Author: Shirley, IOSG
Recently, a16z crypto opened an office in Seoul to provide Go-to-Market support for its portfolio companies across the Asia-Pacific region and is hiring regional leads to offer comprehensive support to project teams.
Following the previous research on "Focusing on the Chinese Crypto Market: A Brief Overview of the Web3 KOL and Agency Marketing Ecosystem," this article will focus on the South Korean market. Given South Korea's unique economic environment, rapid adoption of digital assets, and emerging regulatory framework, this report on local exchanges, media, institutions, research companies, and blockchain activities aims to provide valuable reference resources for investors, startups, community builders, and stakeholders.
1. Why is the South Korean market becoming increasingly important in the crypto space?
South Korea is widely regarded as a global cryptocurrency hotspot, with crypto trading deeply embedded in its financial culture. It has become one of the most vibrant cryptocurrency markets in the world. The year 2025 is set to be a decisive year for the industry. With over 16 million crypto users, a strong mobile adoption rate, and a tech-savvy population, South Korea's crypto landscape is thriving at an unprecedented pace.
Adoption Analysis
Analysis of South Korean Stock and Cryptocurrency Traders (2018-2025)
From 2018 to 2025, South Korea has experienced a significant shift in investment patterns. Stock traders increased from 5.6 million (10.8% of the population) to 14.1 million (27.3%), a growth of 152%. More notably, cryptocurrency traders skyrocketed from 2 million (3.9%) to 16.3 million (31.6%), marking a 715% increase. By 2025, cryptocurrency traders are expected to surpass stock traders for the first time, reflecting a significant shift in retail investment preferences.
▲ Trader Growth Trend (Millions)
▲ Population Penetration Rate (%)
Key Findings
# Stock Traders
Increased from 5.6 million (10.8% of the population) in 2018 to 14.1 million (27.3%) in 2025.
Experienced explosive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 (136.7%).
Remained relatively stable at around 14.2 million since 2021.
# Cryptocurrency Traders
Soared from 2 million (3.9% of the population) in 2018 to 16.3 million (31.6%) in 2025.
Achieved an astonishing growth of 715% over the entire period.
Experienced significant acceleration from 2024 to 2025, adding nearly 7 million traders.
For the first time, surpassed stock traders in 2025.
From 2024 to 2025, strong performance of Bitcoin, approval of U.S. ETFs, and Trump’s pro-crypto stance drove explosive growth. Cryptocurrency traders surged from 9.7 million to 16.3 million, surpassing stock traders for the first time in South Korean history, reflecting a fundamental shift in retail investment preferences.
The above data is sourced from the Korea Financial Investment Association (KFIA), Korea Securities Depository, Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Bank of Korea, Thornburg Investment Management, major cryptocurrency exchanges (Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, Gopax), and official government statistics. The number of stock traders represents unique individual investors with active accounts. The number of cryptocurrency traders represents verified users registered on exchanges. Population data is from the United Nations' "World Population Prospects 2024 Revision" and the Korean Statistical Office.
Beyond Stocks: Surge in Cryptocurrency Adoption in South Korea and Market Impact
According to FinTech Weekly, by March 2025, over 16 million people in South Korea already held cryptocurrency accounts, surpassing stock investors. The adoption of digital assets reached new heights following the elections, with the total number accounting for over 30% of the population. Among them, Upbit has approximately 5.4 million users (53% of the domestic market), Bithumb around 3.8 million users (37%), Coinone about 300,000 to 500,000 users (5%), and Korbit around 100,000 to 200,000 users (2%).
In terms of user numbers, the 16 million+ crypto users served by centralized exchanges in South Korea (over 30% of the country's population) account for about 3% of the estimated 560 million cryptocurrency owners/users globally in 2025. Notably, global data includes all cryptocurrency holders, most of whom use centralized exchanges, while South Korean users primarily utilize regulated local platforms.
Despite Bitcoin dominating the holdings, South Korea is becoming a major player in the fiat-to-crypto space globally. According to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis's report on the "2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index," while the U.S. remains the largest fiat deposit channel in the world with a total transaction volume exceeding $2.4 trillion—nearly four times that of the second-highest country—South Korea follows closely with an impressive transaction volume of $722 billion. This strong performance highlights the country's growing importance in the global crypto ecosystem. In comparison, the EU's fiat-to-crypto transaction volume is slightly below $250 billion, underscoring the scale of the South Korean market. Among the top 20 countries in the index, South Korea ranks 15th. With its rapid adoption and strategic position as one of the largest crypto hubs, South Korea continues to solidify its role as a key player in the global crypto economy.
▲ Source: Chainalysis
Exchange Analysis
The influence of South Korean cryptocurrency exchanges is growing not only regionally but also globally. Exchanges like Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone dominate trading volumes and continue to evolve under South Korea's robust regulatory framework. As of October 2025, local centralized exchanges account for about 1.9% of the global daily trading volume and approximately 3% of the total users of global centralized exchanges. However, when specifically measuring spot trading, South Korea's share reaches about 16% of the global centralized exchange spot trading volume, highlighting the country's significant influence in retail-driven fiat-to-crypto trading, despite its smaller proportion of total users.
▲ Trading Volume Analysis Global Comparison (Q4 2025) (asksurf.ai)
Compared to major global markets, South Korea maintains its leading position as a gateway for fiat-to-crypto transactions and leads in trading value in the Asia-Pacific region, thanks to an exceptionally high per capita adoption rate (30% vs. global 6.8%) and a highly active retail trading culture.
