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Why the Crying Horse is 2026's Weirdest Obsession
If you've spent more than five minutes on social media this February, you’ve seen it. The Crying Horse Plush Toy has officially taken over our feeds. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a plush horse with oversized, watery eyes that looks like it just lost its favorite carrot. It started as a meme in the US, but it has quickly become the "emotional support" toy of the year for Gen Z and collectors in South Korea.
Why is it trending? In 2026, we're all about "sad-cute" aesthetics. There's something incredibly relatable about a tiny horse that looks like it's having a mid-life crisis. However, because it's a massive hit in the States, finding one at a reasonable price at a local mall in Seoul is almost impossible right now. Most local shops are marking them up by 200% or more.
The Math: US Retail vs. Korean Reseller Prices
Let’s talk numbers, because as a smart shopper, you shouldn't be overpaying. In the US, the official Crying Horse Plush retails for about $25 to $30. Meanwhile, on Korean secondary markets or through local "overseas purchasing agents," I’ve seen them listed for upwards of 85,000 KRW (roughly $65).
Even when you factor in international shipping rates, the math usually favors buying it yourself directly from the US. By using a freight forwarder, you can often bundle other items from US stores to make the cost-per-item even lower. If you're curious about the exact breakdown, I always recommend using a shipping calculator to see if the total cost beats the local price. Spoiler alert: It usually does.
The Secret to Buying from US Stores in Korea
The main hurdle is that many US retailers—like specialized toy boutiques or exclusive drops on Amazon—either don't ship to Korea or charge a fortune for direct shipping. This is where a parcel forwarding service becomes your best friend.
When you sign up for a service like comGateway, you get a tax-free US address (usually in Oregon). This is a game-changer because it allows you to skip US sales tax, which can save you an additional 7-10% right off the bat. If a US store won't accept your Korean credit card, you can even use a buy for me usa service to have them handle the purchase for you.
You might also like... Read more: Urgent Alert: The Critical Facts Every Korean Collector Needs Before Buying the Crying Horse Plush Toy.
Shipping Hacks: Getting it to Seoul Without Breaking the Bank
Once your Crying Horse arrives at your US address, you have some choices to make. If you are a serious collector, you might want to look into Prime membership benefits which can offer significant discounts on shipping weights and consolidated packages.
Here is a quick table of what to look for when choosing your shipping method to Korea:
| Method | Pros | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Express Shipping | 3-5 business days to Seoul | When you need that horse NOW |
| Standard Shipping | More affordable international shipping | Budget-conscious shoppers |
| Consolidation | Save up to 80% on shipping | Buying the horse + other US goodies |
Pro Tip: Consolidation is King
Don't just buy the plush! Since you're already paying for the first half-kilogram of shipping, add some snacks or clothes from other US brands. A us package forwarding service will pack them all into one box, which is the ultimate way to maximize your savings.
Customs and Import Facts for South Koreans
Living in Korea, we have some specific rules for importing toys. The most important thing to remember in 2026 is the "De Minimis" value. For goods coming from the US, you can generally import up to $200 USD (including the cost of the item and domestic US shipping) without paying any import duties or VAT.
Make sure you have your Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCCC) ready. Every freight forwarder will ask for this before your package leaves the US to ensure it clears Korean customs smoothly. Since the Crying Horse Plush is well under the $200 limit, you won't have to worry about extra taxes as long as you aren't importing a whole stable of them at once!
In summary, if you're smart about using a estimate shipping cost tool and a reliable US address, you can get the 2026's hottest toy for a fraction of the local price. Happy shopping, and may your new horse be as sad as you've always hoped!
