Crypto Regulations in South Korea 2025

The post Crypto Regulations in South Korea 2025 appeared first on Coinpedia Fintech News South Korea is one of the leading crypto hubs with a proactive approach to digital assets. It is actively involved in creating a structured, innovative, and robust regulatory framework for the crypto industry. In 2025, the nation will continue to prioritize transparency and security in its digital economy by tightening the existing rules. Table of contents Major crypto regulations in South Korea 2025 What is the South Korean government saying about crypto? Licensing/ Registration Crypto tax in South Korea Crypto adoption rate in South Korea Conclusion FAQs Major crypto regulations in South Korea 2025 June 1, 2025- Donation Monetization During a virtual asset committee meeting, the financial service commission allowed nonprofits with more than 5 years of experience in operation and verified by external audits to sell donated digital assets. This also includes a 10% daily sales cap and prohibition of selling through the exchange’s own platform. Now, virtual asset exchanges can liquidate user fees into crypto, this approach makes the crypto operation more flexible. Nonprofits are required to form an internal review committee to evaluate the suitability of the donation and ensure transparency. May 20, 2025- Stricter KYC and AML compliance FSC finalizes new and stricter anti-money laundering compliance in crypto trading, mandating public companies and professional investors to adhere to AML obligations while trading. Banks are required to follow Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures; these stringent regulations aim to provide a secure and stable space for crypto. May 20, 2025 – FSC finalized new crypto regulations FSC finalized new crypto regulations, impacting non-profits, exchanges, and certain tokens. It also categorizes certain tokens as risky and limits their operation. Under the new regulation, nonprofits are restricted from selling crypto assets unless listed on major exchanges. March 26, 2025- Blocking unauthorized crypto platforms The FIU stated that it is working with Apple to block unauthorized crypto platforms. In addition, Google Play removed 17 unlicensed trading platform apps in South Korea. March 5, 2025- Reconsidering Bitcoin ETF ban Noting Japan’s evolving regulatory approach as a potential model for crypto, the FSC reconsidered legal pathways to allow Bitcoin ETFs. February 2025 – FSC announcement about crypto adoption and licensing The Financial Services Commission (FSC) has allowed non-profit organizations, such as charities and universities, to open real-name verified accounts on cryptocurrency exchanges. Crypto trades in South Korea must be tied to a real account name bank account to improve accountability. For the first time in history, a pilot program was introduced to allow 3500 corporations and professional investors to trade on digital platforms. It will be in force in the third quarter of 2025. January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2027- Tax delay A 20% crypto tax was introduced by the lawmakers, which was once again pushed, this time to 2027. Breaking : South Korea to Delay Crypto Taxation Until 2027. Here are some important reasons for delay People Power Party Proposal: Suggests deferring cryptocurrency taxation for up to two years as part of an election pledge. Current Taxation Plan: South Korean… pic.twitter.com/ZHq2GblY7j — KoinX (@getkoinx) February 21, 2024 What is the South Korean government saying about crypto? Protection measures: The Financial Supervisory Service of South Korea (FSS) operates under the Financial Service Commission (FSC) to examine the crypto space in the region. Currently, the organization is prioritizing stricter crypto regulations to inspect illegal activities within the domain and take strict action against them. AML Obligation: Currently, FSS is focusing on overseeing AML obligations among investors and platforms trading crypto. FSC is developing a second phase of crypto fregulations focusing on service provider compliance. Licensing/ Registration National License: Crypto platforms like Bithumb, Flybit, and GDAC exchange have been officially registered under the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), making