▲ South Korea vs. Major Market Comparison (Q4 2025) (asksurf.ai)
Regulatory Impact
South Korea is one of the first countries to establish a clear framework for trading and compliance. The government's stance has gone through different phases in its regulatory journey, each responding to market developments:
2017-2018: Suppression and Stabilization: Viewing crypto as a speculative threat, authorities implemented an ICO ban, margin trading ban, and anonymous account ban to safeguard financial stability.
2019-2021: Pragmatic Regulation: A shift towards controlled acceptance emerged. A strict AML/KYC framework was enforced, culminating in the enactment of the 2020 "Act on Reporting and Using Specific Financial Transaction Information," which established key reporting standards for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP).
2022-2023: Focus on Investor Protection: Triggered by significant events like the Terra-Luna collapse, this period prioritized consumer protection. The government introduced token security guidelines and over-the-counter brokerage rules, laying the groundwork for future institutional products.
2024-Present: Institutional Integration: Cryptocurrency has become a mainstream political and financial issue. The landmark "Digital Asset Basic Act" (DABA), passed in June 2025, established a comprehensive regulatory framework covering asset classification, issuance rules, stablecoins, and taxation. This period is characterized by a pursuit of balanced growth, with laws like the "Virtual Asset Users Protection Act" imposing strict penalties for misconduct.
This evolution reflects the government's ongoing learning process in crisis response, technological maturity, and recognition that cryptocurrency has become a permanent component of the financial landscape. To date, public figures, companies, and exchanges are also subject to disclosure and strict monitoring. South Korea is unlikely to quickly relax regulations but will continue to gradually refine policy standards, balancing investor protection and market growth. Over time, this may lead to expanded institutional participation, including banks providing digital asset services and securities firms engaging in tokenized financial products.
Over 16 million users hold approximately $70.3 billion (102.6 trillion KRW) in crypto assets, underscoring the undeniable market depth in South Korea. For any crypto project, entering the South Korean market is shifting from an option to a strategic necessity, especially before a Token Generation Event (TGE). In terms of market promotion, language and cultural barriers present significant challenges. Therefore, collaborating with local crypto participants is essential, particularly with media, GTM agencies, research firms, and even some key opinion leaders (KOLs).
2. Key Marketing Factors for Long-Term Success in the South Korean Market
# Realistic Success Expectations
Long-term success in South Korea depends on coordinated marketing with clear milestones. Agencies emphasize that at least 2-3 months are needed to build brand awareness and community engagement before listing, making it unrealistic to expect rapid trading volume increases in the first two months.
# Duration of Activities and User Attention
Activities lasting over three months may lose user attention due to market congestion and rapidly moving retail traders. Agencies aim to maintain momentum without dragging activities out too long.
# Focus on Brand Awareness and Community Building
Building brand awareness, attracting key opinion leaders (KOLs), issuing press releases, and community building—rather than solely focusing on increasing trading volume—can yield longer-term followers and project token holders.
# KOL Engagement
Establishing strong, meaningful relationships with KOLs requires activities, translations, and incentives such as whitelist spots to facilitate better project understanding and advocacy.
# Customized Marketing for Different Customer Types
Marketing services are tailored for pre-TGE, post-TGE, and B2B institutional clients:
Pre-TGE clients require 2-3 months of urgent, concentrated marketing support to establish market readiness in South Korea.
Post-TGE projects continue marketing to maintain momentum and assess team strength.
B2B clients focus on institutional outreach to gain exposure and professional events outside of retail channels.
According to agencies, projects like 0G and Sahara AI have benefited from institutional support, with agencies contributing up to 40% of their node sales. SUI grew from $0.4 to $4 in two years, highlighting the importance of close coordination between internal marketing, institutional alignment, and market-making strategies. The South Korean crypto market has a decentralized institutional and research landscape, with a few dominant players and varying reputations. In the following sections, I will briefly introduce the main local media, agencies, and research firms.
3. Introduction to Major Media Agencies
Crypto media in South Korea plays a crucial role in helping projects navigate the local market, offering unique advantages due to their deep understanding of Korean trends, regulatory environments, and cultural nuances. With a highly engaged and tech-savvy audience, South Korean crypto media provides tailored content that resonates with retail investors and institutional participants. The combination of extensive coverage and localized expertise, along with active community engagement, makes them essential partners for projects looking to successfully enter and thrive in South Korea. This section highlights several leading media agencies to help projects better understand the media landscape in this key market (in no particular order).
Followin (@followin_io)
# Overview
Followin is an AI-driven crypto news platform that aggregates the entire crypto internet—news, Twitter/X, KOL opinions, on-chain signals—and transforms them into a real-time trading intelligence source for retail investors. Founded in 2022, Followin has developed into Asia's leading crypto information infrastructure, with over 3 million users in the Asia-Pacific market and gaining momentum in South Korea. The platform stands out with its smarter AI news engine and provides trending topics and the fastest market movement signals.
# Key Features
Real-time news: Sub-second market-moving news and price-sensitive event alerts
Alpha signals: AI-curated early narratives, whale activities, and breakout opportunities
Social sentiment analysis: Tracking X/TG data and top KOL trading notifications to detect sentiment shifts
Earn and rewards: Participate in airdrop events, earn token rewards, and engage in tasks
# Services of Followin
Leveraging its massive retail traffic and extensive regional resource network, Followin successfully supports numerous crypto projects in achieving zero-to-one marketing growth in the Asia-Pacific market. Followin provides integrated Go-To-Market service layers for crypto projects across the Asia-Pacific, combining real-time media distribution, localized user growth solutions, and a deep KOL network into a unified launch and growth engine.
