KTE: The Korean Tax Experts Helping Foreign-Owned Businesses Thrive in Korea

Opening Korea-Based Business? These Accountants Know Exactly What You’re Up Against.

Starting or running a business in Korea as a foreigner is no easy feat. You’re navigating incorporation procedures, tax codes, payroll systems, and cultural nuances — often without fluent Korean or insider guidance.

That’s why many expat founders and foreign-invested firms are turning to KTE (Star Tax, BPO & Consulting Services) — a boutique Korean CPA firm that specializes in helping foreign-owned businesses operate smoothly, legally, and confidently in Korea.

Who Are the Experts Behind KTE?

KTE is led by veteran tax professionals Song I Yoon and Hee Bong Park, both licensed CPAs with extensive experience in both U.S. and Korean tax systems. Their team is based in Seoul’s Trade Tower and focuses exclusively on supporting foreign entrepreneurs, investors, and corporations.

Their combined expertise spans:

• 📌 Business registration and incorporation
• 📌 Payroll and labor law compliance
• 📌 Bookkeeping and outsourcing
• 📌 Audit, attest, and external reporting
• 📌 Corporate and personal tax advisory

No matter if you’re launching a startup, expanding from overseas, or already operating and need help with annual filings, they bring clarity and structure to a system that often feels opaque.

What Makes KTE Different?

KTE doesn’t just “serve foreigners” — they specialize in serving foreign-owned firms.

Their blog is filled with practical, no-fluff guidance on topics like:

• How to incorporate a business in Korea
• VAT requirements for foreign-owned companies
• Payroll compliance challenges for SMEs
• External audit triggers and financial transparency
• Korean social insurance & tax implications for expats

They also support companies across industries, from fintech and eSports, to global consulting firms, to digital platforms like Hello82 and Coda Payments.

Why We’re Featuring Them

At Every Expat in Korea (EEIK), we operate the largest English-speaking community of expats in the country — over 100,000+ members and more than 400,000 monthly views. And one of the biggest challenges we hear over and over?

“I can’t find a tax or accounting partner I actually trust.”

That’s why we’re spotlighting KTE in our new “Trusted Business Services in Korea” series — a curated selection of accountants, legal advisors, and corporate services firms that actually know what they’re doing when it comes to foreigners in business here.

Want a Consultation with KTE?

You can reach them directly at
📧 syoon@star-tax.kr
📞 (+82)2-6925-6695
🌐 koreantaxexpert.com

They're based in Seoul’s Gangnam district and accept both in-person and remote consultations.

This article is part of EEIK’s growing resource hub for entrepreneurs and expats building in Korea. Want to be featured? Or know someone who should be? Contact us here.
→ everyexpatinkorea@gmail.com