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Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in South Korea 2024

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Written By
Jemma Grist
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Written By
Jemma Grist
Jemma is a writer, editor and fact-checker focused on retail trading and investing. Jemma brings a unique perspective to the forex, stock, and cryptocurrency markets and works across several investment websites as a researcher and broker analyst.
» Jemma Grist Profile Page
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Edited By
James Barra
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Edited By
James Barra
James is an investment writer with a background in financial services. As a former management consultant, he has worked on major operational transformation programmes at prominent European banks. James authors, edits and fact-checks content for a series of investing websites.
» James Barra Profile Page
Updated
Oct 4, 2024

To place short-term trades on financial markets like currency pairs containing the Korean won (KRW) or securities listed on the Korea Exchange (KRX), you’ll need a broker.

However, since the Financial Services Commission doesn’t actively regulate many day trading platforms, many South Koreans turn to trusted overseas brokers, though it’s important to follow local regulations and tax rules.

We’ve ranked the best brokers for day trading in South Korea following our rigorous tests and analysis. These platforms accept South Korean day traders, and many offer local assets and popular payment methods like UnionPay.

Top 10 Platforms For Day Trading In South Korea

Following our extensive tests of hundreds of online brokers, these 10 stand out as the best for short-term traders in South Korea:

Click a broker for details
  1. 1
    AvaTrade
    20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
    Ratings
    4.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
    WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    Skrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, Boleto
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD
    Go To AvaTrade
  2. 2
    IC Markets
    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.1 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    $200
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
    ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
    PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeCharge
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To IC Markets
  3. 3
    Deriv
    Ratings
    3.5 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    2.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    $5
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA
    CFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs
    Deriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
    Neteller, Visa, Skrill, WebMoney, FasaPay, Perfect Money, Diners Club, Banxa, Paytrust, Wire Transfer, Mastercard, Credit Card, JCB Card, Sticpay, Trustly, Volet, Paysafecard, AstroPay, Maestro, Airtm, Boleto, JetonCash, Przelewy24, Bitcoin Payments
    USD, EUR, GBP
    Go To Deriv
  4. 4
    Pepperstone
    CFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 81.8% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
    Ratings
    4.6 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    $0
    0.01 Lots
    1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
    FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
    CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
    MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
    Visa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, Skrill, PIX Payment
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD
    Go To Pepperstone
  5. 5
    XM
    $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
    Ratings
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    $5
    0.01 Lots
    1:1000
    ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
    MT4, MT5, TradingCentral
    Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-Pesa
    USD, EUR, GBP, JPY
    Go To XM
  6. 6
    Eightcap
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:500
    ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, TradingView
    Neteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX Payment
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD
    Go To Eightcap
  7. 7
    RoboForex
    $30 No Deposit Bonus
    RoboForex Ltd and its affiliates do not target EU/EEA/UK clients. Please be aware that you are able to receive investment services from a third-country firm at your own exclusive initiative only, taking all the risks involved.
    Ratings
    3 / 5
    4 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.7 / 5
    4.4 / 5
    $10
    0.01 Lots
    1:2000
    IFSC
    CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures
    R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
    Visa, iDeal, Trustly, Neteller, Skrill, Giropay, Sofort, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Alipay, POLi, Perfect Money, MoneyGram, Cashu, SafeCharge, WeChat Pay, Vietcombank Transfer, Volet, ecoPayz, AstroPay
    USD, EUR
    Go To RoboForex
  8. 8
    FOREX.com
    20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
    Ratings
    4.9 / 5
    4 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.6 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.8 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    $100
    0.01 Lots
    1:400
    NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
    Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto
    MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
    Wire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN
    Go To FOREX.com
  9. 9
    InstaForex
    Choose between: Club Bonus, 30 %, 55 % and 100 % bonuses
    All investments involve a degree of risk of some kind. Trading financial derivative products comes with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. You should not engage in trading these instruments unless you fully understand the nature of the transactions you are entering into, and the true extent of your exposure. These types of investments may be suitable for some investors, but they are not for everyone.
    Ratings
    4 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    4.2 / 5
    4 / 5
    3.9 / 5
    3.7 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    3.6 / 5
    $1
    0.10 of the lot (0.0001 of market lot for Cent.Standard and Cent.Eurica)
    1:1000
    BVI FSC
    Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Oil and Gas, Commodity Futures and InstaFutures
    MT4, MT5
    Skrill, Mastercard, Visa, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Przelewy24, Giropay, Rapid Transfer
    USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CZK
    Go To InstaForex
  10. 10
    Trade Nation
    200 Sign-Up Reward Points
    84% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider.
    Ratings
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.5 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    4.3 / 5
    4.5 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    3.8 / 5
    4.1 / 5
    0 / 5
    $0
    0.1 Lots
    1:500 (entity dependent)
    FCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA
    Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only)
    MT4
    Credit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Wire Transfer, Skrill, PayPal, Debit Card
    USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK
    Go To Trade Nation

Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers:

  1. AvaTrade - AvaTrade is a leading forex and CFD broker, established in 2006 and regulated across 9 jurisdictions. Over 400,000 users have signed up with the broker which processes over 2 million trades each month. The firm offers multiple trading platforms, including MT4, MT5, and a proprietary WebTrader. 1250+ financial instruments are available for day trading, from CFDs to AvaOptions and now AvaFutures, alongside a comprehensive education center and multilingual customer support.
  2. IC Markets - IC Markets is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker known for its excellent pricing, comprehensive range of trading instruments, and premium trading technology. Founded in 2007 and headquartered in Australia, the brokerage is regulated by the ASIC, CySEC and FSA, and has attracted more than 180,000 clients from over 200 countries.
  3. Deriv - Established in 1999, Deriv is an innovative broker now serving over 2.5 million global clients. The firm offers CFDs, multipliers and more recently accumulators, alongside its proprietary derived products which can't be found elsewhere, providing flexible short-term trading opportunities.
  4. Pepperstone - Established in Australia in 2010, Pepperstone is a top-rated forex and CFD broker with over 400,000 clients worldwide. It offers access to 1,300+ instruments on leading platforms MT4, MT5, cTrader and TradingView, maintaining low, transparent fees. Pepperstone is also regulated by trusted authorities like the FCA, ASIC, and CySEC, ensuring a secure environment for day traders at all levels.
  5. XM - XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been delivering low trading fees across its growing roster of 1000+ instruments. It’s also highly regulated, including by ASIC and CySEC and offers a comprehensive MetaTrader experience.
  6. Eightcap - Eightcap is a multi-regulated forex and CFD broker established in Australia in 2009. The broker has proven popular with active day traders, providing 800+ instruments with tight spreads and notable improvements in recent years, integrating the leading TradingView platform, alongside AI-powered financial calendars and algo trading tools with zero coding experience required.
  7. RoboForex - RoboForex is an online broker, established in 2009 and registered with the IFSC in Belize. Traders can choose from five accounts (Prime, ECN, R StocksTrader, ProCent, Pro) catering to different needs with trades from 0.01 lots and spreads from 0 pips. RoboForex has also enhanced its offering over the years, adding CFD instruments and launching its stock trading platform, plus the CopyFX system.
  8. FOREX.com - Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.
  9. InstaForex - InstaForex is a forex and CFD broker founded in 2007. The broker offers diverse market coverage to millions of clients, spanning traditional assets like currencies and shares, as well as other interesting opportunities such as IPOs.
  10. Trade Nation - Trade Nation is a top FX and CFD broker regulated in multiple jurisdictions including the UK and Australia. The firm offers low-cost fixed and variable spreads on 1000+ assets with robust trading platforms and training materials. The Signal Centre can also be used for trade ideas.

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in South Korea 2024 Comparison

Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in South Korea 2024 Comparison
Broker Minimum Deposit Markets Platforms Leverage Regulator
AvaTrade logo
$100 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
IC Markets logo
$200 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
Deriv logo
$5 CFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs Deriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView 1:1000 MFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA
Pepperstone logo
$0 CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
XM logo
$5 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies MT4, MT5, TradingCentral 1:1000 ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
Eightcap logo
$100 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto MT4, MT5, TradingView 1:500 ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV
RoboForex logo
$10 CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView 1:2000 IFSC
FOREX.com logo
$100 Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral 1:400 NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
InstaForex logo
$1 Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Oil and Gas, Commodity Futures and InstaFutures MT4, MT5 1:1000 BVI FSC
Trade Nation logo
$0 Forex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only) MT4 1:500 (entity dependent) FCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA

AvaTrade

"AvaTrade offers the full package for short-term traders. There is powerful charting software, reliable execution, transparent fees, and fast account opening with a low minimum deposit."