PR services: Breaking news, PR distribution, online events
Asia-Pacific user growth: One-stop solution with localized marketing strategies
KOL services: KOL, community, and exchange relations
Followin emphasizes regional partnerships, co-hosting events, and supporting the Web3 ecosystem. Its collaborations help expand media influence, strengthen crypto brands, and promote community building across Asia. The platform's PR services, professional KOL connections, and multilingual channel support enable crypto projects to reach new audiences and enhance brand awareness.
# Core Competitive Advantages
High-quality retail trading users: 3 million+ users on app and web, 1.7 million+ users on social channels
Regional and multilingual focus: Real-time translation supporting English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, covering key markets in South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and China
Asia-Pacific network: Deep connections with KOLs, media, and communities
Followin is Asia's leading mobile AI aggregator, leveraging the region's high mobile penetration and multilingual needs among retail traders. By integrating a vast array of information sources, Followin perfectly caters to traders who prioritize speed over analysis. With strong regional partnerships, the platform demonstrates effective community building and ecosystem support. (📲 App: https://followin.io/download)
Coinness (@CoinNess_)
# Overview
Founded in 2018, Coinness is the largest crypto media and community platform in South Korea by user base, operating as a major real-time news wire for the industry. The platform serves over 1 million monthly active users, 150,000+ daily active users, and 300,000 registered community members, making it the preferred choice for breaking crypto news and project exposure.
Coinness operates a network service while maintaining a mobile app-centric approach, successfully building a large-scale app-based crypto news and community platform—an achievement unmatched by traditional web-centric media in South Korea. In terms of mobile app traffic, Coinness ranks just behind the country's two largest exchanges, Upbit and Bithumb, and leads among non-exchange crypto platforms.
# Key Features and Services
Breaking news: 24/7 real-time news updates on the homepage, ensuring concise and impactful news dissemination
News area PR: Traditional PR articles with in-depth insights pinned at the top of the news area to enhance visibility
Research: Detailed articles exploring the technical aspects of crypto projects
Interviews: Text-based interviews conducted in a Q&A format
Popup banners: Partners can display promotional banners on the platform to increase visibility
CoinNess Night Live (CNL): Interactive AMA events held in the Coinness Telegram community, averaging over 1,000 KYC-verified participants
Price aggregation: Real-time digital asset prices, including liquidation rates, long/short ratios, funding rates, and detailed market data on open contracts
# Core Competitive Advantages
Real-time Asian market intelligence: Coinness focuses on sub-minute reporting of activities on Korean exchanges (like Bithumb and Upbit) and tracks regulatory developments across Asia. This provides traders with a competitive edge, especially for arbitrage and market regulatory insights.
Integrated news into trading processes: By combining breaking news alerts with real-time trading (spot and futures), Coinness offers a seamless user experience from news discovery to position execution.
Deep expertise in the Korean market: With over 7 years of focus on the Korean market, Coinness maintains unparalleled depth in local crypto culture, regulatory nuances, and community preferences, which is difficult for global competitors to replicate.
Mobile-first architecture: The platform is optimized for mobile devices, offering push notifications, customizable alerts, and offline reading, catering to Asia's high mobile penetration and outperforming web-based competitors in the region.
# Key Differentiators
- Unlike traditional web-based media, Coinness applies strict monthly active user (MAU) standards, counting only actively engaged users rather than one-time page visitors. This approach provides stronger and more reliable performance in terms of traffic, page views, and user engagement, establishing a clear data-driven advantage in the domestic crypto media landscape. This data credibility has been recognized by leading institutions, allowing Coinness to collaborate on advertising campaigns with major enterprises like Kakao Bank, Hanwha Investment & Securities, and Bithumb—an achievement rarely realized by Web3 native media platforms.
Coinness provides 24/7 coverage of cryptocurrency and blockchain developments, offering real-time breaking news, market analysis, price indices, and professional insights. Its breaking news is distributed through over 30 API partners, including exchanges and media platforms, and is widely and naturally cited by traditional media and crypto KOLs, enabling information to spread rapidly throughout the industry.
As Asia's leading mobile-first crypto media aggregator, Coinness combines speed, cultural relevance, and integrated trading functionalities to capture regional markets. The platform's success lies in its ability to provide active Asian traders with real-time, actionable information. Coinness's deep roots in the local market and seamless integration of news and trading tools make it Asia's leading real-time crypto media platform.
Blockmedia (@with_blockmedia)
# Overview
Blockmedia was launched in 2017 and defines itself as South Korea's first blockchain media, leading the market in the crypto field and ranking high in the crypto category. It is a media organization dedicated to educating and engaging audiences in blockchain and cryptocurrency. Initially an online media platform, Blockmedia now interacts with investors through various channels, including YouTube, Telegram, and X. The platform has gained widespread recognition through its annual "BlockFesta" conference, which attracts global blockchain projects. With over 36K social followers and 58.7K YouTube subscribers, Blockmedia maintains 4 million monthly active users and stands out for its comprehensive real-time reporting, global project interviews, and original research, solidifying its market leadership in the region.
