Why is Labubu Still the King of Blind Boxes in 2026?
If you've walked through Hongdae or Gangnam lately, you know the deal. Labubu, the mischievous monster with the serrated teeth from Kasing Lung’s "The Monsters" series, is more than just a toy—it is a cultural phenomenon. By early 2026, the craze has only intensified, with new themed series dropping almost monthly. For collectors in South Korea, the challenge isn't just liking them; it’s actually finding them before the "Sold Out" sign hits the window.
The secondary market in Korea can be brutal with markups. That is why seasoned fans have stopped waiting for local restocks and started looking across the Pacific. The variety of Labubu Blind Box releases available in the US market often includes regional exclusives or stock levels that haven't been depleted by the local frenzy here in Seoul.
The Insider Secret: Why Buy from US Stores?
It sounds counterintuitive to buy a toy designed in Asia from a store in the US, but here is the logic. Big retailers like POP MART US, specialized designer toy boutiques, and even large platforms like Mindzai often have different inventory cycles. While a specific series might be long gone in Korea, it might still be sitting on a shelf in a warehouse in Oregon or Delaware.
Furthermore, US-based drops often happen at times that are actually quite convenient for us in KST if you’re a night owl. But the real "secret" isn't just knowing where to look—it’s knowing how to get it here without paying a fortune or worrying about lost parcels.
Check our guide on: The Secret Method Korean Collectors Use to Score Rare Labubu Releases from the USA.
The Logistics Hack: Using a Reliable Package Forwarder
Most US toy retailers don’t offer direct international shipping to South Korea, or if they do, the rates are high enough to buy three more blind boxes. This is where a reliable package forwarder like comGateway comes into play. They provide you with a US shipping address (tax-free!), which you use at checkout. Once your Labubu arrives at their warehouse, they ship it straight to your door in Korea.
Before you dive in, it is always smart to estimate shipping cost using their online tool. Since blind boxes are light, you can often consolidate multiple orders into one shipment to save big on international fees. If you are a frequent collector, looking into Prime membership benefits can unlock even lower rates and faster processing, which is crucial when you're chasing limited editions.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Scoring Drops
If you have never used a forwarder before, don't sweat it. Here is the step-by-step guide to get started:
- Sign Up: Get your free US address from comGateway.
- Shop: Hit up US stores like POP MART, NTWRK, or even eBay for those rare 2026 Labubu variants.
- Ship to Warehouse: Use your US address as the shipping destination.
- Declare and Ship: Once it arrives, notify the forwarder, choose your shipping speed, and wait for the doorbell!
Keep in mind that while Labubu figures are generally safe to ship, you should always check the list of prohibited items if you're planning to buy cleaning kits or specialized display cases that might contain liquids or batteries.
Navigating South Korean Import Rules and Duties
One of the best parts about shipping from the US to South Korea is the de minimis threshold. Currently, in 2026, as long as your total order value (including domestic US shipping) stays under **$200 USD**, you are generally exempt from import duties. This is significantly higher than the $150 limit for most other countries, making the US the best place for Korean collectors to shop.
However, if you go on a Labubu shopping spree and exceed that $200 limit, be prepared to pay customs tax. Usually, this is around 10% VAT plus potential duties depending on the item classification. Always keep your Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCCC) ready for a smooth delivery process.
What to Do When US Stores Don't Accept Korean Cards
Sometimes, a US store might be "region-locked," meaning they won't accept a credit card with a Korean billing address. This is the ultimate buzzkill for a collector. Don't worry, though—you can use a BuyForMe service. Through this proxy shopping assistant, you tell the experts what you want, and they handle the purchase using a US-based payment method on your behalf. It is the most reliable assisted purchase method for high-demand items like the latest Labubu series.
Happy hunting, and may your next blind box pull be a Secret!
