The South Korean e-commerce market is emerging as a new frontier for Chinese cross-border sellers, and as a leading South Korean e-commerce giant, Coupang has become the platform of choice for entering the South Korean market, thanks to its “rocket delivery” service and over 23 million active buyers. To open a local store on Coupang, a South Korean business license is an indispensable “passport.” This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the entire process of registering a South Korean company!

Why is a South Korean company license required for a Coupang local store?  

Coupang explicitly stipulates that sellers opening local stores must provide a South Korean business license. This is the core criterion the platform uses to distinguish between local and cross-border stores.  

Compared to cross-border stores, local stores have significant advantages:  

① Access to “Rocket Delivery” services, enabling same-day or next-day delivery, significantly enhancing the consumer experience.

② They receive higher platform rankings and traffic prioritization, accessing a massive market with over 23 million monthly active users.  

③ They can sell products requiring KC certification, such as 3C products, cosmetics, and other special categories.  

④ Fund settlements are more convenient, with direct deposits into Korean bank accounts.  

Without a Korean company license, sellers can only open cross-border stores and cannot enjoy the above core benefits, placing them at a significant competitive disadvantage.

Korean Company Registration Process Overview  

1. Confirm Basic Matters  

Step 1: There are five types of Korean companies (individual business operators, limited liability companies, joint-stock companies, general partnerships, and joint ventures).  

--> Most people typically choose limited liability companies (LLCs) and joint-stock companies!

Step 2: Confirm the company name/trade name  

http://www.iros.go.kr/PMainJ.jsp  

You can check for duplicate names at the above website, the “Korea Network Registration Office.”  

Step 3: Confirm the capital  

The minimum capital can be set at 1 million won (limited liability companies do not require capital verification).  

Step 4: Confirm the company registration address (in Korea)  

If there will be no actual profit-generating activities in Korea in the future, it is recommended to choose a non-resident address.

Step 5: Confirm company shareholders and directors  

If the capital is less than 1 billion KRW, at least one shareholder and one director are required, and a supervisor is not necessary.  

Step 6: Confirm business scope  

https://kssc.kostat.go.kr:8443/ksscNew_web/index.jsp  

You can check the applicable business scope and category on the official website of the “Korea Statistical Classification Portal” mentioned above.

2. Legal entity establishment registration  

Register at the competent legal entity registration office. (Online registration is also available.)  

Required documents: Application for establishment registration, articles of association, minutes of the founding meeting, consent form for stock issuance, shareholder register, bank statement, consent form for appointment, investigation report, legal entity seal declaration form, and joint certification form for shareholders.  

3. Business operator registration  

Register at the competent tax office or on the Home Tax website.

Required documents: Business License Application Form, Legal Entity Lease Agreement, Legal Entity Seal Certification, Copy of Legal Entity Registration Book, Articles of Association, Shareholder Register, Legal Entity Seal, ID Card and Passport of the Representative, and other identification documents, License (optional)

Upon completing the above procedures, you will obtain the Korean Business License (Business Registration Certificate). The entire process typically takes 6-7 working days to complete.