Investing in Korea as a Foreigner

Opening a brokerage account with an ARC, taxes on Korean dividends and gains, KOSPI ETFs at home vs abroad, buying property under the 2025 land-permit rules, ISA/IRP and crypto. 8 parts.

Korea's market drew record foreign attention when KOSPI passed 5,000 in January 2026, but the English material on how a foreigner actually invests here — and what tax applies — is thin. This course covers the mechanics and the tax, not stock picks. It never recommends a security. Rates are the 2026 rules with sources; treaty positions vary by your country.

  1. 1 How to Buy Korean Stocks as a Foreigner (2026): Resident vs Non-Resident Routes, Which Brokers Open Accounts, Trading Hours, Fees and Taxes on a TradeForeign residents with an ARC open Korean brokerage accounts like locals (mostly in-branch); non-residents use passport or omnibus routes. Hours, fees, costs. Calculator
  2. 2 Taxes on Korean Stocks for Foreign Residents (2026): 15.4% on Dividends, No Capital Gains Tax for Small Holders, the ₩20M Threshold, Overseas Shares at 22%Living in Korea, your Korean shares are taxed like a Korean's: 15.4% on dividends, no tax on gains unless you hold ₩5bn of one stock, comprehensive over ₩20M. Calculator
  3. 3 Korean Stock Taxes for Non-Residents (2026): 22% Dividend Withholding, Treaty Rates by Country (US 15%, China 10%…), Form 29-12, Capital Gains RulesNon-residents pay 22% on Korean dividends unless a treaty cuts it (most 15%, some 10%) via Form 29-12 and a residency certificate. Gains mostly exempt. Calculator
  4. 4 KOSPI ETFs: Buy in Korea (KODEX 200, TIGER 200) or at Home (EWY, FLKR, KORU)? Fees, Withholding and Tax Compared (2026 Calculator)A Korean-listed KOSPI 200 ETF costs 0.05–0.15% a year with no capital gains tax for residents; EWY 0.59%, FLKR 0.09%, KORU 1.32% with embedded withholding. Calculator
  5. 5 Buying Property in Korea as a Foreigner (2026): The Seoul/Gyeonggi Land-Permit Zone to August 2027, Acquisition Tax, Mortgages, ReportingForeigners can buy Korean property, but since Aug 2025 all of Seoul and 30 Gyeonggi/Incheon areas need a permit (to Aug 25, 2027) with a 2-year live-in rule. Calculator
  6. 6 Jeonse Explained for Foreigners (2026): How Korea's Deposit-Only Lease Works, Jeonse vs Wolse Cost Calculator, Deposit Protection (HUG), and the 5 Checks Before You SignJeonse: a lease with a deposit of 50–80% of the home's value and no monthly rent. The 2026 math, jeonse-to-wolse at 5%, deposit protection, fraud checks. Calculator
  7. 7 ISA and IRP for Foreigners in Korea (2026): The Tax-Free Investment Account, the 16.5% Pension Credit, the Flat-Tax Catch, and What Happens When You LeaveForeign residents can open Korea's ISA (₩20M/yr, gains tax-free to ₩2–4M then 9.9%) and IRP (16.5%/13.2% credit on ₩9M). Flat-tax electors get no IRP credit. Calculator
  8. 8 Crypto in Korea for Foreigners (2026): Which Exchanges Accept You (Upbit Yes, Coinone/Gopax No), the Real-Name Bank Rule, the 2027 Tax at 22%, and the Travel RuleARC holders can trade on Upbit via K Bank; Coinone and Gopax take no new foreigners; non-residents are shut out. Tax from Jan 1, 2027: 22% above ₩2.5M. Calculator

※ Educational information only. Koreanomics does not recommend specific securities or properties and is not a licensed adviser in any jurisdiction. Tax treatment depends on your residency and treaty; confirm with the National Tax Service or a licensed tax adviser.