# Key Services and Features
Press Releases: Publish press releases on Blockmedia, distributed to Telegram (35K followers), including translation and editing. Enhance visibility through Google SEO, Naver, and Telegram.
Featured Articles: In-depth research articles provided by the Blockmedia production team, offering insights into partner projects, published on Blockmedia's official channels and CoinMarketCap.
Interviews (Video/Text): Video and text interviews produced by the team. Published on YouTube (58.7K subscribers) and shared on Telegram and Twitter.
External Distribution: Distributed through other Web3 media organizations to maximize coverage and visibility among retail traders and users.
KOL Bridging: Blockmedia screens top KOL collaborations to enhance content promotion and marketing campaigns, tailoring content and budgets for each KOL.
# Platform Highlights
News and Market Reporting: Real-time updates on crypto and stock markets, in-depth coverage of technology, industry trends, and major announcements.
Regulatory Expertise: Detailed reporting on South Korean regulations, including updates on stablecoins and local market policies.
Interviews/Profiles: CEO interviews, live events, and market analysis from industry leaders.
Research: Proprietary reports on token analysis, investment insights, DeFi protocol security, market dynamics, and forecasts, developed in collaboration with other research firms.
Excellence in Video Content: The YouTube channel maintains 58.7K subscribers, with a total of 9.65 million views across 3,744 videos, including daily content such as Federal Reserve rate analysis and protocol deep dives.
Real-time Information Stream: Hourly news updates via Telegram, delivering market data and breaking news alerts in real-time.
# Competitive Advantages
Outstanding Regulatory Reporting: Blockmedia provides exceptional in-depth reporting on South Korean regulations, real-time event updates, and institutional intelligence. Its regulatory analysis goes beyond simple news content aggregation, offering insights unmatched by competitors.
Original Research: Blockmedia produces targeted research through a team of professional analysts, providing exclusive market reports and insights.
Leadership in Video Content: With its "블미 TV" channel, Blockmedia leads in video content, offering daily updates and technical deep dives on global projects and Federal Reserve rates, distinguishing itself from local competitors.
Comprehensive Multimedia Reporting: Unlike other leading mobile-first media platforms, Blockmedia excels in web-based multimedia content, combining traffic performance with content depth.
Blockmedia's balanced strategy, combining high traffic performance, proprietary research, and multimedia interaction, makes it a leading platform for institutional investors and retail cryptocurrency audiences in South Korea. The platform's outstanding regulatory coverage and original research make it a preferred source for mature investors and Web3 projects seeking broad exposure and in-depth insights. Blockmedia continues to lead in web-based reporting, serving a diverse audience through comprehensive news, interviews, videos, and research content.
Bloomingbit 블루밍비트 (@bloomingbit_io)
# Overview
Bloomingbit (블루밍비트) is a well-known cryptocurrency and blockchain media platform in South Korea. Established as part of South Korea's largest financial media group, Hankyung Media Group (whose core publication is The Korea Economic Daily), Bloomingbit focuses on providing reliable real-time news and insights for crypto investors, emphasizing clarity and usability in content to help users make informed decisions without sifting through scattered information. The platform positions itself as a starting point for cryptocurrency investment, offering carefully curated reports by dedicated blockchain journalists for both Korean and international audiences, providing bilingual content. Its team consists of writers and editors targeting the global English-speaking market, transforming complex stories into easily understandable English for readers.
# Key Features
Real-time news updates, expert-curated market trend analyses, and an easy-to-use interface that allows users to gather cryptocurrency information at a glance.
Supports mobile access through its app, transforming complex stories into actionable insights and integrating social media sharing features to expand reach.
In-depth analyses, such as Bitcoin predictions for 2026, large transaction reports, and analyses of economic intersections.
Offers various types of cryptocurrency content: token issuance by startups, coins listed on exchanges, product releases by developers, PR firms collaborating with crypto clients, projects conducting IDOs or ICOs, DAO governance, etc.
# Main Services of Bloomingbit
Organic News Releases: Editor-selected content (not driven by advertising) (e.g., token releases, technical updates, industry collaborations, public events, and reports).
Paid Content Placement: Promotional or timely content (e.g., exchange listings, token sales, product launches, AMA announcements).
Press Release Publishing: Enhances press release SEO and correctly tags for long-term search engine ranking (e.g., company updates, financial reports, investor news, security audits, protocol changes).
Bloomingbit's services cover comprehensive news reporting on blockchain, Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, DeFi, Web3, altcoins, regulatory developments, exchange activities (such as Upbit, Bithumb), and global trends, typically focusing on the South Korean market.
# Core Competitive Advantages
Credibility and Support from Traditional Media: As part of Hankyung, Bloomingbit benefits from established journalistic standards and a broad financial network, allowing it to stand out among other independent media. This provides Bloomingbit with an advantage in attracting serious investors.
Curated Insights and User-Centric Content: Bloomingbit emphasizes actionable stories selected by journalists, contrasting with the rapid updates of other media that may overwhelm users with information. Distribution channels include Upbit, Bithumb, Tradingview, hankyung.com, Naver News, etc.
Events and Leadership: Bloomingbit actively participates in conferences such as Korea Investment Week, highlighting its influence and attracting investors through market integration forecasts and economic analyses, especially in the context of high cryptocurrency traffic in South Korea (leading in Asia).
