Can foreigners invest in the Korean stock market?

Yes, foreigners living in Korea can invest in the Korean stock market. As a resident with an ARC it is fairly straightforward: you open a Korean bank account, then open a brokerage account (증권계좌) with a securities firm (증권사) such as Kiwoom, Mirae Asset, Samsung Securities, Korea Investment, or NH, either at a branch or increasingly through their app once your identity is verified. You then link the bank account and can trade on the KOSPI and KOSDAQ exchanges. Non-residents investing from abroad historically needed a separate registration, but for ARC-holding residents the process is essentially the same as for locals.

A few things to know: trading apps are mostly in Korean, though a few brokers offer partial English support, and apps like Toss Securities and Kiwoom are widely used. On tax, ordinary retail investors currently pay no capital gains tax on listed Korean stocks as long as they stay below the 'large shareholder' ownership thresholds, but dividends are taxed and withheld at source, and there is a small securities transaction tax on sales; these rules have been debated and adjusted over time, so check the current position before big moves. Practical tips: start with a reputable major brokerage, note that account opening may need in-person verification depending on the firm, keep records for any home-country tax obligations on foreign investments, and if you want simple diversified exposure, Korean-listed ETFs tracking the KOSPI 200 are an easy entry point. Opening the account at a branch with help, or choosing a broker with English materials, makes setup smoother.