In recent years, importing cars from South Korea has become increasingly popular in Azerbaijan and Russia.
Brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis are valued for their reliability and advanced technology.
But the main question remains: Is it really worth buying a car from Korea?
Why Korea?
South Korea is one of the world’s top car manufacturers. In 2025, Korean used car exports reached a record high of over $760 million per month.
Main advantages:
Wide range of models and configurations
Transparent vehicle history (auction system)
Prices often 15–20% lower than local market
Great options for hybrid and electric vehicles
Example calculation:
Car price (FOB): $10,000
Shipping & loading: $2,000
Customs & taxes: ~$4,000
Other fees: $300
➡️ Total cost: around $16,300
So, expect about 50–60% extra in total expenses compared to the purchase price in Korea.
Verdict:
Buying from Korea can be worth it, especially for hybrid, electric, or rare models.
However, always calculate all costs (shipping, customs, taxes) in advance.
If the difference is small, buying locally might be the simpler and safer option.






