As a testament to South Korea's commitment to empowering its youth, the 2025 Youth Leap Account emerges as a cornerstone of the nation’s innovative financial policies. This forward-thinking initiative provides young Koreans with unparalleled opportunities to secure their financial futures through government-backed savings programs and strategic incentives.
If you’re a young adult in Korea, the Youth Leap Account could be your gateway to a brighter and more financially stable tomorrow.
What is the Youth Leap Account?
The Youth Leap Account, first launched in June 2023, has undergone significant enhancements in 2025 to better support the financial well-being of South Korea’s younger generation. By offering government matching funds, tax exemptions, and additional benefits, the account is designed to help young people accumulate long-term savings effectively.
Key Eligibility Criteria
Age
Applicants must be aged 19 to 34 at the time of account opening. For those who have completed military service, the maximum age limit is extended by up to six years.
Personal Income
- Annual gross salary: 75 million KRW or less.
- Comprehensive income: 63 million KRW or less.
- Non-taxable incomes, such as maternity leave benefits or military allowances, are not considered.
Household Income
Eligibility depends on household income, capped at 250% of the median income based on household size:
- 1-person household: 62,336,760 KRW/year
- 2-person household: 103,684,650 KRW/year
- 3-person household: 133,044,480 KRW/year
- 4-person household: 162,028,920 KRW/year
Exclusive Benefits of the Youth Leap Account
- Generous Government Contributions
- Monthly savings are matched based on income brackets, with the highest match rate of 6% for those earning less than 24 million KRW annually.
- Government contributions can reach up to 33,000 KRW for maximum monthly deposits.
- Tax-Free Savings Growth
- Interest earned on both personal deposits and government contributions is fully exempt from income tax.
- Enhanced Support for Low-Income Earners
- Additional preferential interest rates are available for qualifying low-income individuals.
New Features Introduced in 2025
- Expanded Government Matching Contributions
- Those depositing the monthly maximum of 70,000 KRW are now eligible for higher government contributions.
- Partial Early Withdrawal Benefits
- Maintaining the account for at least three years enables partial retention of government contributions (up to 60%) and tax exemptions.
- Credit Score Advantages
- Consistent savings over two years can result in a credit score increase of 5-10 points.
Special Notes for Applicants
- Korean Nationals Only
The Youth Leap Account is exclusively available to South Korean citizens. Unfortunately, foreign nationals are not eligible for this program. - One Account Per Person
- Only one account can be opened per individual across all participating banks.
- Youth Hope Savings Account holders are not permitted to open a Youth Leap Account simultaneously.
- Deposit Flexibility and Annual Reviews
- Deposits can be paused if financial circumstances change, with eligibility reviewed annually.
How to Apply
To learn more about the Youth Leap Account or to apply, visit the official website:
Youth Leap Account Official Website
The 2025 Youth Leap Account reflects South Korea's dedication to fostering financial stability and growth for its younger generation. If you meet the criteria, this program is your opportunity to secure a brighter future while benefiting from one of the nation's most innovative policies.