them country-licensed to operate crypto trading. Besides this, Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) are to operate digital trading in South Korea. Required Certification: Crypto exchange platforms are required to obtain a certification from the Korea Internet Security Agency (KISA) for Information Security Management System (ISMS). This approach was introduced with the real-name accounts verification approach in 2025. Crypto tax in South Korea New law: The new implementation to impose a 20% capital tax on crypto gains is delayed to 2027, and there is no alternate crypto tax in South Korea as of 2025. Tax-free: Crypto is not classified as legal tender in South Korea; however, crypto exchanges are legal and are governed by federal law in the region. Sp, because crypto is not considered a national currency or a financial asset, it remains tax-free in South Korea. Crypto adoption rate in South Korea Adoption rate: In 2025, the penetration rate of cryptocurrency users in South Korea is approximately 22.48%, which is expected to increase by 23.85 million by 2026. It is expected that the crypto adoption will reach 12.31 million by 2026. Crypto Revenue: The current crypto market revenue in South Korea is US$1.1 billion, which is expected to reach up to US$1.3 billion by 2026. The current crypto market is growing at a rate of 12.15% from 2025 to 2026. Crypto Holdings: The South Korean government is yet to disclose its crypto holdings; policies focus on building a safe crypto environment for investors and consumers. In March, South Korea’s Ethics Commission for government officials reported that 20% of public officials hold crypto assets. Conclusion In 2025, South Korea proved to be one of the most active crypto markets in the world, with its smart steps to enhance user safety. It established transparency in digital finance and created a better version of crypto regulations for the users. With the new crypto-friendly president, Lee Jae-myung, South Korea continues to thrive in the digital assets landscape. .article_register_shortcode { padding: 18px 24px; border-radius: 8px; display: flex; align-items: center; margin: 6px 0 22px; border: 1px solid #0052CC4D; background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.1) 0%, rgba(0, 82, 204, 0.1) 100%); } .article_register_shortcode .media-body h5 { color: #000000; font-weight: 600; font-size: 20px; line-height: 22px; text-align:left; } .article_register_shortcode .media-body h5 span { color: #0052CC; } .article_register_shortcode .media-body p { font-weight: 400; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; color: #171717B2; margin-top: 4px; text-align:left; } .article_register_shortcode .media-body{ padding-right: 14px; } .article_register_shortcode .media-button a { float: right; } .article_register_shortcode .primary-button img{ vertical-align: middle; width: 20px; margin: 0; display: inline-block; } @media (min-width: 581px) and (max-width: 991px) { .article_register_shortcode .media-body p { margin-bottom: 0; } } @media (max-width: 580px) { .article_register_shortcode { display: block; padding: 20px; } .article_register_shortcode img { max-width: 50px; } .article_register_shortcode .media-body h5 { font-size: 16px; } .article_register_shortcode .media-body { margin-left: 0px; } .article_register_shortcode .media-body p { font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-top: 6px; margin-bottom: 14px; } .article_register_shortcode .media-button a { float: unset; } .article_register_shortcode .secondary-button { margin-bottom: 0; } } Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World! Stay ahead with breaking news, expert analysis, and real-time updates on the latest trends in Bitcoin, altcoins, DeFi, NFTs, and more. .subscription-options li { display: none; } .research-report-subscribe{ background-color: #0052CC; padding: 12px 20px; border-radius: 8px; color: #fff; font-weight: 500; font-size: 14px; width: 96%; } .research-report-subscribe img{ vertical-align: sub; margin-right: 2px; } Subscribe to Crypto Regulation var templateIds = “6”; var listOfSubscribed = []; function subscribed_popupmodal(template_id) { var templateId = ‘6’; getAllSubscriberCategoryList([templateId]); var subcribemodal = window.parent.document.getElementById(‘subscribe-modal-design’); if (subcribemodal) { var modalContent = ` Never Miss a Beat in the Crypto World! Stay informed and gain the edge you need to navigate the crypto world. Select your subscription now Daily Get real-time crypto news, market insights, and blockchain updates. Weekly Stay updated with major trends, funding news, and price analysis. Monthly Receive a detailed report with market analysis and expert predictions. Subscribe Now `; subcribemodal.innerHTML = modalContent; } subscribe_unsubscribe_status(template_id); //getAllSubscriberCategoryList(template_id); } function toggleSubscription(subscription, template_id) { var subscriptionCheckbox = document.getElementById(subscription + ‘_’ + template_id); var li = document.getElementById(subscription + ‘Selected_’ + template_id); if (subscriptionCheckbox.checked) { li.classList.add(‘active’); } else { li.classList.remove(‘active’); } } function getAllSubscriberCategoryList(getcategoryId) { jQuery.ajax({ url: ‘https://coinpedia.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php’, type: ‘GET’, data: { action: ‘subscribe_api_ajax_request’, apiurl: ‘/app/email_newsletter/list’, }, success: function(response) { var result = JSON.parse(response.message); if (result.status === true) { var idstosubscribed = [] // Populate listOfSubscribed with subscribed category IDs result.message.forEach(listofcategory => { if (listofcategory.subscribe_status === 1) { if (!listOfSubscribed.includes(listofcategory._id)) { listOfSubscribed.push(listofcategory._id); } if (!idstosubscribed.includes(listofcategory.news_cp_category_row_id)) { idstosubscribed.push(listofcategory.news_cp_category_row_id); } } }); idstosubscribed.forEach(id => { var subscribeButton = document.getElementById(‘subscribe_’ + id); var unsubscribeButton = document.getElementById(‘unsubscribe_’ + id); if (subscribeButton && unsubscribeButton) { subscribeButton.style.display = ‘none’; unsubscribeButton.style.display = ‘block’; var showDownloadReport = document.getElementById(‘download_report’); if (showDownloadReport) { showDownloadReport.style.display = ‘block’; } } }); } }, error: function(xhr, status, error) { console.error(‘Error:’, error); } }); } function subscribe_unsubscribe_status(getcategoryId) { var elementTounsubscribe = parent.document.getElementById(‘unsubscribe_’ + getcategoryId); var elementTosubscribe = parent.document.getElementById(‘subscribe_’ + getcategoryId); jQuery.ajax({ url: ‘https://coinpedia.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php’, type: ‘POST’, data: { action: ‘subscribe_api_ajax_request’, apiurl: ‘/app/email_newsletter/list?category_row_id=’ + getcategoryId, }, success: function(response) { var result = JSON.parse(response.message); if (result.status === true) { parent.jQuery(‘.skeliton-loader-block’).hide(); var hasSubscribeStatusOne = false; result.message.forEach(subscribeStatus => { if (listOfSubscribed.includes(subscribeStatus._id) && subscribeStatus.subscribe_status === 1) { hasSubscribeStatusOne = true; } if (subscribeStatus.notification_type === 3) { parent.document.getElementById(‘monthlySelected_’ + getcategoryId).style.display = ‘block’; parent.document.getElementById(‘monthly_’ + getcategoryId).setAttribute(‘data-id’, subscribeStatus._id); if (subscribeStatus.subscribe_status === 1) { parent.document.getElementById(‘monthly_’ + getcategoryId).checked = true; } } else if (subscribeStatus.notification_type === 2) { parent.document.getElementById(‘weeklySelected_’ + getcategoryId).style.display = ‘block’; parent.document.getElementById(‘weekly_’ + getcategoryId).setAttribute(‘data-id’, subscribeStatus._id); if (subscribeStatus.subscribe_status === 1) { parent.document.getElementById(‘weekly_’ + getcategoryId).checked = true; } } else if (subscribeStatus.notification_type === 1) { parent.document.getElementById(‘dailySelected_’ + getcategoryId).style.display = ‘block’; parent.document.getElementById(‘daily_’ + getcategoryId).setAttribute(‘data-id’, subscribeStatus._id); if (subscribeStatus.subscribe_status === 1) { parent.document.getElementById(‘daily_’ + getcategoryId).checked = true; } } if (subscribeStatus.subscribe_status === 1) { listOfSubscribed.push(subscribeStatus._id); } }); if (hasSubscribeStatusOne) { elementTosubscribe.style.display = ‘none’; elementTounsubscribe.style.display = ‘block’; } else { elementTosubscribe.style.display = ‘block’; elementTounsubscribe.style.display = ‘none’; } } }, error: function(xhr, status, error) { console.error(‘Error:’, error); } }); } function logSelectedSubscriptions(categoryid) { var unsubscribemodal = document.querySelector(‘.unsubscribed-popup-modal .modal’); var subscribedmodal = document.querySelector(‘.subscribed-popup-modal .modal’); unsubscribemodal.innerHTML=”; subscribedmodal.innerHTML=”; var selectedSubscriptions = []; var storeCheckedId = []; var checkboxes = document.querySelectorAll(‘#subscription-options-‘ + categoryid + ‘ input[type=”checkbox”]’); var errorMessage = document.getElementById(‘error-message-select’); // Use a Set to handle unique data-ids var uniqueSubscribedIds = new Set(listOfSubscribed); checkboxes.forEach(function(checkbox) { var dataId = parseInt(checkbox.getAttribute(‘data-id’)); if (checkbox.checked) { selectedSubscriptions.push(checkbox.id); storeCheckedId.push(dataId); } else { uniqueSubscribedIds.delete(dataId); // Remove unchecked data-id } }); // Update listOfSubscribed with unique values listOfSubscribed = Array.from(uniqueSubscribedIds); var selectedSubscriptionsString = selectedSubscriptions.join(‘, ‘); var concatinateSubscribeId = […new Set(storeCheckedId.concat(listOfSubscribed))]; var categoryData = { ‘subscribed_categories’: concatinateSubscribeId }; var requestSubscriberData = { action: ‘handle_dynamic_api_request_with_headers’, security: ‘1aca2e9ab7’, endpoint: ‘/app/email_newsletter/update_categories’, token: ”, data: categoryData }; jQuery.ajax({ url: ‘https://coinpedia.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php’, type: ‘POST’, data: requestSubscriberData, beforeSend: function(xhr) { xhr.setRequestHeader(‘X-Requested-With’, ‘XMLHttpRequest’); }, success: function(response) { try { response = response.data; if (storeCheckedId.length === 0) { var unsubcribedPopUpmodal = ` You’ve Unsubscribed Successfully We’re sorry to see you go! Your subscription has been canceled. If you change your mind, you can re-subscribe anytime. Thank you for being part of our community! `; unsubscribemodal.innerHTML = unsubcribedPopUpmodal; document.querySelector(‘#subscribe-modal-design .modal’).style.display = ‘none’; unsubscribemodal.style.display = ‘block’; unsubscribemodal.classList.remove(‘hide’); unsubscribemodal.classList.add(‘show’); document.getElementById(‘subscribe_’ + categoryid).style.display = ‘block’; document.getElementById(‘unsubscribe_’ + categoryid).style.display = ‘none’; var showDownloadReport = document.getElementById(‘download_report’); if (showDownloadReport) { showDownloadReport.style.display = ‘none’; } } else { var subscribedPopupModal = ` Thank you for subscribing! Thank you for subscribing to our crypto and blockchain newsletter! You’ll now receive the latest news, insights, and updates straight to your inbox. Welcome to our community! `; let selectedSubscriptionsArray = selectedSubscriptionsString.split(‘,’); let subscribedCategories = selectedSubscriptionsArray.map(subscription => subscription.split(‘_’)[0]); let subscribedCategoriesString = subscribedCategories.join(‘, ‘); subscribedmodal.innerHTML = subscribedPopupModal; if (document.getElementById(‘selectidname’)) { document.getElementById(‘selectidname’).textContent = subscribedCategoriesString; } document.querySelector(‘#subscribe-modal-design .modal’).style.display = ‘none’; subscribedmodal.style.display = ‘block’; subscribedmodal.classList.remove(‘hide’); subscribedmodal.classList.add(‘show’); document.getElementById(‘subscribe_’ + categoryid).style.display = ‘none’; document.getElementById(‘unsubscribe_’ + categoryid).style.display = ‘block’; var showDownloadReport = document.getElementById(‘download_report’); if (showDownloadReport) { showDownloadReport.style.display = ‘block’; } } } catch (e) { console.error(‘Error parsing response:’, e); } }, }); } function closeModal(template_id) { var modalId = template_id; var modal = document.querySelector(‘#’ + modalId); // Using querySelector to find the modal if (modal) { modal.classList.add(‘hide’); modal.classList.remove(‘show’); setTimeout(function() { modal.style.display = ‘none’; }, 500); } else { console.warn(‘Modal not