Jemma Grist, Reviewer

AvaTrade Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM
PlatformsWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD

Pros

  • AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more
  • WebTrader is well-suited to beginners and features a strong suite of technical analysis tools and market research for day traders
  • Recently introduced AvaFutures offers an alternative vehicle to speculate on over 35 markets with low day trading margins

Cons

  • A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners
  • It’s a shame that there are no rebate schemes for serious traders looking for additional perks - CMC Markets would be a better choice here
  • There is no ECN account with raw spreads
Visit AvaTrade
AvaTrade Review

IC Markets

"IC Markets offers superior pricing, exceptionally fast execution and seamless deposits. The introduction of advanced charting platforms, notably TradingView, and the Raw Trader Plus account, ensures it remains a top choice for intermediate to advanced day traders."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

IC Markets Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$200
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • You have access to over 2,250 CFDs across various markets, including forex, commodities, indices, stocks, bonds, and cryptocurrencies, allowing for diversified trading strategies.
  • IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
  • As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.

Cons

  • Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
  • The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
  • There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
Visit IC Markets
IC Markets Review

Deriv

"Deriv is ideal for active traders seeking alternative and unique ways to speculate on global financial markets, from multipliers and accumulator options to its bespoke synthetic indices, which mimic real market movements and are available 24/7, allowing for continuous trading opportunities regardless of market hours."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Deriv Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Multipliers, Accumulators, Synthetic Indices, Forex, Stocks, Options, Commodities, ETFs
RegulatorMFSA, LFSA, BVIFSC, VFSC, FSC, SVGFSA
PlatformsDeriv Trader, Deriv X, Deriv Go, MT5, cTrader, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP

Pros

  • After integrating TradingView and adding MT5 web trader, Deriv now offers a first-class selection of charting tools across desktop, web and mobile devices.
  • Although response times trail alternatives in our personal experience, Deriv offers 24/7 support and is one of the few brokers to offer WhatsApp assistance.
  • Account funding is a breeze with a very low minimum deposit of $5 and a huge selection of payment options, plus Tether was added to the cashier in 2023.

Cons

  • Apart from the MFSA in the EU, Deriv lacks top-tier regulatory credentials, reducing the level of safeguards like access to investor compensation.
  • Leverage up to 1:1000 will appeal to traders with a large risk appetite but frustratingly there is no ability to flex the leverage in the account area.
  • While the Academy launched in 2021 is a step in the right direction, there is limited education on advanced trading topics for seasoned traders and no live webinars to upskill new traders.
Visit Deriv
Deriv Review

Pepperstone

"Pepperstone stands out as a top choice for day trading, offering razor-sharp spreads, ultra-fast execution, and advanced charting platforms for experienced traders. New traders are also welcomed with no minimum deposit, extensive educational resources, and exceptional 24/7 support."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Pepperstone Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB
PlatformsMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD

Pros

  • Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
  • Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
  • There’s support for a range of industry-leading charting platforms including MT4, MT5, TradingView, and cTrader, catering to various short-term trading styles, including algo trading.

Cons

  • Despite enhancements to its range of markets, crypto offerings are relatively limited compared to other brokers such as eToro, with no option to invest in real coins.
  • Pepperstone’s demo accounts are active for only 30 days, which may not be not long enough to familiarize yourself with the different platforms and test trading strategies.
  • Pepperstone does not support cTrader Copy, a popular copy trading feature built into the excellent cTrader platform and available at alternatives like IC Markets, though it has introduced an intuitive copy trading app.
Visit Pepperstone
Pepperstone Review

XM

"With a low $5 minimum deposit, advanced charting platforms in MT4 and MT5, expanding range of markets, and a Zero account offering spreads from 0.0, XM provides all the essentials for active traders, even earning our ‘Best MT4/MT5 Broker’ award in recent years."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

XM Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Commodities, Indices, Thematic Indices, Precious Metals, Energies
RegulatorASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$5
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, JPY

Pros

  • XM’s Zero account is ideal for day trading with spreads from 0.0 pips, 99.35% of orders executed in <1 second, and no requotes or rejections.
  • XM stands out for its commitment to trader education, with a wealth of well-presented resources, including webinars, tutorials, and even real-time trading sessions through XM Live.
  • XM’s customer support has delivered over years of testing, with 24/5 assistance in 25 languages, response times of <2 minutes and now a growing Telegram channel.

