Fun Facts About Korean Pokemon Cards

Card Numbering
Korean Pokémon card numbering may differ slightly from Japanese releases, sometimes being off by one or two numbers. This is normal and does not indicate an error or misprint, as Korean sets sometimes follow a slightly different internal ordering.

Production & Print Differences
Korean Pokémon cards are unique among Asian-language releases because they are not printed in Japan. Instead, they are produced in South Korea by Pokémon Korea. Despite the different production locations, card quality remains comparable to English and Japanese prints. Many collectors notice that Korean cards often feature deeper, more vibrant color saturations. With certain rarities, such as EX and other double-rare cards, feeling smoother with a slightly glossier looking finish compared to English versions.

Packaging Styles
Pokémon Korea has used more than one sealing method over the years, which can lead to differences in how sealed products, from different sets, look. There are two packaging styles:

• Shrink-wrapped boxes - The standard format most collectors are familiar with.

• Sticker sealed boxes - The less common and often despised method using one or two sticker seals. In this format, there should always be a clear sticker seal at the top of the box where the pull tab is located. And it should always be around one of the two open ends. Often, but not always, there can also be another seal on the bottom of the box. The seal on the bottom should be tamper evident and near/in the center. 

Both packaging styles are legitimate factory seals used by Pokémon Korea.

Grading & Authenticity
Korean Pokémon cards are fully recognized and accepted by all major grading companies, including PSA, BGS, and CGC. PSA is often recommended for foreign-language cards due to its extensive population database and long history of grading international Pokémon releases.