I saved 135,000 KRW on the New Balance 990v7 Made in USA by dodging the Seoul retail markup

Why the 990v7 is the only shoe we are talking about in 2026

It has only been a few weeks since the early May 2026 launch of the New Balance 990v7 'Made in USA' Core Collection, and the hype is already through the roof. If you have been following the evolution of the 990 series, you know that the v7 iteration brings back that chunky, retro-technical aesthetic but with a much lighter FuelCell midsole than the previous v6. It is the perfect blend of dad-shoe vibes and modern performance tech.

For those of us in South Korea, the challenge isn't just wanting the shoe; it is actually getting our hands on the specific widths that New Balance usually only reserves for the US market. While the local shops in Seoul might carry standard widths, the US-first release offers the full spectrum from narrow to extra-wide, which is essential for that perfect 990 fit. To get these, you really need to shop US store options directly.

The hidden price barrier for sneakerheads in Korea

There is a massive invisible obstacle when buying these sneakers locally. The projected retail price in South Korea is significantly higher than the $210 USD price tag in the States. Once you factor in the retail markup and local demand, you are looking at a difference of nearly 135,000 KRW. That is enough money to buy a second pair of less expensive kicks or cover your international shipping rates for several future orders.

By using a tax-free US address provided by a service like comGateway, you can bypass the state sales tax in the US and the inflated local retail prices. This strategy is the most efficient way to snag the Core Collection without draining your bank account more than necessary.

Shipping Estimates for your 990v7 order

To help you figure out if this is worth it for your budget, I have put together a quick estimate of what you are looking at for the logistics part of the journey. You can also use a shipping calculator to get a more precise number based on your specific location in Korea.

Keep in mind that when shipping to Korea, you should keep an eye on import duties. For personal imports under $200 USD, you are generally safe, but since the 990v7 retails for $210, you will likely need to pay a small percentage in customs tax. Even with that tax, you are still saving a lot compared to the 2026 Korean retail launch price.

When US stores reject your Korean credit card

One of the most frustrating barriers I have run into is the dreaded order cancellation. Many top-tier US retailers and even the main New Balance site can be picky about payment methods. They often block international credit cards or refuse to ship to addresses they flag as warehouses. If you try to use your Korean-issued card, your order might get cancelled within minutes.

This is where the BuyForMe service becomes your best friend. Instead of you struggling with the checkout, comGateway acts as your proxy. They use a US-based payment method to purchase the 990v7 on your behalf. It is the safest way to guarantee that your pair is secured before the Core Collection sells out in the popular 2026 colorways. You simply tell them what you want, and they handle the difficult checkout process for you.

Getting your pair to Korea without the headache

If you are new to the world of buying from overseas, it is actually quite simple once you see the step-by-step guide on how the process flows. Once your shoes arrive at your US suite, you can choose to have them inspected or even repacked to save on weight.

Using a dedicated international shipping service ensures that your sneakers aren't just tossed into a cargo container. You get tracking updates all the way from the US warehouse to your doorstep in Seoul or Busan. Given the 135,000 KRW savings, the extra few days of waiting for international shipping is a trade-off most of us are willing to make for the 990v7. Check our guide on customs tax to make sure you have your PCCC (Personal Customs Clearance Code) ready for a smooth delivery.