Cons

  • While the XM app stands out for its usability and exclusive copy trading products, the selection of technical analysis tools needs to be improved to meet the needs of advanced traders.
  • XM is falling behind the curve by not offering cTrader and TradingView which are increasingly being favored over MetaTrader for their smoother user experience and superior charting packages.
  • XM relies solely on the MetaTrader platforms for desktop trading, so there’s no in-house downloadable or web-accessible solution for a more beginner-friendly user experience with unique features.
Visit XM
XM Review

Eightcap

"Eightcap delivers in every area for day traders with a growing selection of charting platforms, education via Labs, and AI-powered tools. Now sporting 120+ crypto CFDs, it's also become a stand-out choice for crypto trading, winning our 'Best Crypto Broker' award two years in a row."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

Eightcap Quick Facts

Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto
RegulatorASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:500
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD

Pros

  • Eightcap stands out with a selection of powerful trading tools and resources, including MT4 and MT5, the innovative algorithmic trading platform Capitalise.ai, and more recently the 50-million strong social trading network TradingView.
  • With tight spreads from 0 pips, low commission fees, and high leverage up to 1:500 for certain clients, Eightcap provides cost-effective and flexible trading conditions that can accommodate an array of strategies, including day trading and scalping.
  • After bolstering its roster in 2021, Eightcap offers one of the most extensive selections of cryptocurrency CFDs in the market, with crypto/fiat pairs, crypto/crypto pairs, plus crypto indices for broader exposure to the market.

Cons

  • Eightcap needs to continue bolstering its suite of instruments to match category leaders like Blackbull Markets with its 26,000+ assets, featuring a particularly weak selection of commodities.
  • Despite a useful library of educational guides and e-books in Labs, Eightcap still trails IG’s comprehensive toolkit for aspiring traders with its dedicated IG Academy app and 18 course categories.
  • In spite of an increasing variety of tools, Eightcap doesn't offer industry favorites like Autochartist or Trading Central, which offer cutting-edge charting analytics, live news, and market insights for short-term traders.
Visit Eightcap
Eightcap Review

RoboForex

"RoboForex is great if you want a vast range of 12,000+ day trading markets with ECN accounts, powerful charting and loyalty promotions. It also stands out for stock traders with its user-friendly R StocksTrader platform, featuring 3,000+ shares, fees from $0.01 and sophisticated watchlists."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

RoboForex Quick Facts

Bonus Offer$30 No Deposit Bonus
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures
RegulatorIFSC
PlatformsR StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView
Minimum Deposit$10
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:2000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR

Pros

  • The R Stocks Trader platform rivals leading solutions like MT4, with netting and hedging capabilities, comprehensive backtesting, Level II pricing, and a flexible workspace.
  • The broker offers two commission-free withdrawals each month in the Free Funds Withdrawal program, helping day traders to minimize transaction costs.
  • The broker offers leverage up to 1:2000 for certain account types, which is among the highest in the industry. This high leverage allows day traders to maximize their trading potential, albeit with a corresponding increase in risk.

Cons

  • While RoboForex offers competitive spreads, some of its account types come with high trading commissions up to $20 per lot, trailing the cheapest brokers, such as IC Markets.
  • Despite 15+ years in the industry and registering with the Financial Commission, RoboForex is authorized by one ‘Red-Tier’ regulator – the IFSC in Belize, lowering the level of regulatory protections for traders.
  • RoboForex now restricts base currency options to USD and EUR. This limitation may inconvenience day traders preferring to manage their accounts in other currencies, while potentially leading to conversion fees.
Visit RoboForex
RoboForex Review

FOREX.com

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

Christian Harris, Reviewer

FOREX.com Quick Facts

Bonus Offer20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto
RegulatorNFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA
PlatformsMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral
Minimum Deposit$100
Minimum Trade0.01 Lots
Leverage1:400
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN

Pros

  • The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
  • With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.
  • Alongside a choice of leading platforms, FOREX.com offers a superb suite of supplementary tools including Trading Central research, SMART Signals pattern scanner, trading signals, and strategy builders.

Cons

  • Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.
  • Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
  • Funding options are limited compared to leading alternatives like IC Markets and don’t include many popular e-wallets, notably UnionPay and POLi.
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FOREX.com Review

InstaForex

"InstaForex maintains its position as a top forex broker, with more currency products than most rivals. The tight spreads and low minimum deposits make it accessible to all experience levels, especially those familiar with the MT4 and MT5 platforms."