Bloomingbit combines the support of traditional media, curated content, and bilingual accessibility, making it a reliable source of crypto information in South Korea. While it may not have the highest traffic among major platforms, its partnership with South Korea's largest economic journal, Hankyung, and support from local investment firm Hashed provide it with significant advantages in credibility and depth, gaining exposure among institutions. As a subsidiary of Hankyung, Bloomingbit is gradually gaining more momentum in the market.
TokenPost (@tokenpost)
# Overview
TokenPost is South Korea's pioneering blockchain and digital asset media platform. Established in 2017, it is the country's first specialized blockchain media organization, and TokenPost has developed into a comprehensive platform connecting the domestic and international blockchain industries, emphasizing trust, global coverage, and professionalism in reporting. With over 5.2 million monthly visits, 16.4 million page views, and over 1.1 million newsletter subscriptions, it has become a leading domestic blockchain media outlet, providing fact-based insights on cryptocurrencies, DeFi, AI, Web3, policies, and industry trends, rather than mere hype.
# Key Features
Large scale and coverage: Attracts over 5.2 million visits and 16.4 million page views monthly, demonstrating strong user loyalty through high and direct traffic performance.
Bilingual and global focus: Provides content in Korean and English, expanding to markets like Thailand to facilitate international users' access to and understanding of South Korean cryptocurrency news and trends.
Innovative tools and integration: Offers real-time price tracking (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, HBAR, BNB, XRP), blockchain notarization articles to ensure transparency, KOL indices to measure the influence of opinion leaders, and audio analysis through the TokenPost podcast.
Data-driven analysis: Provides TPI (TokenPost Index) for market trend assessment and collaborates with data providers like Kaiko and Messari for in-depth research.
# Main Services
News Dissemination: Provides objective, fact-based reporting on blockchain, crypto markets, DeFi, AI, Web3, regulatory updates, and security issues, including breaking news and exclusive interviews.
Research and Insights: Offers in-depth market analysis, hidden market insights, and educational content through a knowledge encyclopedia, lowering the entry barrier for users.
Portfolio Management Tools: South Korea's first integrated crypto portfolio service, allowing users to track assets across exchanges, simulate strategies, view performance rankings, and receive customized news.
Community and Events: Hosts interactive forums, reward-based lounges, and offline events such as roadshows, providing industry education and networking opportunities.
# Core Competitive Advantages
TokenPost stands out among leading media organizations through its top traffic rankings, innovative tools, and its role as a bridge connecting local and global markets.
Scale and Coverage: With a large number of monthly visitors and strong domestic traffic, it also has broader international access, surpassing competitors.
Innovation and Practicality: TokenPost's portfolio management tools, blockchain notarization, and KOL index make it more than just a news platform, providing practical user value that competitors lack. TokenPost combines data analysis and simulation tools for deeper user engagement, aligning with its positioning as "smart media."
Content Depth and Expertise: Focusing on insights, exclusive interviews, and research (e.g., collaborations with Kaiko and Messari), TokenPost offers objective analysis, steering clear of hype. Its event hosting (such as the Onchain Symposium) and policy focus enhance its thought leadership in the market.
Global and Partnership Focus: Expanding into the Thai market and establishing partnerships with companies like Crypto.com and Chiliz positions TokenPost as a leader among local media.
Overall, TokenPost, with its vast scale, user-centric tools, and profound content, has become a pioneer in driving sustainable ecosystem development in South Korea's dynamic crypto market, leading in traffic and innovation while bridging the gap with global audiences.
IV. Introduction to Major Go-To-Market Agencies
The role of marketing agencies in South Korea's cryptocurrency market is self-evident, with many high-performing agencies—some of which prefer to remain anonymous—playing a key role. Here, we highlight three agencies based on existing data and information: INF CryptoLab, 071Labs, and DeSpread, particularly emphasizing their capabilities in cryptocurrency marketing. For more information about the agencies, feel free to contact us. (Order is not indicative of priority)
INF CryptoLab (@INF_CryptoLab)
# Overview
INF CryptoLab is a leading Web3 accelerator and marketing company in South Korea, known for its rapid success since its establishment in 2020. As one of the largest marketing agencies in Korea, INF has built a strong reputation for helping crypto projects navigate and thrive in the South Korean market.
# Key Services
KOL Marketing and Management
Brand story building and strategic planning to ensure ongoing brand presence.
Identifying top-performing KOLs to achieve maximum results with minimal expenditure.
Tailored content and continuous exposure, not limited to one-time content releases.
Effect tracking through actionable data.
Research and Education
Providing comprehensive research across Web2/Web3 platforms, media, and academia.
Offering online and offline educational content to enhance market awareness.
SEO/SEM and Blogging
- Collaborating with leading blogging KOLs to enhance visibility on search engines, focusing on platforms like NAVER.
Traditional and Crypto PR
Expertise in selecting suitable media partners to ensure broad exposure.
Comprehensive coverage across more than 20 media outlets on Web2 and Web3 platforms.
Event Organization (Online and Offline)
Extensive experience in organizing crypto events, including online interactive events, AMAs, offline conferences, and hackathons.
YouTube/TV interviews: Providing opportunities for projects to be featured on top Korean startup YouTube channels.
Community Management
- Managing and building Korean Telegram communities, driving engagement through KOL support and localized activities.
