Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in South Korea 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:
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1AvaTrade20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro)ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFMCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, FuturesWebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTradeSkrill, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, Mastercard, Perfect Money, Swift, MoneyGram, Credit Card, WebMoney, JCB Card, Debit Card, Neteller, BoletoUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD -
2IC Markets
Ratings
$2000.01 Lots1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global)ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMACFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, CryptoMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTradePayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Visa, UnionPay, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Mastercard, POLi, BPAY, Credit Card, Klarna, Swift, SafeChargeUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
3Deriv.com
Ratings
$50.01 Lots1:1000MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSCCFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, CommoditiesDeriv Trader, MT5Neteller, 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, Przelewy24USD, EUR, GBP, AUD -
4PepperstoneCFDs and FX are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Between 74-89% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs.
Ratings
$00.01 Lots1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro)FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCBCFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread BettingMT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTradeVisa, Mastercard, Credit Card, Debit Card, PayPal, Wire Transfer, POLi, UnionPay, BPAY, Neteller, SkrillUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD -
5XM$30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account
Ratings
$50.01 Lots1:1000ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA, CNMV, AMF, KNFForex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, FuturesMT4, MT5Credit Card, Debit Card, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Perfect Money, Apple Pay, Google Wallet, TransferWise, Visa, M-PesaUSD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, SGD, PLN, HUF -
6Eightcap
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:500ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMVCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, CryptoMT4, MT5, TradingViewNeteller, Skrill, Visa, UnionPay, Credit Card, Debit Card, Bitcoin Payments, Wire Transfer, FasaPay, BPAY, PayPal, Dragonpay, PIX PaymentUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD -
7RoboForex$30 No Deposit BonusRoboForex 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
$100.01 Lots1:2000IFSCCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, FuturesR StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingViewVisa, iDeal, Trustly, Neteller, Skrill, Giropay, Sofort, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Alipay, POLi, Perfect Money, MoneyGram, Cashu, SafeCharge, WeChat Pay, Vietcombank Transfer, Volet, ecoPayz, AstroPayUSD, EUR -
8eToro51% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading with this provider. eToro is a multi-asset investment platform. The value of your investments may go up or down. Your capital is at risk.
Ratings
$100$10FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMFCFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTseToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentralVisa, Skrill, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Rapid Transfer, Swift, Debit Card, iDeal, Klarna, Sofort, Trustly, Przelewy24USD -
9FOREX.com20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000
Ratings
$1000.01 Lots1:400NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMAForex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, CryptoMT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentralWire Transfer, Credit Card, Debit Card, Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, ACH TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, JPY, CHF, PLN -
10InstaForexChoose between: Club Bonus, 30 %, 55 % and 100 % bonusesAll 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
$10.10 of the lot (0.0001 of market lot for Cent.Standard and Cent.Eurica)1:1000BVI FSCCurrencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Oil and Gas, Commodity Futures and InstaFuturesMT4, MT5Skrill, Mastercard, Visa, Neteller, Wire Transfer, Przelewy24, Giropay, Rapid TransferUSD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CZK
Here is a short overview of each broker's pros and cons
- 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.
- 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.
- Deriv.com - Deriv.com is a low cost, multi-asset broker with over 2.5 million global clients. With just a $5 minimum deposit, the firm offers CFDs, multipliers and more recently accumulators, alongside proprietary synthetic products which can't be found elsewhere. Deriv provides both its own in-house charting software and the hugely popular MetaTrader 5.
- 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.
- XM - XM is a globally recognized forex and CFD broker with 10+ million clients in 190+ countries. Since 2009, this trusted broker has been known for its low fees on 1000+ instruments. XM is regulated by multiple financial bodies, including the ASIC and CySEC.
- 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.
- 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.
- eToro - eToro is a top-rated multi-asset platform which offers trading services in thousands of CFDs, stocks and cryptoassets. Launched in 2007, the brand has millions of active traders globally and is authorized by tier one regulators, including the FCA and CySEC. The brand is particularly popular for its comprehensive social trading platform. Cryptoasset investing is highly volatile and unregulated in the UK and some EU countries. No consumer protection. Tax on profits may apply. 51% of retail CFD accounts lose money.