William Berg, Reviewer

InstaForex Quick Facts

Bonus OfferChoose between: Club Bonus, 30 %, 55 % and 100 % bonuses
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsCurrencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Oil and Gas, Commodity Futures and InstaFutures
RegulatorBVI FSC
PlatformsMT4, MT5
Minimum Deposit$1
Minimum Trade0.10 of the lot (0.0001 of market lot for Cent.Standard and Cent.Eurica)
Leverage1:1000
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CZK

Pros

  • InstaForex delivers a superb day trading environment, with the powerful MT4 and MT5 platforms offering dozens of technical analysis tools, automation capabilities and multiple order types
  • The broker is a particularly good pick for serious forex traders, with over 100 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and a market-leading selection of curated forex market resources
  • The broker is accessible for beginners, with low minimum deposits and zero-commission trading available.

Cons

  • Customer support is available only in EN, CZ, PL, and SK.
  • The broker provides trading instruments only in the form of CFDs.
  • The broker’s website and client cabinet feel outdated and difficult to navigate for newcomers
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InstaForex Review

Trade Nation

"Trade Nation is a good choice for newer traders looking for a wide range of financial markets on a user-friendly platform. There is no minimum deposit, free funding options and strong education."

William Berg, Reviewer

Trade Nation Quick Facts

Bonus Offer200 Sign-Up Reward Points
Demo AccountYes
InstrumentsForex, CFDs, Indices, Shares, Commodities, Futures, Bonds, Cryptos (Bahamas Entity Only)
RegulatorFCA, ASIC, FSCA, SCB, FSA
PlatformsMT4
Minimum Deposit$0
Minimum Trade0.1 Lots
Leverage1:500 (entity dependent)
Account CurrenciesUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, ZAR, SEK, NOK, DKK

Pros

  • Multiple account currencies are accepted for global traders
  • Trade Nation is a multi-regulated and respected broker that previously operated as Core Spreads
  • There is a low minimum deposit for beginners

Cons

  • Fewer legal protections with offshore entity
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Trade Nation Review

Methodology

To find the best day trading platforms in South Korea, we examined our database of 265 online brokers and removed any that don’t accept South Korean traders.

We then ranked them by their overall rating, drawing on 100+ data points and rigorous assessments of each broker in key areas.

  • We verified that each broker accepts South Korean day traders.
  • We only recommended brokers who have earned our trust.
  • We favored brokers with a wide range of financial markets.
  • We checked for reliable charting tools for technical analysis.
  • We prioritized brokers with low day trading fees.
  • We confirmed the broker’s leverage and margin requirements.
  • We investigated the quality and speed of execution.

DayTrading.com broker testing methodology overview

How To Choose A Day Trading Broker In South Korea

Based on our years of trialling day trading platforms, there are several factors to consider when choosing a broker:

Choose A Trusted Broker With A Reputable License

This is essential if you want peace of mind when making deposits in Korean won and placing short-term traders on Asian markets.

In South Korea, the Financial Services Commission oversees the financial markets, including online brokers. That said, our investigations show not many brokers are licensed directly by the FSC, so South Koreans may prefer to register with international firms (as long as they continue to follow the FSC’s regulations and local tax rules in South Korea).

We strongly recommend a broker with a ‘green-tier’ license, such as the FCA in the UK or ASIC in Australia. This will ensure you receive the highest standard of financial protection, notably safeguards like negative balance protection so you can’t lose more than your account balance.

  • AvaTrade continues to stand out as one of the most reputable day trading brokers in the industry, with a 15+ year history and 10+ regulatory licenses. It also offers a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect, which can protect against losses of up to $1 million.

Choose A Broker With A Wide Range of Markets

Access to a variety of markets, such as stocks and commodities, can help diversify your portfolio while opening up a range of short-term trading opportunities.

In particular, traders may want exotic currency pairs involving the won (KRW) from Korean forex brokers, stocks listed on the Korea Exchange (KRX), or notable export commodities like crude oil and iron ore.

Infographic showing popular day trading markets in South Korea

  • eToro is a superb choice if you’re looking for access to Korean markets. The day trading platform offers stock CFDs in major Korean firms including Samsung Electronics and Posco, plus the USD/KRW currency pair and the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF.