# Key Partners
INF CryptoLab has collaborated with top global Web3 projects, including Sui, Avalanche, Injective, NEO, Openledger, Sahara, Magic Labs, Walrus, and more. They have also established partnerships with well-known companies such as Uniswap, Mantle, 0g Labs, Orbiter Finance, Oasys, Hashkey Global, Plume, Kite AI, RedStone, ZKPass, Jito, and Pyth.
# Notable Success Cases
SUI: Exclusive marketing partner in Korea, collaborating for over 2.5 years with multiple projects on the SUI platform.
0G Labs: Contributed 30% of its node sales through KOL influence.
Aethir: Led market entry strategies for tokens and products, generating revenue for Korean institutions.
Hyundai Card Conference: Successfully collaborated with Hyundai Card to host events.
Kite AI: Enhanced brand awareness in the Korean market through the KOL+INF focus model and secured listing opportunities in Korea.
INF CryptoLab offers flexible, high-quality services with a team of freelance KOLs based on contracts. Their customized service packages cover both Web2 and Web3 channels, ensuring overseas projects successfully enter the South Korean market.
071Labs (@071_labs)
# Overview
071 Labs is a leading GTM incubator and venture capital firm in South Korea, known for its large client base and market influence. By leveraging innovative blockchain technology, investments, and diversified business models, 071 Labs supports the growth of blockchain startups and promising projects. 071 Labs works closely with project teams, KOLs, and media to help turn ideas into reality, positioning its partners at the forefront of the digital economy.
# Key Services
KOL Ambassador Programs and Corporate Alliances
- Curating and managing KOL ambassador programs and alliances to enhance project visibility and credibility.
PR and Media Promotion
- Publishing PR content and articles in both the crypto space and traditional mainstream media to enhance brand presence and ensure strategic media exposure.
Community Building and Viral Marketing
- Establishing and managing online communities, conducting viral marketing campaigns to boost engagement and awareness in the South Korean market.
YouTube Content Creation
- Developing and producing YouTube content to promote projects and reach a wider audience.
Blogging, Editorial Services, and SEO
- Content creation, blog publishing, and SEO strategies to improve online visibility and drive traffic growth for projects.
# Key Case Studies/Performance Records
Perp DEX Growth: Driven billions in trading volume growth for perpetual DEX partners.
Korean Node Distribution: Generated $2 million in node sales for projects like Aethir, Carv, Delysium, and Moonveil.
Web2 to On-Chain User Acquisition: Helped bring Web2 users on-chain—making Korea the second-largest market for Catizen, generating $1 million in game revenue within 8 months.
Founder Exposure (Web2 Retail Coverage): Secured traditional media interviews for founders to enhance their digital presence and reach the Web2 retail market.
PMF Support for Web2 Companies: Built and promoted the Tada mini-app, supporting Tada's service products and refining PMF (Product-Market Fit).
# Marketing and Portfolio
071 Labs collaborates with top blockchain projects in marketing, including:
Catizen, UXLink, Blum, Pendle, Vana, Aethir, Carv, TON, Metis, VeChain, Ultiverse, Hooked Protocol, MVL, Navi Protocol, Scallop, Delysium, Sleepless, Tellor, Particle Network, Farcana, Prom, Metacean, Hippocrat, Sahara AI, io.net, GoPlus, Sonic, Aster, OpenEden.
In terms of investment, they include:
Particle Network, Catizen, UXLink, Zerobase, Solv, Nubit, Aria, Vanila Finance, Multiple Network, Aimeme, OpenEden, Aster, Momentum, Moss, Tria, Billions.
As South Korea's largest GTM incubator and venture capital firm, 071 Labs provides a comprehensive ecosystem for blockchain projects, covering all aspects from financing and marketing to community building and viral growth. They have Dokdo DAO (the largest KOL DAO in Korea with over 50,000 members) and Blockstreet (a crypto PR/media agency in Korea with 4,000 daily active users), providing a competitive advantage in the market.
By pioneering blockchain technology and reshaping the cryptocurrency ecosystem, 071 Labs creates innovative business models and unlocks new opportunities. They focus on collaborating with innovators, creatives, and dreamers to accelerate startup growth through strategic investments, technical expertise, and partnerships. 071 Labs is committed to ensuring long-term innovation and market leadership, establishing a sustainable foundation for the future of the digital economy. As architects in the blockchain field, they are the ideal partners for projects seeking to revolutionize the industry.
DeSpread (@DeSpreadTeam)
# Overview
Founded in 2019, DeSpread is currently one of the largest Web3 growth studios in terms of client scale and market influence, providing Go-To-Market (GTM) strategic consulting for blockchain projects in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. DeSpread has over 30 experts and has been at the forefront of continuous innovation in the Korean Web3 GTM space. To date, DeSpread has supported over 100 global blockchain projects without relying on external investment. The agency is recognized for driving Web3 growth in Korea through data-driven strategies, helping overseas projects successfully enter the South Korean market.
# Key Services
Brand Consulting
Customizing GTM strategies based on market insights and narrative development.
Providing consulting on Web3 product-market fit (PMF) and brand building.
Building local partnerships and providing ecosystem support for market entry.
Growth Strategy and Media Communication
Data-driven product growth and marketing strategy consulting.
Media relations management, crisis PR, and social media strategy.
Comprehensive online/offline event operations and media distribution.
Research and Market Insights
Providing in-depth market research reports and data-driven insights.
Helping clients track industry trends and establish valuable connections.
