Is it just me, or is getting a real Shark Blanket in Korea harder than it should be?

Why Shark Blankets are taking over your feed in 2026

If you have spent even five minutes on social media this January, you have probably seen someone lounging in what looks like a giant, plush shark. The "Shark Blanket" (or shark sleeping bag) has officially transitioned from a niche cozy item to a global fashion phenomenon. It is not just about staying warm anymore; it is about the aesthetic. In 2026, the trend has evolved with high-definition textures, glowing fins, and even wearable designs that let you walk around while looking like an apex predator.

For us in South Korea, the winter chill is no joke. While local brands have tried to replicate the design, the original viral versions often come from US-based retailers or specialized boutiques that offer better materials and that specific "oversized" fit that looks so good in photos. However, as many of us have realized, clicking "buy" on a US website while sitting in Seoul isn't always a straightforward process.

The hidden barrier: Why Korea-based fans are struggling to buy

So, what is the catch? Why can't we just order these from our favorite Korean apps? The "hidden barrier" is actually twofold. First, many of the top-tier US brands that manufacture the high-quality Shark Blankets do not offer direct shipping to South Korea. If they do, they often use basic postal services that take weeks to arrive, or worse, the shipping costs end up being more expensive than the blanket itself.

Secondly, there is the issue of authenticity. The market is currently flooded with low-quality knockoffs that use thin, scratchy polyester. To get that cloud-like softness you see in the viral videos, you really need to source it from the US market. This is where the frustration starts for most local shoppers—you find the perfect item, but the checkout page says "This item does not ship to your location."

The best US stores for the authentic Shark Blanket

If you want the real deal, you need to look at major US retailers or the original creators on platforms like Amazon US, Walmart, or specialized cozy-wear boutiques. These stores carry the 2026 updated versions with reinforced stitching and premium flannel fleece.

Since these stores are optimized for the American market, they often have the best deals and the widest variety of sizes. But again, the shipping wall remains a problem. Instead of giving up, the smart way to handle this is to use a freight forwarder. By getting a local US address, you can shop just like an American resident and then have your haul sent over to Korea in one go.

Using a freight forwarder to skip the direct shipping headache

The secret that many seasoned "Jik-gu" (direct purchase) experts in Korea use is a service like comGateway. Instead of begging a US store to ship to Incheon, you simply ship your Shark Blanket to a tax-free US warehouse provided by a reliable package forwarder.

If you are new to this, here is a quick how it works guide: You sign up, get your unique US address, and enter that at checkout on the US store's website. Once your package hits the warehouse, you get notified. From there, you can choose your preferred carrier. Whether you prefer DHL international shipping for speed or FedEx international shipping for reliability, you have total control over the process. You can even check a step-by-step guide on their site if it's your first time.

Navigating South Korea's import tax and the $150 rule

One thing that catches many Korean shoppers off guard is the import tax. In South Korea, the de minimis threshold for most goods from the US is $200, but for many categories or if shipping from other regions, it stays at $150. If your total order value (including the item cost and sometimes the domestic US shipping) exceeds this amount, you will be hit with additional fees at customs.

It is crucial to understand import duties before you go on a shopping spree. If you are buying multiple blankets for friends or family, consider shipping them in separate batches to stay under the limit. You can also use a shipping calculator to see if the total cost, including potential taxes, still beats the price of buying a (likely lower quality) version locally.

Pro-tips for saving on international shipping

Shipping a bulky item like a blanket can be pricey because of the volume. Here are a few ways to keep your international shipping rates down:

• Repackaging: Ask your forwarder to remove unnecessary air or bulky retail boxes.
• Consolidation: If you are buying a Shark Blanket and maybe some other US tech or clothes, wait for them all to arrive at the warehouse and ship them as one package. This significantly lowers the shipping fees per item.
• Memberships: If you plan on doing this often, looking into Prime membership benefits can offer you significant discounts on international shipping over time.

By being smart about how you move your goods across borders, you can enjoy the viral 2026 trends without the "hidden barrier" of high costs or shipping restrictions. Stay cozy, and enjoy your new shark look!

You might also like: Our deep dive into the latest international shipping rates for 2026.