- 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.
- 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.
Best Day Trading Platforms and Brokers in South Korea 2024 Comparison
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 Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus up to $10,000 |
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Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Bonds, Crypto, Spread Betting, Futures |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSCA, ISA, CBI, FSA, FSRA, BVI, ADGM, CIRO, AFM |
Platforms | WebTrader, AvaTradeGO, AvaOptions, AvaFutures, MT4, MT5, AlgoTrader, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail) 1:400 (Pro) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD |
Pros
- The broker offers reliable 24/5 multilingual customer support with fast response times during testing
- AvaTrade is a heavily regulated and trustworthy broker with licenses from the ASIC, CySEC and more
- Automated trading is supported through MetaTrader Expert Advisors (EAs), as well as the AvaSocial and DupliTrade tools
Cons
- There’s an above-average $50 inactivity fee after three months, though this won't impact active day traders
- 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
- A high $2000 minimum investment is required to use DupliTrade, which will be out of reach for many beginners
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 Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Bonds, Futures, Crypto |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, FSA, CMA |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, TradingCentral, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $200 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (ASIC & CySEC), 1:500 (FSA), 1:1000 (Global) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- As a tightly regulated and widely respected broker, IC Markets prioritizes client security and transparency, helping to ensure a reliable trading experience globally.
- 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.
Cons
- Despite four industry-leading third-party platforms, there is no proprietary software or trading app built with new traders in mind.
- There are fees for certain withdrawal methods, including a $20 wire charge, which can eat into profits, especially for frequent withdrawals.
- 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.
Deriv.com
"Deriv.com will suit day traders looking to make fast-paced trades using CFDs and multipliers with high leverage up to 1:1000. The broker is also the industry leader in synthetic indices, which simulate real market movements and are available around the clock. "
Jemma Grist, Reviewer
Deriv.com Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Multipliers, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities |
Regulator | MFSA, LFSA, VFSC, BFSC |
Platforms | Deriv Trader, MT5 |
Minimum Deposit | $5 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD |
Pros
- Deriv continues to offer fast and reliable 24/7 support and the WhatsApp service is particularly convenient
- Beginners and experienced day traders can access a good range of 20+ technical indicators in Deriv Trader vs 30+ in MT5
- The low $5 minimum initial deposit suits those on a lower budget
Cons
- There's no loyalty program or rebate scheme for high volume traders
- There are limited copy trading tools and analysis features compared to alternatives like IQ Cent
- The range of 100+ assets trails some competitors such as Quotex which offers 400+
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 Account | Yes |
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Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Currency Indices, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Crypto, Spread Betting |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, CMA, BaFin, SCB |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, cTrader, TradingView, AutoChartist, DupliTrade |
Minimum Deposit | $0 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:30 (Retail), 1:500 (Pro) |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, JPY, CHF, HKD, SGD |
Pros
- 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.
- Pepperstone emerges as a low-cost broker, especially for serious day traders with spreads from 0.0 in the Razor account and rebates of 25%+ through the Active Trader program.
- Award-winning customer support is available via telephone, email or live chat with response times of <5 minutes during testing.
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.
- There’s no simplified proprietary trading platform, nor are there any social trading features, which could be a disadvantage if you are new to day trading.
- 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.
XM
"XM is one of the best forex and CFD brokers we have tested. The flexible account types will suit a variety of short-term trading styles while the $5 minimum deposit and smooth sign-up process make it easy to start trading."
William Berg, Reviewer
XM Quick Facts
Bonus Offer | $30 No Deposit Bonus When You Register A Real Account |
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Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Forex, Stock CFDs, Turbo Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Precious Metals, Energies, Shares, Crypto, Futures |
Regulator | ASIC, CySEC, DFSA, FSC, FSCA, CNMV, AMF, KNF |
Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
Minimum Deposit | $5 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, JPY, ZAR, CHF, SGD, PLN, HUF |
Pros
- Transparent and low fees with spreads from 0.0 pips that will help protect day trading profit margins
- 1000+ instruments are available, including recently added thematic indices, providing exposure to emerging industries
- XM continues to deliver diverse and multilingual educational materials and offers a useful live education schedule for its webinars and insights
Cons
- There's $5 inactivity fee after only 3 months, though this won't affect active traders
- There is weak regulatory oversight through the global entity
- PayPal deposits are not supported
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 Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Crypto |
Regulator | ASIC, FCA, CySEC, SCB, CNMV |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:500 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, AUD, NZD, SGD |
Pros
- Having excelled across all key areas for day traders, Eightcap outperformed more than 490 competitors to win our 'Best Overall Broker' award for 2024, also securing our 'Best Crypto Broker' title.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- The demo account expires after 30 days and can only be extended upon request - a notable inconvenience compared to the likes of XM with its unlimited demo mode.
