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Israel vs South Korea

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Israel | South Korea
Israel

Israel

South Korea

South Korea

Legal
Legal

Cryptocurrency is legal in Israel and treated as a taxable asset. The Israel Tax Authority classifies crypto as property, subject to 25% capital gains tax (or up to 50% for significant shareholders or high earners). Israel has a vibrant blockchain ecosystem with many startups and R&D centers.

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.

Tax Type Capital gains
Tax Type Varies
Tax Rate 25-50%
Tax Rate 20%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator ISA (Israel Securities Authority), ITA (Israel Tax Authority), CTMFA
Regulator FSC (Financial Services Commission), FSS, FIU (Korea Financial Intelligence Unit)
Stablecoin Rules No specific stablecoin regulation; ISA exploring digital asset framework
Stablecoin Rules Under development; stablecoins subject to VASP rules
Key Points
  • Capital gains tax of 25% on crypto profits (up to 50% including surtax for high earners)
  • Israel Tax Authority classifies cryptocurrency as property, not currency
  • ISA is developing a regulatory framework for digital asset trading platforms
  • AML/KYC requirements apply to crypto service providers under CTMFA supervision
  • Israel has one of the highest densities of blockchain startups globally
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)
Sources
Sources