Buying the New Balance 990v7 Made in USA from US stores to skip the South Korea retail markup

Exploring why the 990v7 Core Grey is 2026's most wanted sneaker

The sneaker community in Seoul has been buzzing ever since the official US debut of the New Balance 990v7 on May 10, 2026. This latest iteration of the legendary 990 series continues the legacy of the 'Made in USA' craftsmanship that collectors in South Korea value so highly. While local retail stores in Myeongdong or Gangnam might eventually get stock, the quantity is usually limited and the price is often significantly higher than the US MSRP.

The 990v7 'Core Grey' stays true to the heritage of the brand while introducing a more streamlined silhouette and updated FuelCell cushioning. Because these are manufactured in the US, getting them directly from American retailers ensures you are getting an authentic pair with that premium 'Made in USA' tag that is so elusive in the secondary market.

Snagging pairs from US retailers using a tax-free US address

Getting your hands on a pair requires a bit of strategy. Most US-based retailers like New Balance, Bodega, or Kith do not offer direct international shipping to South Korea, or if they do, the costs are astronomical. This is where using a freight forwarder becomes the smartest move for a collector.

By signing up for comGateway, you get a tax-free US address located in Oregon. This means when you shop at US stores, you do not have to pay US sales tax, which can save you about 7% to 10% right off the bat. Once your 990v7 arrives at the warehouse, you can then forward packages to your doorstep in South Korea using a reliable international shipping service.

Handling payment declines with the BuyForMe service

Ordering from major US brands can sometimes be a headache for international shoppers. Many popular stores, including Nike, New Balance, and Sephora, are known to block international credit cards or automatically decline orders that use a known parcel forwarding service address. If you have ever had an order cancelled immediately after hitting the 'buy' button, you know exactly how frustrating this is.

Using the BuyForMe service solves this problem entirely. With this proxy shopping option, we use a US-based credit card to purchase the item on your behalf. This assisted purchase method is the most reliable way to ensure your order is confirmed and processed by stores that are strict about their billing policies. You simply tell us what you want to buy, and we handle the transaction, making it the safest way to guarantee your 990v7 doesn't get snatched up by someone else while you struggle with payment errors.

Calculating your potential shipping costs and transit times

Budgeting for your delivery is an essential step before you check out. Before you commit to a purchase, you should always use the shipping calculator to get a clear picture of what the journey from Oregon to South Korea will cost. Most sneaker boxes are relatively standard in size, but adding multiple items to a single shipment can change the math.

If you have questions about how consolidation or storage works, the FAQ section on our help center provides a wealth of information. Generally, package forwarding to South Korea is very efficient, with most shipments arriving in Seoul within 3 to 5 business days after leaving the US warehouse.

Detailing the shipping estimates for your 990v7 delivery

To help you prepare your shipping calculator inputs, here are the typical specifications for a New Balance 990v7 'Made in USA' box in 2026.

Always remember that while a single pair of shoes is straightforward, shipping multiple pairs in their original boxes can increase the volume of the package. Using a freight forwarder that offers repacking services can help minimize this extra space.

Understanding South Korean import taxes for luxury sneakers

Importing goods into South Korea comes with specific customs regulations that you need to be aware of to avoid delays. For shipments originating from the USA, there is a de minimis threshold of $200 USD. If the total value of your 990v7 (including the cost of the shoes and the US domestic shipping) is $200 or less, you will generally not be charged import duty or VAT under the KORUS FTA.

However, the 'Made in USA' 990 series often retails for around $210 to $230 USD. This means your shipment will likely exceed the duty-free limit. In this case, expect to pay approximately 10% VAT and potentially a 13% duty on the total value. Even with these taxes, buying directly from the US is often cheaper than paying the inflated resale prices on Korean platforms like KREAM.

Ensuring your Personal Customs Clearance Code (PCCC) is ready and matches your shipping details will make the process much smoother once your package hits Incheon International Airport.