Spot crypto is legal in South Korea and sits inside a registration regime with two layers. On top of that, the Act on the Protection of Virtual Asset Users took effect on 19 July 2024 and added protection of user deposits and assets, rules against unfair trading such as price manipulation, and supervisory and sanctioning powers over VASPs. The regime is still tightening: on 11 August 2026 the cabinet approved a revision to the Enforcement Decree imposing stricter registration requirements and enhanced AML duties on VASPs.
The contract itself does not change by geography: a NEAR perpetual settles in USDC everywhere.
13 venues open NEAR Protocol perps to traders in South Korea.
ApeX
Aster
Avantis
gTrade
Helix
Hyperliquid
Lighter
Pacifica
Paradex
Reya
VestFour steps from sign-up to an open position.
A 22% tax applies to annual crypto gains exceeding 2.5 million KRW (approximately $1,740), effective January 1, 2027.
Trading NEAR from South Korea: legal.
A 22% tax applies to annual crypto gains exceeding 2.5 million KRW (approximately $1,740), effective January 1, 2027.
South Korea residents can trade NEAR Protocol on 19 platforms, including Aevo, ApeX and Aster.
On Canborsa, traders in South Korea can use up to 20x leverage on NEAR Protocol.