Korean Tax Blog

Do Foreign Property Owners Have to Pay Comprehensive Real Estate Tax in Korea? “I own property in Korea. Could I be subject to Korea’s Comprehensive Real Estate Holding Tax?” If you are a foreigner who owns residential property in Korea, Comprehensive Real Estate Holding Tax may be something you need to check. Being a foreign national does not automatically exempt you from this tax. Under Korean law, liability is generally connected to ownership of taxable property in Korea a

Beware of Fake Korean Tax Emails About Cryptocurrency “Did you receive an email claiming to be from Korea’s National Tax Service about cryptocurrency taxes?” Be careful before clicking any links or opening attachments. Korea’s National Tax Service (NTS) has warned taxpayers about phishing emails impersonating the tax authority and referring to virtual asset taxation. Some fraudulent emails have been sent with titles suggesting that the recipient needs to provide information o

Do Foreigners Have to Pay Inheritance Tax in Korea? “I inherited property or money connected to Korea. Do I have to pay inheritance tax?” Foreigners can also become involved in Korean inheritance tax when they inherit money, real estate, stocks, or other assets connected to Korea. Whether Korean inheritance tax applies is not determined simply by nationality. The deceased person’s tax residency and the location of the inherited property are important factors. When Can Korean

Do Foreigners Have to Pay Gift Tax in Korea? “My family sent me money from overseas. Do I have to pay gift tax in Korea?” If you are a foreigner living in Korea, money or property received from family members may, in some cases, be subject to Korean gift tax. Being a foreigner does not automatically exempt you from gift tax. Whether tax applies can depend on factors such as your residency status, the type of property received, and your relationship with the person giving the

Can Foreign Employees Get Tax Benefits for Rent and Mortgage Interest in Korea? “I work in Korea and pay rent or mortgage interest. Can I get a tax benefit?” If you are a foreign employee working in Korea, you may be eligible for certain housing-related tax benefits when filing your year-end tax settlement. Two important benefits are monthly rent tax credits and mortgage interest income deductions. Monthly Rent Tax Credit Foreign employees who meet the requirements may be eli

Do Foreigners Working Remotely in Korea Have to Pay Korean Tax? “I work for a foreign company, but I live and work remotely from Korea. Do I have to pay Korean tax?” This is becoming an increasingly common question among foreigners living in Korea. The answer depends on factors such as your tax residency, where you perform your work, and the nature of your employment and income. Working for a Foreign Company Doesn't Automatically Mean No Korean Tax Some people assume that if

Do Foreigners Pay Tax When Buying a Property in Korea? “I’m a foreigner living in Korea. If I buy a house or apartment in Korea, do I have to pay taxes?” Yes. Foreigners who purchase real estate in Korea can be subject to the same major property-related taxes as Korean buyers. However, the exact taxes and amounts can depend on the type of property, purchase price, and individual circumstances. What Taxes Do You Pay When Buying Property? The main tax you should be aware of whe

Korea’s Exit Tax: What Foreigners Leaving Korea Need to Know “I’m planning to leave Korea and move abroad. Will I have to pay tax on the stocks I own?” If you are a foreigner living and working in Korea and planning to move abroad, it is important to understand Korea’s Exit Tax before you leave. What Is Korea’s Exit Tax? Korea’s Exit Tax may apply to unrealized gains on certain stocks and other assets when a person who meets specific requirements leaves Korea. In simple terms

Working as a Freelancer in Korea? What Taxes Should Foreigners Know About? “I’m working as a freelancer in Korea. Do I need to pay Korean taxes?” This is a common question among foreigners who work independently, provide services, or earn income outside of a regular employment contract. The answer depends on the type of work you do and how your income is classified for Korean tax purposes. 1. Freelancer Income Can Be Taxable If you independently provide services in Korea and

Korean Year-End Tax Settlement: What Foreign Employees Should Know If you work for a company in Korea, you may have heard the term “Year-End Tax Settlement” (연말정산). But what exactly is it, and do foreign employees have to do it? What Is Year-End Tax Settlement? Year-end tax settlement is the process of calculating your final income tax for the year based on your salary, deductions, and tax credits. Your employer withholds income tax from your monthly salary throughout the yea