Best Forex Trading Platforms In South Korea 2025
Interest in forex trading has risen in South Korea, driven by its advanced technology and widespread smartphone use, enabling real-time currency trading. The Bank of Korea has also been taking steps to encourage investment in its foreign exchange market, now allowing authorized global firms to take part in the dollar-won interbank market.
Explore our selection of the best forex brokers in South Korea to find trustworthy brands with excellent platforms, wide-ranging access to the foreign exchange market, and convenient deposits in Korean won (KRW).
Top 6 Forex Trading Platforms In South Korea
These are the 6 best forex platforms that accept traders from South Korea according to our firsthand testing and exhaustive analysis:
Here is a summary of why we recommend these brokers in March 2025:
- XM - XM offers a strong selection of currency pairs with no re-quotes or hidden charges, while spreads have come down over the years, now starting from 0.8 pips on the EUR/USD in the commission-free account.
- Vantage - Vantage offers 55+ currency pairs - above the industry average, so experienced traders can explore plenty of opportunities. Vantage's deep liquidity pool provides forex spreads from 0.0 pips in the ECN account, lower than many alternatives. There are also no commissions, deposit fees or hidden charges.
- IC Markets - IC Markets maintains its commitment to providing exceptionally tight 0.0-pip forex spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD. This makes it an excellent option if you are seeking superior execution, with an average of 35 milliseconds. Additionally, if you are a high-volume trader, you can benefit from rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot.
- AvaTrade - AvaTrade delivers 50+ currency pairs with tight spreads from 0.9 pips and zero commissions. Trade majors, minrs, and exotics 24/5 on leading forex platforms, notably MT4, with sophisticated charting tools and forex education to sharpen your edge, including a dedicated guide to 'Currency Trading'.
- FOREX.com - FOREX.com continues to uphold its stature as a premier FX broker, offering over 80 currency pairs and boasting some of the most competitive fees in the industry. With EUR/USD spreads dipping as low as 0.0 and $5 commission per $100k, it stands out. Moreover, its SMART Signals help to identify price behaviors across numerous major currency markets.
- Pepperstone - Pepperstone offers ultra-competitive forex spreads averaging 0.12 pips on EUR/USD in the Razor account, accompanied by a diverse portfolio comprising 100+ currency pairs - an extensive selection surpassing most competitors. Additionally, Pepperstone distinguishes itself by offering three currency indices (USDX, EURX, JPYX), not commonly found among alternative platforms. Pepperstone has now won our annual 'Best Forex Broker' award twice.
Best Forex Trading Platforms In South Korea 2025 Comparison
| Broker | Forex Assets | EUR/USD Spread | Forex App Rating | Minimum Deposit | Regulator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XM | 55+ | 0.8 | / 5 | $5 | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, IFSC |
| Vantage | 55+ | 0.0 | / 5 | $50 | FCA, ASIC, FSCA, VFSC |
| IC Markets | 75 | 0.02 | / 5 | $200 | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
| AvaTrade | 50+ | 0.9 | / 5 | $100 | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
| FOREX.com | 80+ | 1.2 | / 5 | $100 | NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA |
| Pepperstone | 100+ | 0.1 | / 5 | $0 | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
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 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.8 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.5 |
| Total Assets | 55+ |
| Leverage | 1:1000 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, JPY |
Pros
- 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 growing roster of 1,000+ instruments provides diverse short-term trading opportunities, with unique turbo stocks, fractional shares, and more recently thematic indices.
- 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
- 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.
- Although trusted and generally well-regulated, the XM global entity is registered with the weak IFSC regulator and UK clients are no longer accepted, reducing its market reach.
- 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.
Vantage
"Vantage remains an excellent option for CFD traders seeking a tightly-regulated broker with access to the reliable MetaTrader platforms. The fast sign-up process and $50 minimum deposit make it very straightforward to start day trading quickly."
Vantage Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 50% Welcome Deposit Bonus, earn redeemable rewards in the Vantage Rewards scheme |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.5 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.0 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.5 |
| Total Assets | 55+ |
| Leverage | 1:500 |
| Platforms | ProTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView, DupliTrade |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, HKD, SGD, PLN |
Pros
- Vantage maintains its high trust score thanks to its strong reputation and top-tier regulation from the FCA and ASIC
- There’s an excellent suite of day trading software, including the award-winning platforms MT4 and MT5
- The broker has recently made efforts to expand its suite of CFDs providing further trading opportunities
Cons
- It's a shame that some clients will need to register with the offshore entity, which offers less regulatory protection
- Unfortunately, cryptos are only available for Australian clients
- A steep $10,000 deposit is needed for the best trading conditions, which include the $1.50 commission per side
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."
