South Korean Won Dominates Crypto Trading Volume, Second Only to USD
The South Korean won (KRW) has emerged as the second most used fiat currency in cryptocurrency trading in 2025, trailing only the U.S. dollar (USD).
KRW Trading Volume Surges in 2025
South Korea's KRW has become a major player in cryptocurrency trading, with volumes reaching $663 billion since the start of 2025, according to Kaiko Research. This positions the KRW as the second most used fiat currency for crypto trading, only behind the U.S. dollar which recorded $832 billion in trades.
South Korea's Crypto Market Dynamics
South Korea boasts a high crypto adoption rate, with nearly one in three adults owning cryptocurrency. This is double the adoption rate in the U.S., highlighting the country's significant role in the global crypto market. The market is dominated by local exchanges such as Upbit and Bithumb, which together control a substantial portion of the trading volume.
Regulatory Landscape and Market Trends
The South Korean market is heavily influenced by regulatory oversight from the Financial Services Commission (FSC), which enforces strict anti-money laundering protocols and investor protection mechanisms. New regulations effective June 1, 2025, allow nonprofit organizations and virtual asset exchanges to legally sell virtual assets, provided they implement adequate internal review procedures and anti-money laundering measures. These regulations also introduce minimum circulation volume requirements for new cryptocurrencies and restrict initial market orders to prevent pump-and-dump schemes.
Exchange Competition and Listing Strategies
Upbit and Bithumb engage in intense competition to attract users and trading volume. Bithumb has been known to employ aggressive strategies, such as eliminating trading fees and listing meme coins, to gain market share. Upbit, while traditionally more conservative, has also listed meme tokens to counter Bithumb's advances. A phenomenon known as “석우빔 (Seokwoo Beam)” refers to the sudden price surge of tokens listed on Upbit, although data indicates that most tokens experience either a brief rise followed by a drop or an immediate drop after listing.
Coinone's Struggles and Market Consolidation
While Upbit and Bithumb are thriving, Coinone is facing challenges, with a mere 3% market share. Coinone has resorted to selling cryptocurrency to cover operational costs and may be considering acquisition options. This reflects a broader trend in the industry where larger, more scalable exchanges are favored.
Impact of New Regulations on Token Listings
South Korean exchanges are set to reevaluate over 1,300 cryptocurrencies on domestic platforms following the implementation of new self-regulatory standards on July 19. These standards, established by the Digital Asset Exchange Association (DAXA), include formal and qualitative requirements for token listings, focusing on issuers' credibility, investor protection measures, security, and compliance. Tokens that do not meet these criteria may face delisting, although DAXA suggests that mass delistings are unlikely due to major exchanges already adhering to similar rules.
Marketing Strategies in the Korean Crypto Market
Effective marketing in the Korean crypto market requires understanding the local landscape and consumer behavior. Strategies include partnering with major local exchanges, integrating with Korean fintech infrastructure like Toss and Kakao Pay, and engaging with the Korea Blockchain Association (KBA). Content should be localized and culturally relevant, focusing on market movements, short-term gains, and speculative insights. Social media engagement on platforms like Twitter and community platforms is also crucial.
