Polymarket in South Korea
Not available: blocked by the KCSC, and Polymarket restricts its website for Korea.
| Polymarket status | Close-only (website) |
|---|---|
| National position | Banned or blocked by the regulator |
| Regulator | Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC); Korean National Police Agency |
| Last reviewed | 23 October 2026 |
The legal situation in South Korea
In August 2026 the KCSC approved blocking access to Polymarket after finding it may be illegal gambling under the Criminal Act and the National Sports Promotion Act. In June 2026 police opened the country's first investigation into local Polymarket users, after heavy betting on the 3 June local elections. Polymarket lists South Korea as close-only on the website.
Key facts
- May 2026: the KCSC began reviewing Polymarket after a complaint.
- 5 June 2026: Gangwon police reportedly opened a probe into domestic users; fines of up to 10M won are possible.
- Aug 2026: the KCSC approved the block, rejecting Polymarket's non-custodial and peer-to-peer arguments.
What are your options in South Korea?
If Polymarket or local law restricts this country, the honest answer is: don't try to get around it. VPNs and third-party wallets break Polymarket's terms, can get funds frozen and may be illegal locally. Look for prediction markets or exchanges licensed by Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC); Korean National Police Agency, and check back here: rules change.
Sources
General information, not legal advice. Check the regulator's own website before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Polymarket legal in South Korea?
Not available: blocked by the KCSC, and Polymarket restricts its website for Korea.
Can I use a VPN for Polymarket in South Korea?
No. Using a VPN to reach Polymarket from a restricted location breaks its terms of service and can lead to frozen accounts. It may also break local law.