Validator Services
- Validators and infrastructure: Operating mainnet validators for multiple networks, including Hyperliquid, Berachain, Story, Monad, Stacks, and Avail, while also serving as LST validators on Berachain, Hyperliquid, and Monad, providing reliable technical support for the region.
DAT (Digital Asset Treasury) Strategist
Pioneering various opportunities for Digital Asset Treasuries (DAT) in South Korea.
Connecting global DAT investors with top financial institutions in Korea.
Developing customized asset acquisition strategies for investors with different risk appetites and providing tailored solutions.
# Key Partners and Cases
As one of the earliest and longest-standing GTM companies in South Korea, DeSpread initially collaborated with projects like Solana, Stacks, The Sandbox, and Filecoin. Over time, their partner list has expanded to include successful cases such as Aptos, Sui, Arbitrum, Berachain, Soneium, Story, Babylon, and Gensyn.
As a deep ecosystem participant, DeSpread is committed to promoting comprehensive GTM strategies through a dual-track framework:
Matching on-chain product providers with existing and potential on-chain user demands.
Connecting projects with decision-makers through education and relationships. These goals are based on their core services—brand consulting, growth strategy, research, and validator services—strategically incorporating DAT coverage as a special tool within the ecosystem to facilitate institutional collaboration and business practicality.
DeSpread has also expanded its user adoption capabilities for retail and bulk through the DATCON2025 conference, achieving overall GTM coverage for users and investors.
V. Introduction to Major Research Companies
Korean exchanges heavily rely on reports produced by research companies during project listing due diligence, highlighting the importance of neutral and credible research for market participants. Represented by Four Pillars, Tiger Research, and Xangle, the research company ecosystem in Korea is becoming a powerful force shaping its cryptocurrency market. (Order is not indicative of priority)
FourPillars (@FourPillarsFP)
# Overview
FourPillars is one of the fastest-growing crypto research companies in Asia, headquartered in Seoul, focusing on providing professional, data-driven analysis for institutions and crypto natives. The company was founded with the intention of delivering high-quality industry insights, aiming to shape the blockchain narrative in Asia through research, infrastructure, and influence. FourPillars has a professional research team that is expanding its influence beyond Korea, covering English-speaking countries and the broader Asian market.
# Core Business and Highlights
FourPillars' core business revolves around producing in-depth research to bridge the gap between institutional investors and the crypto ecosystem. The company collaborates with blockchain projects to promote ecosystem growth, including business expansion and developer opportunities in Korea. They have also launched a validator brand - FP Validated to facilitate ecosystem development.
Research reports and articles: Providing comprehensive guides and outlook analysis reports that are neutral in content, aimed at builders, retail investors, and institutional investors.
Validator services: Launching theory-driven blockchain validators for L1/L2 blockchains, targeting investors and traders.
Data-driven tools: Providing public dashboards for crypto projects to analyze and showcase key metrics.
Ecosystem contributions: Promoting global projects entering the Korean market through event reviews and project collaboration initiatives.
# Advantages and Conclusion
FourPillars focuses on institutional-grade, forward-looking research, providing in-depth technical analysis (e.g., ZK proofs, real-world assets (RWAs), ecosystem outlooks). Their research aims to assist crypto natives in strategic planning, while their narrative-driven approach combines technical depth with actionable insights to drive ecosystem development. This focus sets FourPillars apart in the competitive landscape.
Selective validators: Operating top validators only on vetted chains.
Verified product-market fit: Research has demonstrated clear market applicability.
Scalable growth: Validators are used for strategic expansion rather than diluting core business focus.
Trusted by industry leaders: Widely trusted by founders, funds, and communities.
First-mover advantage: A pioneer in shaping the institutional-grade crypto narrative in Korea.
Expanding regional influence: Extending their influence across the broader Asian region.
TigerResearch (@tiger_research)
# Overview
Tiger Research is a Korean research and consulting company focused on the Web3 and blockchain space, with an emphasis on the Asian market. Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Seoul, it has branches in key cities such as Tokyo, Hanoi, and Jakarta, expanding its business in regions like Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and China. Tiger Research provides comprehensive solutions for global Web3 projects to enter and expand in the Asian market, leveraging deep local market understanding to help projects succeed in Asia.
# Core Business and Highlights
Tiger Research positions itself as a "guide" for global Web3 projects in Asia, offering a comprehensive, execution-oriented market entry approach. The company combines bottom-up market research with results-oriented business strategies to minimize risks and help clients accelerate growth. Tiger Research emphasizes long-term partnerships, problem-solving capabilities, and utilizes local networks to create sustainable success in complex markets.
Market research and reports: Providing customized, in-depth reports covering regulations, market trends, and ecosystem dynamics. These reports are published bi-weekly, tracking the latest developments in countries like Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Business development and consulting: Offering tailored Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, compliance guidance, and market entry solutions. Daily tracking of government policies and trends in target regions.
Partnerships and ecosystem building: Leveraging over 30 local partners to promote collaboration and create synergies. For example, co-publishing reports on the Southeast Asian market with other research companies. Also serving as a research partner for events like Malaysia Blockchain Week.
# Advantages and Conclusion
Tiger Research stands out through its practical, execution-focused approach and regional expertise, distinguishing itself in the Korean crypto research field from data-centric global companies. The firm provides customized research reports covering regulations, market trends, and business dynamics, focusing on practical execution rather than mere concepts. This emphasis on delivering results enables clients to adapt quickly and expand in fast-evolving markets.