IC Markets Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.23 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.02 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.27 |
| Total Assets | 75 |
| Leverage | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade, Quantower |
| Account Currencies | USD, 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 among the tightest spreads in the industry, with 0.0-pip spreads on major currency pairs, making it especially cost-effective for day traders.
- IC Markets offers fast and dependable 24/5 support based on firsthand experience, particularly when it comes to accounts and funding issues.
Cons
- Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
- While IC Markets offers a selection of metals and cryptos for trading via CFDs, the range is not as extensive as brokers like eToro, limiting opportunities for traders interested in these asset classes.
- The breadth and depth of tutorials, webinars and educational resources still need work, trailing alternatives like CMC Markets and reducing its suitability for beginners.
AvaTrade
"AvaTrade offers active traders everything they need: an intuitive WebTrader, powerful AvaProtect risk management, a smooth 5-minute sign-up process, and dependable support you can rely on in fast-moving markets."
AvaTrade Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.5 |
| EURUSD Spread | 0.9 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.5 |
| Total Assets | 50+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
| Platforms | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- Years on, AvaTrade remains one of the few brokers offering a bespoke risk management tool, AvaProtect, that insures losses up to $1M for a fee and is easy to activate on the platform.
- The WebTrader excelled in our hands-on tests, sporting a user-friendly interface for beginners, complete with robust charting tools like 6 chart layouts and 60+ technical indicators.
- AvaTrade continues to enhance its suite of products, recently through AvaFutures, providing an alternative vehicle to speculate on over 35 markets with low day trading margins.
Cons
- AvaTrade’s WebTrader has improved, but work is still needed in terms of customizability – frustratingly widgets like market watch and watchlists can’t be hidden, moved, or resized.
- Although the deposit process itself is smooth, AvaTrade still doesn’t facilitate crypto payments, a feature increasingly offered by brokers like TopFX, which caters to crypto-focused traders.
- While signing up is a breeze, AvaTrade lacks an ECN account like Pepperstone or IC Markets, which provides the raw spreads and ultra-fast execution many day traders are looking for.
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."
FOREX.com Quick Facts
| Bonus Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000 |
|---|---|
| GBPUSD Spread | 1.3 |
| EURUSD Spread | 1.2 |
| EURGBP Spread | 1.4 |
| Total Assets | 80+ |
| Leverage | 1:400 |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN |
Pros
- 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.
- There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
Cons
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
- There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
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."
Pepperstone Quick Facts
| GBPUSD Spread | 0.4 |
|---|---|
| EURUSD Spread | 0.1 |
| EURGBP Spread | 0.4 |
| Total Assets | 100+ |
| Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
| Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade, Quantower |
| Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates up to 30% (index and commodities) and $3/lot (forex) through the Active Trader program.
- Now offering spread betting through TradingView, Pepperstone provides a seamless, tax-efficient trading experience with advanced analysis tools.
- Pepperstone has greatly improved the deposit and withdrawal experience in recent years, adding Apple Pay and Google Pay in 2025, as well as PIX and SPEI for clients in Brazil and Mexico in 2024.
Cons
- 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.
- 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.
How We Rate Forex Trading Platforms In South Korea
Trust
We make no compromise when it comes to our trust ratings and you should thoroughly research prospective forex brokers, too.
The key criteria we use to identify trustworthy online forex trading platforms in South Korea include regulation from respected bodies, a track record of reliable service with no major security breaches, and a large base of satisfied online traders.
This is especially relevant given that South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) has reported an increase in crimes related to forex margin trading. The country’s regulator has also listed investor protections that should be provided to Korean traders using derivatives like forex CFDs:
- It can only be recommended to traders with a high-risk appetite.
- Appropriate warnings about the dangers and suitability must be provided.
- It can not be traded under consignment.
- FOREX.com is a highly trusted forex broker for South Korean traders thanks to its clean track record, long history since 1999, and licenses from 10 reputable regulators including the CFTC, ASIC and MAS. Additionally, its parent company, StoneX, is listed on the NASDAQ highlighting its legitimacy.
