The Door-to-Door (방문판매) sales license is a key business license in Korea, designed to regulate businesses that conduct direct, off-premises sales to consumers. Below is a concise explanation of what it covers and who needs it.
What are door-to-door sales?
Door-to-door sales refers to selling goods or services— including rights to use certain facilities or receive services—by personally approaching consumers outside the seller’s usual place of business (e.g., office, branch, or other approved location). It also includes cases where consumers are first approached outside the business site (such as at home or in public) and later make or sign the contract at the business site.
Which businesses require a door-to-door license?
Any business, whether an individual or a corporation, engaged in the activities above must register for a door-to-door license with the Fair Trade Commission. This requirement also extends to telemarketing and multi-level marketing companies that solicit consumers or induce callbacks by phone and approach consumers outside their business premises.
What does the door-to-door license indicate about the business?
This license indicates that the business is legally authorized to conduct special sales outside its regular premises. While it does not automatically permit all online sales, it does allow certain sponsor-based door-to-door sales operators to sell via cyber malls.
Coverage in KOBDi: The KOBDi database includes all businesses registered with a Door-to-Door (방문판매) license. This information appears on each Business Profile page, and companies with this license can be found via the KOBDi Korea Industry Search.