How Do Meta Ads Work in South Korea?

Meta’s South Korea pages cover payment methods and a value added tax (VAT) that works differently depending on which Meta company sells the ads to you. This is what the pages say as checked on 2 Oct 2026. It is not tax or legal advice, so check the linked pages and ask a qualified adviser about your own case.

Which payment methods does Meta list for South Korea?

Meta’s South Korea page lists three groups:

• Credit cards or co-branded debit cards: American Express (in one of its accepted currencies), Mastercard and Visa.
• PayPal, in one of its accepted currencies.
• Local manual methods: KakaoPay, Toss and bank account payment, shown on the page as 내통장결제.

The page says the local methods are available only if your ad account’s country is South Korea and its currency is the South Korean won (KRW), and only if you choose one when you first set up the account. Decide before you create the account.

What does a local method do to your billing?

Meta’s payment overview says the first method you choose sets your payment setting. A card whose bank supports recurring payments, or PayPal, sets up automatic payments. Other initial methods, including local manual ones, set up available funds. If you pick KakaoPay, Toss or a bank account, plan regular top-ups.

How does VAT work when Meta Ireland sells the ads?

Meta’s VAT page says ads in South Korea sold by Meta Ireland Ltd are subject to VAT at the applicable local rate. It names no rate. Points from the page:

• It applies to advertisers whose sold-to country, on a business or personal address, is South Korea and who have not added a VAT identification number.
• You can add your valid South Korean VAT ID in payment settings so it shows on your receipts. If you add it, Meta does not add VAT to your ad purchase.
• VAT is added whenever you are charged, whether you buy for business or personal purposes.
• It is added on top of charges, so you may be charged more than your billing threshold amount.
• With a manual payment method, VAT is accounted for at the applicable rate when your account is funded.

How does VAT work when Meta Korea sells the ads?

A second page covers ads sold by Meta Korea. It says they are subject to VAT at the applicable local rate, and that this applies to all ad accounts with a business country of South Korea that are supported by Meta’s in-country sales team. It says VAT is added whenever you are charged. Unlike the Meta Ireland page, it does not mention a VAT ID removing the charge, so do not assume it works the same way. Each page points to the other: the Meta Ireland page sends monthly-invoicing advertisers supported by the in-country sales team to this one, and this page sends advertisers not supported by that team back. Check which Meta company is named on your invoice, then ask your adviser.

What does Korea’s regulator list on privacy law?

South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission has a laws and regulations page that lists the Personal Information Protection Act and its Enforcement Decree, in versions with enforcement dates including 15 September 2023. It gives no description of what they require, and the text itself was not read for this entry.

Meta’s business tools page says you need a lawful basis and any necessary consents before you share customer data with Meta. It does not name South Korea. Neither page says how the Act applies to a Meta campaign, so read the Act and ask a qualified adviser.

What does not change in South Korea?

Meta’s privacy page says its requirements apply to all Meta business tools and sets no separate South Korea rule. Cards and PayPal are listed, as for other Asia-Pacific countries, and the first payment choice still sets your payment setting. Both VAT pages say Meta cannot give tax advice.

FAQ

Can I pay for Meta ads with KakaoPay or Toss?

Meta’s South Korea page lists both as local manual methods. They are available only if your ad account’s country is South Korea and its currency is won, and only if you choose one at first setup. Meta says such methods set up available funds.

Do I need a Korean VAT ID for Meta ads?

Meta’s page for ads sold by Meta Ireland says you can add a valid Korean VAT ID so it shows on receipts, and that Meta then does not add VAT. The Meta Korea page does not mention a VAT ID. Check your invoice and ask a qualified adviser.

Which Meta company sells me ads in South Korea?

Meta’s pages name Meta Ireland Ltd for ads sold to advertisers whose sold-to country is South Korea, and Meta Korea for ad accounts with a South Korea business country supported by Meta’s in-country sales team. Check your invoice to see which applies.