Extension
.kr
.kr in short
The .kr domain is the country-code top-level domain (ccTLD) for South Korea, operated by the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA). It identifies Korean websites and, for some second-level forms, expects a local Korean presence.
.kr at a glance
Type
ccTLD — Country-code top-level domain
Registry
KISA
Launched
1986
Country / scope
South Korea
Restrictions
Open at the second level; some categories need a Korean presence
Typical price
$18/yr
Example sites
Korean sites
Source: IANA root zone database & registry data · methodology
Where to register a .kr domain
Prices are indicative and set by each registrar; renewal rates may differ from first-year promotions. Links may be sponsored. tldlist.us is an independent reference and not a registrar.
What does .kr mean?
The .kr extension is the official internet country code for the Republic of Korea (South Korea), assigned under the ISO 3166-1 standard and delegated to KISA, the Korea Internet & Security Agency. It is the digital flag a website plants to say, clearly and instantly, “this is Korean.”
Korea has one of the most connected populations on earth, and .kr is woven into that. You will see it in two main shapes: the short, direct second-level form (example.kr) and the older categorised forms such as co.kr for companies, or.kr for organisations and go.kr for government. Both remain in heavy use today.
Who uses .kr?
.kr is used by Korean companies, public bodies, media outlets, universities and individuals who want to be recognised in the local market. For a business selling to Korean customers, a .kr or co.kr address signals legitimacy and a genuine local footprint in a way a generic .com cannot.
If your audience is global rather than specifically Korean, .kr is the wrong tool — a generic extension such as .com or .io carries no national assumption. But for anyone targeting Seoul, Busan and the wider Korean web, .kr is the trust signal locals look for.
.kr registration rules and requirements
The short .kr second-level domain is open to anyone worldwide, with no Korean-residency requirement. However, several categorised third-level forms are gated: certain types historically expect a registrant with a verifiable Korean address or business registration, and government (go.kr) and academic (ac.kr) spaces are tightly restricted. Registration runs through KISA-accredited registrars on a first-come, first-served basis.
How much does .kr cost?
A .kr domain typically runs about $18 per year at mainstream registrars, though rates vary by registrar and any introductory promotion. Always confirm the renewal price — not just the first-year offer — before you register.
| Registrar | Typical .kr price (per year) |
|---|---|
| Korean accredited registrars | ~$15–20/yr |
| International registrars (Namecheap, etc.) | ~$18–25/yr |
| co.kr / categorised forms | ~$15–25/yr |
.kr pros and cons
Pros
- Instant local credibility with Korean users and search engines.
- The plain .kr second level is open to registrants worldwide.
- Backed by KISA, a stable national registry in a high-trust internet market.
- Strong fit for ecommerce and brands entering the Korean market.
Cons
- Some categorised forms (e.g. go.kr, ac.kr) require eligibility or a local presence.
- Pricier than budget gTLDs and not as cheap as some European ccTLDs.
- No advantage — and possible confusion — for a worldwide audience.
- Korean-language registrar interfaces can be a hurdle for outsiders.
Example .kr websites
- naver.kr — Korea's dominant search and web portal uses .kr branding alongside its main domain.
- korea.kr — the official government portal of the Republic of Korea.
- Countless Korean retailers and media outlets run under co.kr, the long-standing company form.
.kr — frequently asked questions
What is the .kr domain?
The .kr domain is the country-code top-level domain for South Korea, operated by KISA (the Korea Internet & Security Agency). It marks a website as Korean. The short .kr second level is open globally, while some categorised forms such as go.kr and ac.kr are restricted.
Can a foreigner register a .kr domain?
Yes. The plain .kr second-level domain is open to registrants anywhere in the world with no Korean-residency requirement. Some older categorised forms can expect a Korean presence, but the direct .kr form does not.
What is the difference between .kr and co.kr?
Both are run by KISA. .kr is the modern, direct second-level form (example.kr), while co.kr is the older categorised form intended for companies. co.kr is still extremely common among established Korean businesses.
How much does a .kr domain cost?
A .kr domain typically costs around $18 per year, though prices range from roughly $15 to $25 depending on the registrar and whether you choose the plain or categorised form. Always confirm the renewal price before buying.