Korea Exchange (KRX): Listing Requirements and IPO Guide

Headquarters

Busan, South Korea

Region

Asia-Pacific

Market Focus

Technology & Large Cap

Overview

Korea Exchange was formed in 2005 by merging the Korea Stock Exchange, KOSDAQ and the Korea Futures Exchange. It is headquartered in Busan, with major operations in Seoul.

It runs three equity markets: KOSPI for large companies, KOSDAQ for technology and growth companies, and KONEX for small and early-stage businesses.

Known For

Global semiconductor, electronics, automotive and battery companies
KOSDAQ's concentration of biotech, gaming and technology companies
Very high retail investor participation
Government efforts to narrow the valuation gap known as the Korea discount

Listing Considerations

The Financial Services Commission and Financial Supervisory Service regulate the market
KOSDAQ offers technology-based listing routes for loss-making companies
Large family-controlled business groups dominate the main index
Foreign investor registration requirements were eased in 2023

Key Facts

Founded

2005 (Korea Stock Exchange from 1956)

Operator

Korea Exchange (KRX)

Regulator

Financial Services Commission and Financial Supervisory Service

Main Index

KOSPI, KOSDAQ

Currency

South Korean won (KRW)

Trading Hours

9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. KST, Monday–Friday

Market Segments

KOSPI, KOSDAQ, KONEX

Official website →

Listing Requirements

KOSPI: at least three years of operating history and equity capital of at least KRW 30 billion
KOSPI financial tests based on revenue and profit, or on market capitalisation
KOSDAQ: lower thresholds, with technology-based listing routes for companies that are not yet profitable
Minimum public shareholder spread on both markets
KONEX for small and venture companies, with a designated adviser

Summary of KRX listing structure, checked November 2026. Detailed thresholds are set in the KOSPI and KOSDAQ listing regulations.

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