Starting a Restaurant or Beauty Business in Korea Just Got Easier
Starting a Restaurant or Beauty Business in Korea Just Got Easier
“Are you a foreigner planning to open a restaurant or beauty salon in Korea?”
Starting a business in Korea involves several administrative procedures. However, recent changes have made business registration more convenient for certain entrepreneurs.
Since August 31, 2026, Korea has introduced a one-stop application service that allows eligible business owners to apply for both business operation notification and business registration at the same local government office.
What Has Changed?
Previously, entrepreneurs opening a restaurant or beauty salon generally had to visit their local government office to complete their business operation notification and then visit a tax office separately for business registration.
Under the new system, eligible entrepreneurs can now submit both applications during a single visit to the local government office responsible for their business location.
The applications are then processed by the relevant authorities.
Which Businesses Are Eligible?
The new one-stop service covers certain food service and beauty-related businesses, including:
Restaurants and cafés
Bakeries
Hair salons
Skin care and nail salons
Other eligible beauty businesses
However, the service does not apply to every business type or ownership structure.
Another Important Change: Less Paperwork
Starting September 4, 2026, Korea also simplified business registration procedures for designated restaurant and beauty-related businesses.
When the National Tax Service can obtain the relevant licensing or notification records directly from other government agencies, applicants no longer need to submit those documents separately for business registration.
This change can reduce unnecessary administrative work for new business owners.
What Should Foreign Entrepreneurs Know?
Although the registration process has become simpler, foreign entrepreneurs still need to consider their individual circumstances.
Your visa or residence status, business structure, applicable licensing requirements, and Korean tax obligations may affect your business setup.
Importantly, simplified registration does not automatically authorize every foreign national to operate a business in Korea.
Planning to Start a Business in Korea?
If you are considering opening a restaurant, café, or beauty salon, reviewing the applicable registration procedures and tax requirements before starting your business is important.
Consulting a qualified tax professional can help you understand your business registration obligations, choose an appropriate business structure, and prepare for your Korean tax responsibilities.
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