Google to Bring Payment Choice, New Fees to Korea on December 31, 2026
Google Play will let Korean developers use their own or external web payments, with a 10% fee on the first $1 million of annual revenue.
Google announced on the 14th that it will introduce its payment choice program and a revamped service fee structure to South Korea starting December 31, 2026, according to Digital Today. Under the new system, developers will be able to use their own payment methods or external web payments instead of Google Play billing.
Google will apply a 10% service fee on the first $1 million of annual revenue from Google Play. For standard in-app transactions exceeding $1 million annually, new users will be charged 20% and existing users 25%. Using Google Play's own payment system adds an extra 5% payment fee, while a developer's own payment method carries no separate payment fee. External web transactions are subject to a 20% service fee for both new and existing users.
Google also said its "App Experience" and "Game Level Up" programs, which offer additional fee reductions for apps and games that meet quality standards, will be introduced in Korea by the end of the year. If "Game Level Up" requirements are met, the service fee for general in-app transactions exceeding $1 million drops to 15% for new users and 20% for existing users.
The new fee system and payment choice program were first applied in the United States, the European Economic Area and the United Kingdom on June 30, 2026, and were implemented in Japan and Australia on September 30, 2026. Japan's rollout was originally scheduled for the end of the year but was moved up by about three months after consultations with the Japan Fair Trade Commission and local developers.
The announcement comes as Korean game companies have been building out alternatives to in-app store billing. In July 2026, Krafton invested in global game commerce company Neon Commerce to strengthen its own payment infrastructure. NCSoft has been expanding PC and web payments through its own platform Purple, and Netmarble operates official web stores for its major games.
Separately, Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission chairman Kim Jong-chul said on the 12th during a National Assembly audit that a decision on fines for Google and Apple regarding in-app payment is expected before October ends. Last month, 24 organizations including domestic app developers and civic groups held a press conference demanding correction of Google and Apple's in-app payment policies and compensation for developer damages.
Quick answers
When does Google's new payment system start in South Korea?
It takes effect on December 31, 2026.
What service fee will Google Play charge in Korea?
Google will apply 10% on the first $1 million of annual revenue, 20% for new users and 25% for existing users on standard in-app transactions above $1 million, with an extra 5% payment fee for using Google Play's payment system.
Can Korean developers use their own payment methods?
Yes. Developers can use their own payment methods or external web payments instead of Google Play billing, with no separate payment fee for their own methods.