Georgia vs South Korea
Crypto regulation comparison
Georgia
South Korea
Georgia is one of the most crypto-friendly countries globally. There is no capital gains tax for individuals on cryptocurrency, and the country has a significant crypto mining industry due to low electricity costs. The National Bank has taken a cautious but permissive approach, issuing guidance rather than strict regulation.
South Korea is one of the world's largest crypto markets. The Virtual Asset Users Protection Act (VAUPA), effective July 2024, provides comprehensive investor protection including requirements for exchanges to hold user assets in cold storage and carry insurance. All VASPs must register with FIU and comply with strict AML rules under the Specific Financial Information Act. A 20% crypto gains tax (above KRW 2.5 million exemption, raised from the original 250K KRW threshold) has been deferred multiple times and is now scheduled for January 2027.
Key Points
- No capital gains tax on crypto for individuals
- Businesses dealing in crypto are taxed under standard corporate tax rules (15% CIT)
- Georgia is a major crypto mining hub due to cheap hydroelectric power
- NBG does not recognize crypto as legal tender but has not prohibited it
- The Free Industrial Zone offers additional tax advantages for crypto businesses
Key Points
- Virtual Asset Users Protection Act (VAUPA) effective July 2024 — major investor protection law
- VASPs must register with FIU and partner with real-name verified bank accounts
- 20% national tax (22% effective incl. 2% local income surtax) above KRW 2.5M annual exemption (deferred to January 2027)
- Exchanges must hold 80%+ of user assets in cold wallets and carry insurance/reserves
- Only won-denominated trading pairs allowed on major exchanges (Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit)