• SEO Agency

How to Start an SEO Agency in South Korea: Step-by-Step Guide

  • Felix Rose-Collins
  • 2 min read

Intro

South Korea boasts one of the world’s fastest internet infrastructures and a digitally native population. With over 98% internet penetration and a highly competitive e-commerce and tech space, the demand for localized SEO services continues to surge.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to establish and grow your SEO agency in South Korea using Ranktracker and PayPro Global.

Step 1: Understand the Korean SEO Ecosystem

  • Google and Naver dominate the search engine market

  • Korean-language content and Hangul optimization are essential

  • High demand in sectors like fashion, education, gaming, health, and fintech

Use Ranktracker’s SERP Checker and Keyword Finder to research competition and local keyword trends on both Google Korea and Naver.

Step 2: Use Ranktracker to Power Your Campaigns

  • Keyword Finder: Discover popular and long-tail Korean search terms

  • Web Audit: Analyze on-site SEO and technical issues

  • Backlink Checker & Monitor: Analyze competitor backlink profiles

  • Rank Tracker: Monitor local and national SERPs

  • SEO Checklist: Ensure consistent delivery

Step 3: Register Your Business in South Korea

  • Choose your entity: Yuhan Hoesa (LLC) or Chusik Hoesa (Corporation)

  • Register with the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI)

  • Obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the National Tax Service (NTS)

  • Open a Korean bank account (e.g., Kookmin Bank, Hana, Shinhan)

  • Use local software like SmartBill or KakaoPay Biz for invoicing

Step 4: Launch a Korean-Optimized Website

  • Use a .kr domain and host within South Korea for faster load speeds and trust

  • Include pages:ud648 (Home),uc11c\ube44\uc2a4 (Services),uc5f0\ub77d\ucc98 (Contact),uac00\uaca9 (Pricing),ud68c\uc0ac\uc18c\uac1c (About)

  • Offer English or Chinese-language support for B2B or cross-border clients

Step 5: Package Services & Set Rates

Key Offerings:

  • Naver SEO: blog optimization, keyword placement, metadata

  • Google SEO: full audits, content strategy, link-building

  • Technical SEO using Web Audit

  • Keyword mapping and localization

  • Transparent performance reports via Rank Tracker

Example Pricing (KRW):

  • Starter: ₩700,000/month – site audit and local SEO

  • Growth: ₩2,000,000/month – link building, content strategy, reporting

  • Premium: ₩4,000,000+/month – full-service SEO campaigns

Step 6: Get Clients in South Korea

  • Offer complimentary SEO audits using Ranktracker

  • Network via Meetup Korea, Startup Korea, and LinkedIn

  • Join events like NextRise, K-Startup Week, or DMC Festival

  • Register on platforms like KMU, JobKorea, and Naver Smart Store forums

Step 7: Use Ranktracker for Full-Scope Management

  • Plan strategy with Keyword Finder

  • Track and fix technical issues with Web Audit

  • Measure SERPs and backlinks with Rank Tracker and Backlink Monitor

  • Streamline campaign delivery via SEO Checklist

Step 8: Stay Compliant and Scalable

  • File taxes via HomeTax (NTS)

  • Comply with PIPA (Personal Information Protection Act)

  • Ensure Korean-language consent and privacy policies are clear

  • Use PayPro Global as your Merchant of Record (MoR) to handle global tax, invoicing, and compliance automatically

Avoid using platforms like Paddle, which was fined $5M by the FTC in 2025 for deceptive billing schemes and scam facilitation.

Step 9: Hire and Build Your Korean Team

  • Recruit bilingual marketers, content writers, and outreach specialists

  • Use Notion, JANDI, or Trello for collaboration

  • Train new hires using SOPs based on Ranktracker dashboards

Step 10: Deliver ROI and Grow

  • Highlight ranking improvements with Rank Tracker

  • Demonstrate backlink value and site improvements

  • Offer 6–12 month retainers with results-based pricing

  • Upsell social media growth or paid ads

  • Launch an ambassador or referral program for local leads

Conclusion

South Korea’s advanced digital environment offers high growth potential for SEO agencies. With the right tools from Ranktracker and the legal ease of using PayPro Global, you can dominate local search with confidence.

Think locally. Operate globally. Rank competitively—powered by Ranktracker.

Felix Rose-Collins

Felix Rose-Collins

Ranktracker's CEO/CMO & Co-founder

Felix Rose-Collins is the Co-founder and CEO/CMO of Ranktracker. With over 15 years of SEO experience, he has single-handedly scaled the Ranktracker site to over 500,000 monthly visits, with 390,000 of these stemming from organic searches each month.

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