South Korea has emerged as one of the most dynamic cryptocurrency markets in the world. And 2025 is proving to be a defining year for the industry. With over 16 million crypto users, strong mobile adoption, and a tech-savvy population, the Korean crypto exchange landscape is booming like never before.
The global interest in digital assets grows every single day. Korean crypto exchanges are becoming more influential not just regionally, but globally. Names like Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone dominate trading volumes and continue to evolve under South Korea’s well-structured regulatory framework.
But who’s gonna be the table topper? How are they performing? What opportunities exist for entrepreneurs looking to launch their own Korean exchange?
Key Takeaways
- We’ll break down the top 5 Korean crypto exchanges of 2025, look at key performance stats, and user growth. Regulatory compliance and upcoming features.
- Crystal-clear view of South Korea’s crypto scene today and where it’s heading with updated and upcoming regulations.
Let’s dive into the South Korea crypto exchange list you need to know this year.
Top 5 Korean crypto Exchange in 2025
Here’s a look at the best Korean crypto exchange platforms running strong in 2025. We compare their history, profits, users, regulations, and what entrepreneurs should watch.
Discalimer: All the logos used are just for comparison and descriptional purpose.
#1 Upbit
Started in 2017 by Dunamu.
Total Profit: In 2024, Upbit posted an operating profit of 1.19 trillion won (~US$838.7 million), up ~85% from the previous year.
Number of Users: The combined number of South Korean crypto users across major exchanges has crossed 16 million (about 30% of the population). Upbit dominates the market share. It handles roughly 70 to 80% of trading volume among domestic exchanges.
Regulations: Upbit is heavily regulated under South Korea crypto regulation laws. It has faced KYC/AML violations; in early 2025 it got a suspension notice for alleged KYC issues.
Features and upcoming updates: Upbit is known for strong liquidity, broad coin listings (subject to recent regulation), and early adoption of compliance tools. Expect stricter token delisting rules under the Korea crypto regulation framework. They may also expand institutional/corporate services.
To the surprise, Upbit launched Ethereum L2, all to optimize the user experience.
#2 Bithumb
Started in 2014.
Total Profit: After years of struggling, Bithumb returned to profitability in 2024.
Number of Users: It’s the second-largest Korean exchange after Upbit, with a substantial share of users.
Regulations: Compliant with the Specific Financial Transactions Information Act (VASPs registration). Subject to the same regulations as other top exchanges in Korean crypto regulation. It must follow token listing/delisting guidelines through the DAXA alliance among the top five.
Features and upcoming updates: Increasingly focusing on enhancing user protections, expanding fiat‑KRW integrations with banks. Exploring corporate services beyond retail. Aggressive marketing and improvements to usability are ongoing.
#3 Coinone
Started in 2014.
Total Profit: Coinone has struggled in 2024. It recorded operating losses (several billions of won) while the top two exchanges soared.
Number of Users: Compared to Upbit/Bithumb, smaller but has a loyal base.
Regulations: Fully under South Korea crypto regulation, registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP). ISMS-certified, part of the DAXA group, must follow listing/delisting and coin evaluation requirements.
Features and upcoming updates: Working to improve corporate client access, in talks with Korean banks like KakaoBank. Likely to add more features around compliance, risk management, and user security.
#4 Korbit
Started in: 2013 (one of the oldest).
Total Profit: Also operating at a loss in 2024, similar to Coinone and Gopax.
Number of Users: Smaller, niche market share. Still among the top five Korean exchanges.
Regulations: Fully registered under the Korean exchange regulation, working with DAXA and FIU, following coin evaluation, AML/KYC rules.
Features and upcoming updates: Focus is on stability, compliance, and possibly expanding real‑time monitoring systems for suspicious behavior. Building institutional offerings is expected.
#5 Gopax
Started in 2017.
Total Profit: Planning to take profit with new strategies, among the smaller of the top five exchanges.
Number of Users: Low relative to the other four. But still part of the major registered Korean crypto exchanges.
Regulations: Registered VASP, certified, under the same regulatory environment. However, it has had compliance issues. For example, it was excluded from certain regulatory task forces after relisting a coin prematurely (e.g., Wemix).
Features and upcoming updates: Likely to strengthen governance and coin listing discipline. May focus on niche offerings and community trust to compete against giants like Upbit.
South Korean Crypto Exchange Crypto Regulation & Market Trends
- Over 16 million South Koreans hold accounts with domestic exchanges as of early 2025, roughly 30-32% of the population.
- The government has tightened regulation via acts like the Specific Financial Transactions Information Act (VASPs registration, KYC/AML) and via bodies like FIU, DAXA, etc.
- New rules for token listing/delisting. Korean crypto exchanges must set evaluation bodies to review listed coins every six months for trust, security, and issuer reliability. Coins failing standards may be delisted.
- Market polarization: Upbit and Bithumb are making profits. Coinone, Korbit, and Gopax are still negative.
The trends are reaching so far that there are so many ideas to be explored for desperate entrepreneurs like you. You shouldn’t be worried about how to start a crypto exchange business in South Korea anymore.
Now is the best time to launch a Crypto Exchange in South Korea!
Here’s why entrepreneurial founders should consider entering the market now and how using a cryptocurrency exchange script can help.
- Growing Market & User Base: With 16+ million users already engaged, demand is strong. Many more will join the Korean crypto exchange in the next few years.
- Regulatory Clarity: Korean crypto regulation has matured. While strict, the path is clearer now for compliance, licensing, listing/delisting, and KYC/AML.
- Lower Barrier via Scripts: Rather than building an exchange from scratch, a cryptocurrency exchange script gives you a fast, cost‑efficient way to launch. Features like wallet integration, trading engine, KYC/AML, and admin panels are often built in.
- Potential Revenue: Market share can be captured rapidly with good UX, strong compliance, and trustworthy branding. Even in the first year, a well‑built, well‑regulated platform could attract corporate clients, gain liquidity, and become profitable.
Check out our Guaranteed Business Model for Crypto Exchange Script to download the business model in high resolution.
Using a script means minimal initial investment vs full custom development, faster regulatory alignment, and the ability to iterate quickly. If you build smartly, you can capture users who demand better security, reliability, and compliance in a rapidly expanding market.
What are you waiting for? Come and get Free Consultation from our experts to start your business Now!
