South Korean investors are increasingly turning to long-term pension savings accounts, spurred by a wave of promotional events offered by domestic securities firms. Kiwoom Securities is offering up to five shares and $33 USD in coupons, while Mirae Asset Securities is providing a cash rebate of 60,000 Korean won and a reduced commission rate of 0.1%, according to recent reports.
The surge in interest comes as firms compete to attract new customers, largely through non-face-to-face account openings. According to a report from KnowMoney.kr, most securities companies now require online account creation as a condition for participating in these promotional offers. This trend reflects a broader shift towards digital financial services in South Korea.
These pension savings accounts are designed for long-term holdings, maintaining tax benefits even during the payout phase, making them an attractive option for retirement planning. The incentives offered by securities firms, including cash rewards, fee discounts, and stock provisions, are aimed at lowering initial investment costs and encouraging participation.
Korea Kushani reported that in 2025, securities firms are providing diverse events, particularly benefits for new customers, overseas stock support, and favorable exchange rates. Samsung Securities is offering tax benefits and fee discounts for those opening Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs), targeting long-term investors.
The competition extends to offerings like immediate cash bonuses upon account opening, with some firms, such as Mirae Asset Securities, partnering with KakaoBank to provide instant rewards. Korea Investment & Securities is also offering random stock shares to those signing up for its Mini Stock service.
Experts caution that while these events can be beneficial, investors should carefully consider the long-term implications and choose a firm that aligns with their investment goals and style. The focus should be on factors like transaction fees and the range of services offered, rather than solely on short-term incentives. A report from Rich Asharc Blog emphasizes that even novice investors with limited capital can benefit from these events, but a strategic approach is crucial.
Despite the potential benefits, the securities firms have not released statements regarding the long-term sustainability of these promotional offers, nor have they indicated any plans to alter their strategies in response to increased investor participation.