Choose A Broker With Low Day Trading Fees

For active day traders, keeping transaction costs down can protect profit margins in the long term.

Notably, spreads and commissions are the most common types of fees when day trading, while deposit and withdrawal charges may make up the bulk of your non-trading fees, especially if you need to pay a conversion charge for transferring in Korean won.

Weighing these fees against the overall service provided is also important since superior tools for short-term trading may justify slightly higher fees. For example, a broker that provides fiscal updates from the Bank of Korea that could affect the KRW’s value, or market sentiment data that could lend insights into Korean stocks.

  • Pepperstone consistently delivers competitive fees, including tight spreads from 1.5 pips on the USD/KRW pair and just a $0.02 commission per share on the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF. Advanced day traders can also enjoy further savings through the Active Trader Program.

Choose A Broker With Powerful Charting Platforms

Day traders need a user-friendly and reliable platform in which to test and develop short-term strategies.

Valuable tools like technical indicators, drawing objects, and short intervals are key for technical analysis. Market leaders like MetaTrader 4, cTrader and TradingView offer particularly extensive charting packages to suit all requirements.

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Some brokers offer proprietary solutions which we’ve found are often more straightforward for beginners and deliver terrific environments for integrated market research and charting analysis.
FOREX.com's web platform analysis, including economic calendar filtered by South Korean events
FOREX.com – Integrated Analysis
  • FOREX.com offers a full suite of third-party and bespoke platforms, including MT4 and a TradingView-powered proprietary solution. The feature I really like is the integrated technical insights and economic calendar where I can filter for South Korean events.

Choose A Broker With Good Execution Quality

Active day trading relies on fast and stable execution to fill orders efficiently, especially if you want to trade volatile Korean securities like Nuvotec and Anymedi.

The very best brokers will meet our execution speed benchmark of <100 milliseconds. In doing so, they will also provide low rates of slippage and latency, ensuring that positions are filled at the requested price and time.

  • IC Markets stands out for its rapid execution speeds averaging 35 milliseconds, thanks to institutional-grade connections to servers in New York and London. This ensures an optimal environment for serious day traders.

Choose A Broker With Transparent Leverage Requirements

Leverage is important for day traders as it allows you to magnify your potential profits by gaining exposure to larger positions with less capital, especially when using popular products like derivatives from CFD brokers in Korea.

That said, this can also magnify the risk of larger losses, so risk management and a full understanding of your broker’s margin requirements are essential.

Let’s say I want to trade the USD/KRW pair with leverage of 1:20. This means that an initial outlay of $100 would give me $2000 in buying power (20 x $100).
author image
Jemma Grist
Author
  • XM lets you access up to 1:1000 leverage, though we don’t recommend this for beginners. There’s also a really useful margin calculator that I’ve used many times to help you determine the required capital for an intraday trade.

Choose A Broker With Convenient Account Funding

It’s important to choose a broker with a minimum deposit to suit your budget. Our analysis shows most brokers let you start with less than 250 USD (approximately 339,581 KRW), though many of the day trading platforms we test go much lower.

A wide range of locally supported payment methods is also advantageous if you want to minimize transaction costs and processing times. According to findings by Adyen, UnionPay is one of the most popular payment methods in South Korea.

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Brokers with KRW accounts can help you minimize foreign exchange fees when depositing and dealing in Korean won.
  • Eightcap offers an affordable $100 minimum deposit, plus a range of convenient and free deposit methods, including UnionPay. It’s also got some of the best AI-powered trading tools I’ve seen.

FAQ

Who Regulates Day Trading Platforms In South Korea?

The Financial Services Commission regulates day trading platforms in South Korea. That said, few brokers are licensed directly by this authority. Instead, South Koreans may want to register with trusted international firms, although sticking to your local tax rules and FSC regulations is advised.

Which Is The Best Broker That Accepts Day Traders From South Korea?

Use our list of the best day trading brokers in South Korea to find a suitable option.

eToro, for example, offers a wide range of markets including South Korean securities, while Eightcap is a great choice for those seeking convenient payment methods like UnionPay.

Article Sources

The writing and editorial team at DayTrading.com use credible sources to support their work. These include government agencies, white papers, research institutes, and engagement with industry professionals. Content is written free from bias and is fact-checked where appropriate. Learn more about why you can trust DayTrading.com