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South Korea vs Vietnam

Crypto regulation comparison

← Back to map | South Korea | Vietnam
South Korea

South Korea

Vietnam

Vietnam

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.

Vietnam passed the Law on Digital Technology Industry in June 2025 (effective January 2026), officially recognizing crypto as legal virtual assets. However, the SBV still bans crypto as a payment method. The law requires AML/cybersecurity compliance for all crypto activities. Vietnam consistently ranks among the top globally in crypto adoption. Ministry of Finance to issue detailed guidance before 2026.

Tax Type Varies
Tax Type Income
Tax Rate 20%
Tax Rate Up to 25% (corporate); individual unclear
Exchanges Yes Yes
Exchanges No No
Mining Yes Yes
Mining Yes Yes
Regulator FSC (Financial Services Commission), FSS, FIU (Korea Financial Intelligence Unit)
Regulator SBV (State Bank of Vietnam), MOF (Ministry of Finance), MIC (Ministry of Information)
Stablecoin Rules Under development; stablecoins subject to VASP rules
Stablecoin Rules Crypto recognized as virtual assets under Law on Digital Technology Industry; payment use still banned
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
  • Law on Digital Technology Industry (June 2025) recognizes crypto as legal virtual assets
  • SBV still bans crypto as payment method; not recognized as legal tender
  • Vietnam ranks #1 globally in crypto adoption (Chainalysis 2023 index)
  • AML and cybersecurity compliance required for all crypto trading activities
  • Ministry of Finance to issue detailed crypto regulatory guidance before January 2026
Sources
Sources
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