What is the capital gains tax rate on index funds in South Korea?

The headline capital gains tax rate in South Korea is 22%. Capital gains tax rate. Allowances, holding periods and tax-advantaged accounts can change what you actually pay.

How much tax would I pay on a $100,000.00 gain in South Korea?

At the headline rate of 22%, a $100,000.00 gain would attract roughly $22,000.00 in capital gains tax, leaving $78,000.00 before any allowances.

How does South Korea compare with the rest of Asia?

The average headline capital gains rate across Asia in our dataset is 13.1%, so South Korea at 22% is above the regional average.

Index Fund Taxes in South Korea

Investors in South Korea face a headline capital gains rate of 22% on index funds and ETFs. Capital gains tax rate.

Headline rate: 22%
Tax on a $100,000.00 gain: $22,000.00
Asia average: 13.1%

What this means for your returns

Tax applies to your gain, not your whole balance. If you invest and your portfolio grows by $100,000.00, a 22% rate leaves you with $78,000.00 of that growth before allowances.

Because the tax is usually triggered when you sell, holding for longer defers it and lets the untaxed amount keep compounding. That deferral is one of the structural advantages of buy-and-hold index investing over frequent trading.

Run your own projection with South Korea tax applied →

How South Korea compares in Asia

Capital gains tax rates across Asia
Country	Capital gains rate
Singapore	0%
Hong Kong	0%
Taiwan	0%
Malaysia	0%
Thailand	15%
Philippines	15%
China	20%
India	20%

Frequently Asked Questions

Headline statutory rates as of 2025-01-01, collected from national tax authority publications. Rates exclude allowances, exemptions, tax-advantaged accounts, local surcharges and treaty relief, and change frequently. Confirm your position with a tax professional in South Korea.