---
type: city
domain: crypto-regulation
status: stable
tags: ["crypto-regulation", "asia_pacific", "fatf", "legal"]
aliases: ["KR-SEL", "KOR-SEL", "서울"]
created: 2026-04-13
updated: 2026-04-02
compile_into: ["[[country--south-korea]]"]
sources:
  - name: "FSC / FSS / KoFIU"
    url: "https://www.fsc.go.kr"
    type: "official"
  - name: "Specified Financial Information Act and Virtual Asset User Protection Act"
    url: "https://www.fsc.go.kr"
    type: "framework"
---

# 🇰🇷 [[city--seoul|Seoul]] (KR-SEL) — Crypto Regulation

> South Korea has a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies under the Specified Financial Information Act and the Virtual Asset User Protection Act, establishing legal guidelines for crypto activities.

## Overview

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Status | Legal |
| Sub-jurisdiction of | [[country--south-korea|South Korea]] |
| Risk Score | 30/100 (Moderate Risk) |
| Enforcement Level | Moderate |
| Region | [[domain--asia-pacific|asia pacific]] |
| Currency | [[entity--krw|KRW]] |

## Tax

| Type | Rate |
|------|------|
| VAT on Crypto | Yes |

VAT applies to crypto transactions; other specific tax rates for crypto activities are not explicitly stated.

## Licensing

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Required | Yes |
| Regulator | [[entity--fsc|FSC]] / FSS / KoFIU |
| Framework | Specified Financial Information Act and Virtual Asset User Protection Act |
| Ease | medium |
| Cost | N/A |
| Timeline | N/A months |

Licensing is mandatory for virtual asset service providers under the specified acts.

## AML / KYC

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| KYC Required | Yes |
| Travel Rule | Yes |
| [[concept--fatf|FATF]] Member | No |
| FATF Status | fsrb_only |

## DeFi

**Status:** regulated

DeFi activities are regulated under the existing crypto regulatory framework.

## Stablecoins

**Status:** regulated

Stablecoins are regulated under the Virtual Asset User Protection Act with specific compliance requirements.

## NFTs

**Status:** no_rules

No specific NFT regulation

## Mining

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Legal | Yes |
| Electricity Cost | $0.12/kWh |
| Renewable Energy | 15% |
| Climate | temperate |
| Infrastructure | excellent |

Mining is legal with moderate electricity costs and good infrastructure; renewable energy share is moderate.

## Geopolitics

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Stability | stable |
| Sanctions | No |
| Corruption Index | 61/100 |
| Ease of Business | easy |
| Internet Freedom | free |
| Banking Access | open |

## Enforcement

Enforcement focused on unlicensed operators and consumer protection

## CBDC Status: pilot

---

*Data source: [Soken Crypto Legal Map](https://soken.io/crypto-map/). Last reviewed: 2026-04-13.*

**Sources:**
- [FSC / FSS / KoFIU](https://www.fsc.go.kr)
- [Specified Financial Information Act and Virtual Asset User Protection Act](https://www.fsc.go.kr)