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Cambodia vs South Korea

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | Cambodia | South Korea
Cambodia

Cambodia

South Korea

South Korea

Restricted
Legal

Cambodia has a restrictive stance on cryptocurrency. The National Bank of Cambodia prohibits banks and financial institutions from dealing in crypto, and unlicensed crypto businesses are illegal. However, the government has shown interest in blockchain technology and launched Bakong, a CBDC-like payment system.

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 Unclear
Tax Type Varies
Tax Rate N/A
Tax Rate 20%
Exchanges No No
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator National Bank of Cambodia (NBC), SERC
Regulator FSC (Financial Services Commission), FSS, FIU (Korea Financial Intelligence Unit)
Stablecoin Rules Bakong (CBDC) promoted as alternative; private stablecoins not specifically regulated
Stablecoin Rules Under development; stablecoins subject to VASP rules
Key Points
  • NBC issued a 2018 directive prohibiting banks from dealing in cryptocurrency
  • Unlicensed crypto exchanges and trading platforms are banned
  • Bakong digital payment system launched in 2020 using blockchain technology
  • SERC (Securities and Exchange Regulator) has discussed regulating crypto as digital assets
  • Despite restrictions, peer-to-peer crypto usage remains significant
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
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