Can private companies import crude oil into South Korea?

Major importers: SK Energy, GS Caltex, S-Oil (Aramco), Hyundai Oilbank. KNOC (Korea National Oil Corporation) for strategic stocks. Asia's largest refining capacity.

Are refined products (diesel, fuel oil, gasoline) tradeable by private importers in South Korea?

Major refined products exporter (gasoil, jet, gasoline) to East Asia.

Does OilFlow screen counterparties against South Korea regulations?

Yes. The same rule table shown on this page ships in the Regulatory Matrix API; counterparty checks destined for South Korea are gated against these rules automatically.

All countries

Regulatory

South Korea — oil import rules

These are the same rules the Regulatory Matrix API serves for South Korea-bound trade: which products private parties can move, which run through a government or monopoly route, and which are closed outright.

Open to private trade4

Restricted0

Blocked0

Compiled regulatory guidance from OilFlow Network, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the relevant national regulator before structuring a deal.

Product-by-product

Crude oilALLOWED: Allowed for private tradeMajor importers: SK Energy, GS Caltex, S-Oil (Aramco), Hyundai Oilbank. KNOC (Korea National Oil Corporation) for strategic stocks. Asia's largest refining capacity.
Refined products (diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, jet)ALLOWED: Allowed for private tradeMajor refined products exporter (gasoil, jet, gasoline) to East Asia.
LPGALLOWED: Allowed for private tradeStandard licensing applies. No special restrictions recorded.
LNGALLOWED: Allowed for private tradeKOGAS dominant import; private terminals emerging (GS, SK, POSCO, Hanwha). Incheon, Pyeongtaek, Tongyeong, Samcheok terminals.

Frequently asked

Can private companies import crude oil into South Korea?: Major importers: SK Energy, GS Caltex, S-Oil (Aramco), Hyundai Oilbank. KNOC (Korea National Oil Corporation) for strategic stocks. Asia's largest refining capacity.
Are refined products (diesel, fuel oil, gasoline) tradeable by private importers in South Korea?: Major refined products exporter (gasoil, jet, gasoline) to East Asia.
Does OilFlow screen counterparties against South Korea regulations?: Yes. The same rule table shown on this page ships in the Regulatory Matrix API; counterparty checks destined for South Korea are gated against these rules automatically.

Use this jurisdiction

These rules ship in the Regulatory Matrix API, from $99/mo. Bank compliance teams hit /api/v1/regulatory/check to gate counterparty intake automatically; subscribers get webhooks on every rule change. Screening a specific counterparty into South Korea? Run a free check first.