How to Buy Tether (USDT) in South Korea

Summary: Buying USDT in South Korea is legal through regulated exchanges like KuCoin and Upbit, which comply with the Financial Services Commission (FSC) guidelines. 

These platforms allow direct KRW deposits via bank transfers, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment services like Samsung Pay and Kakao Pay.

Best Platform to Buy USDT in Korea
Website
Best Platform to Buy USDT in Korea
5.0 out of 5.0 by Datawallet

KuCoin is the best platform for buying USDT in Korea due to its compliance with local regulations, competitive fees, and support for instant KRW deposits.

Website
Available Markets

700+ Cryptocurrencies (Spot, Futures & More).

Trading Fees

0.06% Spot Trading Fee.

KRW Deposit Methods

Bank Transfers, Debit Card, Credit Card, and more.

Is It Legal to Buy USDT in South Korea?

Yes, buying USDT is legal in South Korea through FSC-regulated exchanges. The Virtual Asset User Protection Act requires platforms to register, follow domestic regulations, and store 80% of user funds in cold wallets for security.

While South Korean crypto exchanges support KRW deposits, offshore platforms like Binance may face banking restrictions, limiting fiat access.

How to Buy USDT in South Korea

Buying USDT in South Korea is fast and secure with a trusted exchange offering instant KRW deposits, low fees, and deep liquidity. KuCoin, trusted by over 20 million investors, supports bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and Samsung Pay for seamless transactions.

4 Simple Steps to Buy USDT on KuCoin:

  1. Create an Account – Sign up on KuCoin and complete KYC verification.
  2. Deposit KRW – Add funds via bank transfer, credit/debit card, or Samsung Pay.
  3. Select USDT/KRW – Navigate to the Buy Crypto section and choose USDT/KRW.
  4. Buy USDT – Enter the amount, confirm the trade, and store USDT securely.
How to Buy Tether (USDT) in South Korea

Best Tether (USDT) Exchanges in South Korea

Several exchanges support KRW deposits for buying USDT, while popular global platforms like Binance offers P2P trading due to banking restrictions. Here’s a comparison of the top options:

Exchange
Cryptocurrencies
Trading Fees
Deposit Methods
Key Features
KuCoin
700+
0.06%
Bank Transfers, Debit/Credit Card, Samsung Pay
Low fees, high liquidity, futures & staking
Upbit
200+
~1.0%
Bank Transfers (K-Bank), Kakao Pay
Regulated in Korea, strong compliance
Bithumb
170+
0.15%
Bank Transfers (NH Nonghyup Bank)
Trusted local exchange, KRW support
Binance
350+
0.10%
P2P Trading (No direct KRW deposits)
Global liquidity, diverse trading options

KRW to USDT Trading Fees

The cost of converting KRW to USDT depends on the exchange and deposit method. Bank transfers are typically free, while credit and debit cards incur higher fees. Below is a comparison of the major platforms:

Fee Type
KuCoin
Upbit
Bithumb
Binance
Bank Transfer Deposit Fee
Free (Most KRW banks)
Free (K-Bank only)
Free (NH Nonghyup Bank only)
Not Available
Bank Transfer Speed
Instant to 24 hrs
Instant with K-Bank
Same-day processing
Not Supported
Samsung Pay & Kakao Pay
Supported (Varies by bank)
Supported via K-Bank
Not Available
Not Supported
Credit/Debit Card Fee
2-3%
3-5%
3-4%
3-4%
Trading Fee (USDT/KRW)
0.06%
~1.0%
0.15%
0.10%
Withdrawal Fee (USDT)
Varies
2,000 KRW
1,000 KRW
1 USDT

Tax Rules for Buying USDT in Korea

South Korea doesn’t tax buying or holding USDT, but from 2025, profits over 2.5 million KRW per year will face a 20% capital gains tax. 

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) regulates crypto, while the National Tax Service (NTS) enforces tax compliance. Exchanges report large transactions, and authorities are tightening oversight.

To stay compliant, track trades, withdrawals, and fiat conversions. Keeping accurate records helps avoid penalties as regulations evolve.

Final Thoughts

Regulated exchanges in South Korea make USDT purchases secure and convenient with KRW deposits via bank transfers, debit/credit cards, and mobile payments. 

Choosing a compliant platform ensures smooth transactions and simplifies tax reporting as new regulations take effect in 2025.

For lower fees, bank transfers remain the best option. Staying updated on crypto regulations will help users trade safely and efficiently.