GS1 Korea: Barcode Registration and Company Codes
GS1 Korea explained: prefix 880, company code registration, requirements for Coupang and Naver Smart Store, and a free EAN-13 generator for testing.
GS1 Korea, operated by the KCCI Distribution & Logistics Institute, is the South Korean member of GS1 International. It issues EAN-13 (KAN) prefix 880 for officially distributed Korean products.
To sell on Coupang, Naver Smart Store, 11st, GS Shop, SSG.com, or in major Korean offline retail (E-Mart, Homeplus, Lotte Mart), you need a company code registered with GS1 Korea. Annual fees depend on revenue and registered GTIN count; the smallest tier starts at around ₩130,000/year (2026).
For prototyping, internal testing, or low-volume sales without Brand Registry, the generator below produces a valid 13-digit EAN-13/KAN for free. The check digit is computed automatically and passes GS1 Mod 10 validation.
FAQ
What is GS1 Korea?
GS1 Korea is operated by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Distribution & Logistics Institute. Established in 1988 alongside the Korean Article Number (KAN) system. Issues GS1 company codes and oversees GS1 standards adoption in Korea.
How much does barcode registration cost in Korea?
GS1 Korea annual fees depend on revenue and GTIN count. Small businesses (revenue under ₩5B, ≤10 GTINs) pay around ₩130,000/year (2026). Exact pricing at koreannet.or.kr.
Is GS1 Korea registration required for Coupang?
Recommended for Coupang Rocket Delivery and the Global Seller Program. Standard marketplace listings sometimes accept generated codes, but rejection rates climb yearly. For serious Korean market entry, register with GS1 Korea.
What's the difference between KAN and EAN-13?
Technically identical. KAN (Korean Article Number) is the Korea-specific name for an EAN-13 that starts with the GS1 Korea prefix 880. Scanners worldwide recognize both identically.
Does prefix 880 guarantee Korean origin?
No. The prefix indicates where the company registered, not where the product is made. A Korean brand can register with GS1 US and get a US prefix. Conversely, foreign brands can register with GS1 Korea.