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Crypto Regulation in Seoul

Legal

Seoul hosts major Korean exchanges (Upbit, Bithumb). FSC/FSS regulate crypto nationally. 20% tax on crypto gains above ₩2.5M threshold (delayed to 2025).

Region: East Asia

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)
20% above ₩2.5M
Capital Gains (Corporate)
10-25% CIT
VAT on Crypto
--
Staking Tax
--
Airdrop Tax
--
Mining Tax
--

Licensing & Registration

License Required
Yes
Regulator
FSC / FSS / KoFIU
Framework
Specified Financial Information Act + Virtual Asset User Protection Act
License Types
--
Estimated Cost (USD)
--
Timeline
--
Ease of Licensing
--

AML / KYC

KYC Required
--
Travel Rule
--
FATF Member
--
FATF Status
--
Suspicious Activity Reporting
--

Mining

Mining Legal
Yes
Status
Unknown
Electricity Cost ($/kWh)
$0.1
Renewable Energy
--
Climate
Temperate
Infrastructure
Moderate
Tax on Mining Income
Standard corporate tax

Soken Services

Legal Opinion
Available | $3,000 - $12,000 | 14 days
Banking
Difficulty: Medium | Crypto-friendly banks: none listed
Fiat Rails
SWIFT
Card Payments
Visa, Mastercard
Company Registration
$2,000 | 14 days | LLC
Licensing Support
Available | $5,000 - $25,000
Reviewed: 2026-03-15high

Frequently Asked Questions

Is crypto legal in Seoul?
Cryptocurrency is currently classified as "Legal" in Seoul. Seoul hosts major Korean exchanges (Upbit, Bithumb). FSC/FSS regulate crypto nationally. 20% tax on crypto gains above ₩2.5M threshold (delayed to 2025).
What is the crypto tax rate in Seoul?
In Seoul, the personal capital gains tax on crypto is 20% above ₩2.5M, and the corporate tax rate is 10-25% CIT.
Do I need a crypto license in Seoul?
Yes, a crypto license is required in Seoul. The regulator is FSC / FSS / KoFIU under Specified Financial Information Act + Virtual Asset User Protection Act. Estimated licensing cost: varies.
Is crypto mining legal in Seoul?
Yes, crypto mining is legal in Seoul. Electricity costs approximately $0.1/kWh. Mining income is taxed at: Standard corporate tax.
What are the AML/KYC requirements for crypto in Seoul?
KYC requirements for crypto businesses in Seoul are not clearly defined.