CryptoTax Map
PurgatoryAsia

South Korea

0%effective individual rate

Crypto capital gains tax delayed AGAIN to 2027. Currently 0% as the 20% tax keeps getting postponed. When implemented: 20% on gains >2.5M won (~$1,900). Massive crypto adoption (millions of traders).

FATCA Partner

Yes

FATF Status

Clear

EU Blacklist

No

Dual Nationality

Not allowed

Bitizenship

Not yet

Tax Rates

Capital Gains Tax20% (planned, delayed until 2027)
Income Tax on CryptoCurrently 0% (pre-implementation)
Corporate Tax10-25%
VAT on CryptoExempt

Activity Taxes

Staking

Currently untaxed; will be covered under planned regime

Mining

Currently untaxed; will be covered under planned regime

DeFi

Currently untaxed

NFTs

NFT-specific tax laws planned by 2026

Taxable Events

Crypto → Fiat

Not taxable

Crypto → Crypto

Not taxable

Holding Period

No holding period benefit

No holding period benefit planned

Regulation & Residency

Regulatory Body

FSC (Financial Services Commission); National Tax Service

Residency Requirement

D-8 corporate investment visa; F-2 residency; E-7 skilled worker

Reporting Requirements

Exchange-level reporting exists; individual reporting will increase with tax implementation

Citizenship & Residency Path

F-2 visa via investment ($500K+); citizenship after 5 years residency

Notable Conditions

  • 20% crypto tax originally planned for 2021, repeatedly delayed
  • Latest postponement to 2027 (agreed Dec 2024)
  • Exemption threshold: ~2.5 million won annual gains
  • Extremely high crypto adoption rate
  • Strong regulatory framework despite tax delays
  • Currently a de facto 0% crypto tax country

Living & Lifestyle

Cost of Living

Moderate-High

Banking Access

Excellent

Quality of Life

Very High

Lifestyle Scores

Safety9/10
Healthcare9/10
Institutions8/10
Business Ease8/10
Int'l Schooling8/10
Privacy4/10

Bitizenship

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