivery within Korea.
- Delivered to Korean Warehouse – Buy&Ship receives the order at its Korea warehouse.
- Transferred to Hong Kong Hub – At this stage, you’ll be notified of the actual parcel weight and can consolidate multiple orders.
- International Shipping to Australia – Your package is forwarded at competitive rates: AUD 28 for the first 2 lb, AUD 12 per additional lb.
- Track Until Delivery – Clear tracking ensures your Korean snacks and sauces arrive safely.
Tips for Aussies Shopping Korean Food Online
- Stick to Dry and Sealed Goods – Avoid frozen, chilled, or fresh products.
- Consolidate Orders – Combine ramen, sauces, and snacks into one shipment with Buy&Ship to save money.
- Check Import Regulations – Always confirm ingredients (e.g., no honey, raw meat extracts, or dairy).
- Buy in Bulk – Shelf-stable foods like ramen or sauces are perfect for bulk orders.
- Look for Limited Editions – Korea often releases special flavor ramen or seasonal snacks not available elsewhere.
Why Buy&Ship Is Ideal for Food Imports
- Proxy + Forwarding Combined – Buy&Ship purchases on your behalf if a store doesn’t accept international payments.
- Affordable Shipping – Clear pricing from AUD 28, far cheaper than direct couriers.
- Consolidation Advantage – Save by combining food products with skincare, K-pop goods, or lifestyle items.
- Reliable Handling – Professional warehousing ensures safe packaging and forwarding.
While shipping frozen or perishable Korean foods to Australia is not possible due to biosecurity rules and cold-chain limitations, there’s still plenty you can enjoy. From instant noodles and sauces to packaged snacks and canned meals, authentic Korean flavors are just a few clicks away.
With Buy&Ship’s proxy shopping service, Australians can shop directly from Korea’s biggest food retailers and have items shipped affordably and safely. By understanding the import restrictions and focusing on shelf-stable goods, you can stock your pantry with the very best of Korean cuisine—minus the risk.
So the next time you’re craving authentic Korean ramen or a limited-edition snack, remember: while frozen items are off-limits, Buy&Ship makes it easy to enjoy the rest.