Currency Pairs
We recommend trading with a broker that provides a selection of at least 50 major, minor and exotic forex pairs so you can keep up with market trends and find trading opportunities.
The good news for traders in Korea is that, unlike some other local markets, the country’s regulators don’t restrict trading in currency pairs, and you’ll find KRW in forex pairs, for example the USD/KRW, at some top platforms.
- IG remains a leading forex broker for traders in South Korea with over 80 currency pairs, including the USD/KWR, providing an opportunity to speculate on interest rate differentials between the US and the Republic of Korea.
Forex Platforms
The platforms and forex apps available are a key consideration when selecting a broker because they play such a crucial role in the day trading process.
Skilled forex traders have made money on established platforms like MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5 and cTrader for 10+ years thanks to their sophisticated charting and indicators as well as integrated features like auto trading, catering to short-term traders.
However, we increasingly rate brokers with modern bespoke platforms since we often find that their slick designs are more attractive for newer forex traders while still packing powerful research, charting and algo trading features.
- AvaTrade’s selection of top platforms is still among our favorite, with MT4, MT5, a terrific WebTrader and mobile app, as well as AlgoTrader, DupliTrade and Trading Central, giving serious traders first-rate analysis tools and forex market insights.
Trading Fees
Good forex brokers in South Korea give traders bang for their buck by providing reliable order execution, an excellent suite of currency pairs, and powerful trading tools, all while keeping fees low.
As part of our exhaustive review process, we analyze fees on popular currency pairs, notably the EUR/USD, GBP/USD and EUR/GBP, as well as considering non-trading fees, such as inactivity fees that penalize casual investors, and conversion charges for transferring funds in say the Korean won.
For newer forex traders, a commission-free, floating spread account may keep pricing simple. Experienced traders might opt for a raw-spread account with low fixed commissions for high-volume, fast-paced strategies like day trading and scalping.
- IC Markets impresses us year after year by delivering ultra-tight forex spreads from 0.0 pips on the EUR/USD, alongside a choice between Standard and Raw Spread accounts catering to a wide range of traders. There is also no inactivity fee and a free Virtual Private Server (VPS).
Account Funding
Choosing a forex trading platform with convenient account funding and withdrawals from the Republic of Korea will ensure a smooth investing experience.
Our tests show that not many forex trading platforms offer the country’s most popular digital wallets, KakaoPay and Naver Pay. However, credit cards are widely accepted at our top forex platforms and remain one of the most widely used payment methods in the country according to findings from KOMOJU, responsible for 72% of internet transactions.
All our recommended forex brokers in Korea also offer affordable minimum deposits of up to 250 USD, around 250,000 KRW, catering to budget traders through to advanced investors.
- Plus500 excels for its diverse payment options, including credit cards and popular e-wallets, alongside an affordable minimum investment of 100 USD. Our experts have also traded at Plus500 using real money with no withdrawal issues.
Methodology
To select the best forex trading platforms in South Korea, we sorted those that accept Korean traders and then ranked them by their comprehensive rating which considers critical factors, notably: 
- Verifying the forex broker is licensed by a reputable regulator if not Korea’s FSC.
- Evaluating currency pairs available to traders in South Korea, such as KRW/USD.
- Ensuring that the forex broker offers excellent platforms and apps that cater to short-term traders.
- Analyzing the fees on popular forex pairs and balancing this against the quality of the trading tools.
- Confirming the platform offers convenient funding solutions for Korean forex traders.
FAQ
Is Forex Trading Legal In South Korea?
Forex trading is legal in South Korea, though the country does have stricter regulations than many countries including capital controls.
Who Regulates Forex Trading In South Korea?
Forex trading in South Korea is regulated by the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (KoFIU). They oversee the compliance of foreign exchange transactions within the country and are generally considered stringent regulators.
It’s also worth paying attention to decisions from the Bank of Korea, which has been taking steps in recent years to boost investment in the forex market, opening its doors to foreign investors and extending trading hours.
How Much Money Do I Need To Start Trading Forex In South Korea?
From our extensive research, the maximum you will typically need to start trading forex online in South Korea is up to 250 USD, or about 350,000 won.
However, several of our most highly-rated brokers are considerably more affordable than that; Pepperstone, for example, imposes no minimum deposit for new registrations.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- Financial Services Commission (FSC)
- Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (KoFIU)
- Bank of Korea (BOK)
- South Korean Payment Methods - KOMOJU
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