found:’, modalId); } } function closeunsubscribemodal() { var unsubscribemodal = document.querySelector(‘.unsubscribed-popup-modal .modal’); if (unsubscribemodal) { unsubscribemodal.classList.add(‘hide’); unsubscribemodal.classList.remove(‘show’); } setTimeout(function() { unsubscribemodal.style.display = ‘none’; }, 500); } function closesubscribemodal() { var subscribedmodal = document.querySelector(‘.subscribed-popup-modal .modal’); setTimeout(function() { subscribedmodal.style.display = ‘none’; }, 500); if (subscribedmodal) { subscribedmodal.classList.add(‘hide’); subscribedmodal.classList.remove(‘show’); } } function withoutLoginClicked(withoutlogin_id) { localStorage.setItem(‘subscribe_without_Login’, ‘true’); localStorage.setItem(‘subscribe_clicked_id’, withoutlogin_id); } document.addEventListener(‘DOMContentLoaded’, function() { const subscribewithoutData = localStorage.getItem(‘subscribe_without_Login’); const subscribe_clicked_cat_id = localStorage.getItem(‘subscribe_clicked_id’); // Function to get cookies function getCookie(name) { let value = “; ” + document.cookie; let parts = value.split(“; ” + name + “=”); if (parts.length == 2) return parts.pop().split(“;”).shift(); } // Get user token from cookies const userToken = getCookie(‘user_token’); if (subscribewithoutData === ‘true’ && userToken) { // Call the modal function with the category ID subscribed_popupmodal(subscribe_clicked_cat_id); // Remove the flag and category ID from localStorage localStorage.removeItem(‘subscribe_without_Login’); localStorage.removeItem(‘subscribe_clicked_id’); } }); /************************** update susbcriber content **************************** */ function initializeSubscriptionButton() { var initialListItems = document.querySelectorAll(‘.subscription-options input[type=”checkbox”]’); initialListItems.forEach(function(item) { console.log(item.checked, ‘Initial Checkbox checked status’); }); var listItems = document.querySelectorAll(‘.subscription-options li’); if (listItems.length === 0) return; var anyActive = false; listItems.forEach(function(item) { var checkbox = item.querySelector(‘input[type=”checkbox”]’); if (checkbox) { if (checkbox.checked) { item.classList.add(‘active’); anyActive = true; // Set anyActive to true } else { item.classList.remove(‘active’); // Remove ‘active’ class if checkbox is unchecked } } }); } function updateButtonText(anyActive) { var subscribeButtonSpan = document.querySelector(‘.subscribe-submit .changeBtnText’); if (subscribeButtonSpan) { if (anyActive) { subscribeButtonSpan.textContent = ‘Subscribe Now’; } else { subscribeButtonSpan.textContent = ‘Unsubscribe’; } } } function updateSubscriptionButton() { var listItems = document.querySelectorAll(‘.subscription-options li’); if (listItems.length === 0) return; var anyActive = false; listItems.forEach(function(item) { var checkbox = item.querySelector(‘input[type=”checkbox”]’); if (checkbox) { if (checkbox.checked) { item.classList.add(‘active’); anyActive = true; // Set anyActive to true } else { item.classList.remove(‘active’); // Remove ‘active’ class if checkbox is unchecked } } }); // Update the button text based on whether any list item has the ‘active’ class updateButtonText(anyActive); } document.addEventListener(‘click’, function(event) { var clickedItem = event.target.closest(‘.subscription-options li’); if (clickedItem) { var checkbox = clickedItem.querySelector(‘input[type=”checkbox”]’); if (checkbox) { checkbox.checked = !checkbox.checked; updateSubscriptionButton(); } } }); FAQs Is cryptocurrency legal in South Korea? Yes, crypto exchanges are legal and regulated in South Korea, though cryptocurrencies themselves are not classified as legal tender. How much tax is on crypto gains in South Korea? A 20% capital gains tax on crypto profits has been delayed to 2027 in South Korea; currently, there’s no crypto tax. Which government body regulates crypto in South Korea? The Financial Services Commission (FSC) and its Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) are the primary government bodies regulating crypto in South Korea. Is Binance legal in South Korea for foreigners? No, Binance is not available in South Korea. Foreign exchanges must register and comply with local financial laws, which Binance has not done.

Source: coinpedia