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South Korea vs Uruguay

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | South Korea | Uruguay
South Korea

South Korea

Uruguay

Uruguay

Legal
Legal

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.

Uruguay has a generally favorable stance toward cryptocurrency. The BCU has not banned crypto and in 2024 introduced regulations for virtual asset service providers. Crypto income may be taxed at 12% under the IRPF (personal income tax) as capital income. Uruguay has a stable economy and is positioning itself as a fintech hub in Latin America.

Tax Type Varies
Tax Type Income
Tax Rate 20%
Tax Rate 12%
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator FSC (Financial Services Commission), FSS, FIU (Korea Financial Intelligence Unit)
Regulator BCU (Banco Central del Uruguay)
Stablecoin Rules Under development; stablecoins subject to VASP rules
Stablecoin Rules No specific stablecoin regulation
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)
Key Points
  • BCU introduced VASP regulations in 2024
  • Crypto income taxed at 12% as capital income under IRPF
  • Crypto not classified as legal tender; peso remains the national currency
  • Uruguay has a relatively stable economy and favorable fintech environment
  • AML/KYC requirements apply to registered VASPs
Sources
Sources