Online Shop & Communication Sales Registration in Korea — 2026 Guide

1. What Is Communication Sales Business?

In Korea, selling goods or services online, via phone, TV shopping, or catalog is classified as communication sales business (통신판매업) and requires registration with the Fair Trade Commission (FTC / 공정거래위원회) under the E-Commerce Consumer Protection Act.

2. Who Must Register?

• Any business selling products online in Korea (domestic or foreign)
• Exemption: businesses with fewer than 50 transactions AND under KRW 24 million in annual sales
• Marketplace sellers: the marketplace platform registers; individual sellers on platforms may not need separate registration

3. Required Documents

• Communication sales business registration application
• Business registration certificate
• Identification of business representative
• Bank account information for payment processing
• Escrow or payment guarantee contract (for escrow-based payment)

4. Application Procedure

1. Register business with local tax office first (사업자등록)
2. Submit communication sales registration at district office (시/군/구청)
3. Registration completed immediately upon submission
4. Registration number displayed on all sales pages

5. Key Consumer Protection Obligations

• Display business registration and communication sales registration numbers on website
• Provide clear product information and pricing
• Accept returns within 7 days of delivery (cooling-off period)
• Process refunds within 3 business days of return receipt

6. Foreign Operators

• Foreign businesses selling to Korean consumers must register in Korea
• Must designate a Korean representative if the business has no Korean presence
• Consumer protection law applies regardless of company origin