β» Based on 2025
Enter vehicle price and type to automatically calculate all taxes and costs needed for vehicle purchase including acquisition tax, registration fees, and bond purchases. Applies South Korean tax rates for 2025.
β» Bond purchase varies by region, calculated at approximately 3.7% of vehicle price.
β» Registration fee includes stamp duty, license plate, etc. as an estimate.
β» Actual costs may vary depending on region and vehicle type.
This calculator is based on South Korean automobile acquisition tax
Car acquisition tax is a local tax paid when purchasing or being transferred a vehicle. It is calculated by multiplying the vehicle price by a fixed rate: 7% for non-commercial passenger cars, 5% for vans and trucks, and 4% for compact cars. For example, buying a 30 million won passenger car requires paying 2.1 million won in acquisition tax.
Besides acquisition tax, there are bond purchase fees, registration fees, and license plate costs. The bond purchase fee is the cost of buying regional development bonds, about 3.7% of the vehicle price and varying by region β around 4% in Seoul and about 3.7% in Gyeonggi. Registration fees are roughly 200,000 won.
Non-commercial passenger cars carry the highest 7% rate, while vans and trucks are 5% and compact cars 4%. Eco-friendly vehicles (electric, hydrogen) receive acquisition tax reductions of up to 1.4 million won. Tax burden can vary greatly depending on vehicle use and type.
Acquisition tax = vehicle price Γ rate. The vehicle price is based on the taxable standard, not the actual purchase price. For new cars it is the supply price plus individual consumption tax and VAT. For used cars, the standard market value published by the tax authority is referenced.
The bond purchase fee is the cost of buying regional development bonds, with rates differing between the Seoul metropolitan area (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Incheon) and other regions. Seoul is about 4%, Gyeonggi 3.7%, and other regions 2-3%. Bonds can be sold immediately at a discount, so the actual burden is lower.
Acquisition tax must be paid within 60 days of vehicle registration, through the local city/county/district office or WeTax. Late payment incurs penalties. For new cars the dealer often handles it, but for used cars you must pay it yourself, so check the deadline carefully.