Crypto tax in South Korea
The legislated gains tax, the rate and threshold, why it is postponed to 2027, and what records to keep.
This is general information, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Verify the current rules with a qualified local professional and the official regulator before acting.
Crypto trading is legal in South Korea, and a tax on virtual asset gains is legislated at 20 percent, rising to about 22 percent with the local income surtax, on annual gains above 2.5 million won. As of June 2026 this tax had been postponed to 1 January 2027 after repeated delays, so individuals paid no dedicated crypto gains tax. The National Tax Service (NTS) administers tax, the date is not settled, and this page is information, not tax advice.
How crypto is taxed in South Korea
This is general information, not tax advice. Confirm your filing with a qualified Korean adviser and the National Tax Service (NTS), which administers tax in South Korea. As of June 2026 South Korea did not impose a dedicated tax on individual crypto trading gains, because the legislated tax had been postponed.
The legislated gains tax
South Korea has amended its Income Tax Act to tax income from transferring or lending virtual assets. The rate is 20 percent, which rises to about 22 percent once the 10 percent local income surtax is added, and it applies to annual gains above a basic deduction of 2.5 million won. This means small gains below the threshold would not be taxed, while larger gains would be taxed on the excess. The policy is set by the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the National Assembly.
Why it is not yet in force
The start date has been postponed several times. It was first set for 2022, then moved to 2023, then 2025, and as of June 2026 it stood at 1 January 2027. The delays reflect industry concern, investor backlash, and practical gaps such as how to value assets, how to handle cross border holdings, and how to define income from items like airdrops, hard forks, mining, and staking. A further delay had been discussed publicly, so the date is not settled.
What this means in practice
As of June 2026 an individual who buys and sells crypto on a registered Korean exchange did not pay a dedicated crypto gains tax. Other taxes can still apply in specific situations, for example where crypto is received as business income or as a gift or inheritance, and the rules here can be complex. Keep complete records of every purchase, sale, transfer, and reward, because once the gains tax begins you will need a clear cost basis. Overseas account and asset reporting duties can also apply to residents.
The single most important step is to confirm the current start date and rules directly with the National Tax Service before you file, because this is one of the fastest changing parts of South Korean crypto policy. Nothing here is tax advice.
Regulator and sources
- National Tax Service (NTS), administration of income tax including the tax on virtual asset income.
- Ministry of Economy and Finance, Income Tax Act amendments setting a 20 percent rate on virtual asset gains above 2.5 million won.
- National Assembly of the Republic of Korea, legislation postponing the start of the virtual asset gains tax to 1 January 2027.
- Financial Services Commission (FSC), context on virtual asset market policy and user identification through real name accounts.
Sources are named for reference. Always confirm the current position directly with the named regulator or authority before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a crypto tax in South Korea?+
A tax on income from transferring virtual assets is legislated at 20 percent, about 22 percent with the local surtax, on annual gains above 2.5 million won. As of June 2026 it had been postponed to 1 January 2027, so no dedicated crypto gains tax was in effect for individuals. This is not tax advice.
When will the crypto tax start in South Korea?+
The start date has moved more than once and was set at 1 January 2027 as of June 2026. Further delay had been discussed. Confirm the current date with the National Tax Service before relying on it.
What is the crypto tax rate in South Korea?+
The legislated rate is 20 percent on gains, rising to about 22 percent once the local income surtax is added, applied to annual gains above the 2.5 million won basic deduction.
Who administers crypto tax in South Korea?+
The National Tax Service (NTS) administers tax in South Korea. Policy sits with the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the National Assembly, which set the start date and the rules.
Is crypto from staking or mining taxed in South Korea?+
The treatment of items such as staking rewards, airdrops, and mining income was still being clarified as of June 2026 and was one reason the gains tax was delayed. Confirm the current position with the NTS and a qualified adviser.
Rules change. The crypto gains tax start date has moved more than once and a further delay had been discussed. Confirm the current date, rate, and rules with the National Tax Service and a qualified adviser before filing.