About .kr domain
.kr is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for South Korea. It is operated by the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) and was first implemented on September 29, 1986. The registry manages registrations through accredited agents and offers a structured system of second-level domains for different entity types.
Who can register .kr domain
Registration of a .kr domain requires a local presence within South Korea, meaning the registrant must have a valid postal address in the country. Eligibility varies across the available second-level domains: for example, .co.kr is for commercial companies, .or.kr for non-profit organizations, .pe.kr for individuals, and .go.kr is restricted to Korean governmental authorities. Specific documentation, such as proof of legal establishment under Korean law, is required for certain categories like .ac.kr for educational institutions.
How to register .kr domain
- Search for your desired domain name's availability at a registrar accredited by KRNIC, noting that you can register at the second level (e.g.,
example.kr) or at the third level under a specific second-level domain like .co.kr.
- Compare prices and services from different accredited registrars, as they set their own fees; consider add-ons like WHOIS privacy if offered.
- Complete the checkout process, during which you must provide accurate registrant information and documentation proving your local address in South Korea to pass verification.
- After payment, configure your domain's DNS settings through your registrar's control panel to point to your hosting service and ensure your contact details remain accurate for registry compliance.
Typical uses of .kr domain
The .kr extension is predominantly used by entities with a tangible connection to South Korea, serving as the primary national domain for local businesses, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals. Commercial enterprises often choose .co.kr to establish a trusted local presence, while organizations leverage specific second-level domains like .ac.kr for universities or .go.kr for official government websites to signal their formal status. Its structured namespace helps users immediately identify the registrant's category within the South Korean context.
Tips for registering .kr domain
- Registrations require a minimum term of one year, with renewal periods also offered in yearly increments.
- WHOIS privacy services may be available through some accredited registrars, but the registry mandates accurate underlying registrant data for verification.
- Domain transfers between registrars are permitted but are subject to a 60-day transfer lock following initial registration or a previous transfer.
- The registry enforces specific naming rules: second-level .kr domains using Hangul must be between 2 and 17 characters, while ASCII domains must be between 3 and 63 characters.
Frequently asked questions about .kr domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .kr domain?
As of today, .kr domains start from $21.99/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $182.41/yr across 11 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .kr domains?
NameBeta tracks 11 registrars that support .kr domain registration, with the cheapest option at $21.99/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .kr domain?
The registry for .kr domains is KISA, administered by Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA).
Who can register a .kr domain?
Registration is restricted to entities with a local presence in South Korea, requiring a verifiable postal address. Different second-level domains have additional criteria; for instance, to register a .go.kr domain, you must be a Korean governmental authority established by law, while a .pe.kr requires the registrant to be a natural person. Businesses typically register under .co.kr and must provide proof of their local commercial registration.
Can I transfer a .kr domain between registrars?
Transferring a .kr domain to a new registrar is possible but is restricted by a 60-day lock after registration or a prior transfer. To initiate a transfer, you must obtain an authorization code from your current registrar and ensure the domain is not within a redemption grace period. The new registrar will handle the request with the KRNIC registry, and the process requires the registrant's contact information to be up-to-date for verification.
What are the rules for domain names containing Hangul (Korean characters)?
Domains registered directly at the second level under .kr can contain Hangul characters, with a length requirement of 2 to 17 characters. These internationalized domain names (IDNs) can also include numbers and hyphens, but cannot consist solely of numbers and hyphens. The registry supports a specific set of 2,350 Hangul syllables for registration, ensuring compatibility with the local script.
Are there sunrise or trademark protection periods for .kr domains?
Yes, the registry conducted sunrise periods when second-level .kr registrations were introduced. Priority was given to trademark holders and existing third-level domain owners. While these specific periods have concluded, trademark disputes for .kr domains are typically handled under the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP), and rights holders can challenge registrations made in bad faith.
What happens if I lose my local address in South Korea?
Maintaining a valid local address is a continuous requirement for holding a .kr domain. If you lose your eligibility, you may be in violation of the registration agreement. It is advisable to update your registrant information if you move within the country or to transfer the domain to an eligible party. The registry may suspend or delete domains if the local presence requirement is not met.
Can I register a geographic second-level domain like .seoul.kr?
Yes, geographic second-level domains like .seoul.kr are available for registration by organizations or individuals with a connection to that specific region. These domains are intended to promote local identity and are subject to the same overarching requirement of a local presence within South Korea. You must select the appropriate geographic SLD that corresponds to your legitimate connection.