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 |
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Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, ETFs, Futures |
Regulator | IFSC |
Platforms | R StocksTrader, MT4, MT5, TradingView |
Minimum Deposit | $10 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:2000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR |
Pros
- 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.
- The R Stocks Trader platform rivals leading solutions like MT4, with netting and hedging capabilities, comprehensive backtesting, Level II pricing, and a flexible workspace.
Cons
- RoboForex provides a variety of account types, which, while offering flexibility, can be overwhelming for newer traders trying to choose the most suitable option for their trading style. Alternatives, notably eToro, provide a smoother entry into online trading with one retail account.
- 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.
- 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.
eToro
"eToro's social trading platform leads the pack with a terrific user experience and active community chat that can help beginners find opportunities. There are also competitive fees on thousands of CFDs and real stocks, plus excellent rewards for experienced strategy providers."
Christian Harris, Reviewer
eToro Quick Facts
Demo Account | Yes |
---|---|
Instruments | CFDs, Forex, Stocks, Indices, ETFs, Smart Portfolios, Commodities, Futures, Crypto, NFTs |
Regulator | FCA, ASIC, CySEC, FSA, FSRA, MFSA, CNMV, AMF |
Platforms | eToro Web, CopyTrader, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | $10 |
Account Currencies | USD |
Pros
- Exciting investment portfolios are available covering traditional market trends as well as tech, crypto and more
- eToro is a world-renowned brand with top-tier global regulation and a 25M+ user community
- eToro has bolstered its investment offering, most recently with new crypto assets, now offering over 90 digital currencies
Cons
- Traders will face currency conversion fees for account denominations other than USD
- There are no guaranteed stop loss orders which would be a useful risk management feature for beginners
- There is a $30 minimum withdrawal amount and a $5 fee, which will affect novices with low capital
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 Offer | 20% Welcome Bonus Up To $5000 |
---|---|
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Forex, CFDs, Stocks, Indices, Commodities, Futures, Options, Crypto |
Regulator | NFA, CFTC, CIRO, FCA, CYSEC, ASIC, SFC, FSA, MAS, CIMA |
Platforms | MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral |
Minimum Deposit | $100 |
Minimum Trade | 0.01 Lots |
Leverage | 1:400 |
Account Currencies | USD, 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.
- 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
- FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
- There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
- Demo accounts are frustratingly time-limited to 90 days, which doesn’t give you enough time to test day trading strategies effectively.
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 Offer | Choose between: Club Bonus, 30 %, 55 % and 100 % bonuses |
---|---|
Demo Account | Yes |
Instruments | Currencies, Cryptocurrencies, Stocks, Indices, Metals, Oil and Gas, Commodity Futures and InstaFutures |
Regulator | BVI FSC |
Platforms | MT4, MT5 |
Minimum Deposit | $1 |
Minimum Trade | 0.10 of the lot (0.0001 of market lot for Cent.Standard and Cent.Eurica) |
Leverage | 1:1000 |
Account Currencies | USD, EUR, GBP, PLN, CZK |
Pros
- 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
- 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 accessible for beginners, with low minimum deposits and zero-commission trading available.
Cons
- 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
- Customer support is available only in EN, CZ, PL, and SK.
Methodology
To find the best day trading platforms in South Korea, we examined our database of 500 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
Recommended Reading
Article Sources
- Financial Services Commission (FSC)
- Korea Exchange (KRX)
- Bank of Korea
- Payment Methods In South Korea - Adyen
- Samsung Electronics - KRX
- Posco - KRX
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