Tiger Research offers end-to-end solutions, from market analysis to complete Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, helping clients minimize risks and accelerate growth. With multi-regional business coverage, a strong local network, and a trust-building philosophy, Tiger Research has become a practical and reliable partner for Web3 growth in Asia. By prioritizing actionable insights and long-term partnerships, Tiger Research can help clients navigate complex regional markets and achieve sustainable success.
Xangle (@Xangle_official)
# Overview
Xangle is a Korean Web3 research and infrastructure company focused on providing institutional-grade market research, on-chain ecosystem infrastructure, and transparency tools for the Web3 ecosystem. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Seoul, Xangle is widely regarded as a key analytical reference point in the Korean crypto market, which is one of the largest crypto trading centers globally. Xangle's mission is to support businesses and investors through data-driven decision-making while ensuring compliance.
# Core Business and Highlights
Xangle's work is research-based, which supports its broader role in ecosystem transparency and infrastructure development. Its core activities include protocol layer analysis, research publication, and operating on-chain infrastructure such as blockchain explorers and validator nodes.
Research and market intelligence: Providing institutional-grade research covering regulatory updates and future outlooks, which can be accessed by institutional users through platforms like Bloomberg Terminal.
Protocol disclosure and information standards: Maintaining a standardized disclosure framework focused on accurately conveying blockchain project protocol mechanisms, governance structures, and token designs.
Blockchain explorers and ecosystem infrastructure: Designing and operating official blockchain explorers and ecosystem hubs, providing integrated on-chain data access, governance information, and ecosystem overviews for L1 and L2 networks.
Validators and on-chain operations: Operating validator infrastructure for selected blockchain networks, supporting network security and governance participation.
# Advantages and Conclusion
Xangle stands out through its quantitative on-chain data and institutional-level integration, positioning itself as a leading platform for real-time analysis and compliance in the Asian crypto market. Unlike other qualitative or consulting-oriented companies, Xangle provides research based on empirical data, with a particular focus on regulatory alignment and market transparency, making it especially suitable for Korea's stringent crypto environment. Its data reliability, regulatory focus, and global integration make Xangle a valuable tool for institutions, exchanges, and crypto projects in Asia's competitive crypto market.
VI. Introduction to Major Blockchain Conferences in Korea and Strategic Value Assessment
The blockchain conference ecosystem in Korea is mature and diverse, with major events categorized into global summits, exchange-led developer conferences, technology-oriented builder meetups, and government-supported regional activities. Below is a detailed introduction to six major conferences, covering key information such as conference overview, organizers, target audience, and impact assessment. The strategic value of sponsoring these events for project token listings on major Korean exchanges (such as Upbit or Bithumb) and enhancing project brand awareness in Korea will also be emphasized.
Overview of Major Blockchain Conferences in Korea
# Korea Blockchain Week (KBW)
KBW is the largest and most internationally influential annual blockchain event in Korea, held every year since 2018. It is not only an industry conference but also a week-long Web3 festival, centered around the flagship conference "IMPACT."
Organizer: FACTBLOCK (founder and host), along with institutions like Hashed (a major crypto venture capital firm).
Target Audience: Global Web3 leaders, top developers, international investors, corporate executives, and general crypto enthusiasts.
Impact Assessment: KBW is the primary bridge connecting global projects with the Korean market. It boasts the highest media exposure and the broadest international participation, making it the preferred platform for building networks in both global and Korean markets.
# Upbit D Conference (UDC)
UDC is a global blockchain conference hosted by Dunamu, the operator of Korea's largest cryptocurrency exchange, Upbit. Originally named the "Upbit Developer Conference," it has now expanded to cover multiple areas such as technology, policy, and industry trends.
Organizer: Dunamu (operator of Upbit).
Target Audience: Blockchain developers, industry experts, regulatory representatives, and stakeholders interested in the Upbit ecosystem.
Impact Assessment: UDC holds the highest direct strategic value for projects seeking to list on Upbit. It is a non-profit event aimed at promoting ecosystem development, and a project’s appearance at UDC is seen as a strong signal of Upbit's recognition of its technical and ecological value.
# ETH Seoul
ETH Seoul is an annual developer event focused on the Ethereum ecosystem, typically featuring hackathons and technical summits. It is the core event for the Ethereum global community in Korea.
Organizer: Supported by institutions like KryptoPlanet and Dunamu.
Target Audience: Ethereum developers, researchers, DeFi/NFT protocol teams, and Ethereum enthusiasts.
Impact Assessment: It is one of the purest technical developer gatherings in Korea. For projects built on Ethereum, ETH Seoul is a key platform for showcasing technical innovation, attracting the core developer community in Korea, and gaining attention from global institutions like the Ethereum Foundation.
# BUIDL Asia
BUIDL Asia is a technology-oriented conference focused on "builders" and protocol development. Its core value lies in high-quality technical exchanges and community building.
Organizer: KryptoPlanet and others.
Target Audience: Core developers, blockchain researchers, protocol teams, and projects focused on technological innovation.
Impact Assessment: It enjoys a strong reputation within the Korean developer community and is an excellent venue for projects to showcase their technical capabilities and code quality. For technology-driven projects, gaining recognition at BUIDL Asia helps them stand out during technical evaluations by exchanges.
# Blockchain Week in Busan (BWB)
BWB is a regional event supported by the Busan city government, aimed at promoting Busan's vision of becoming a "blockchain city."
Organizer: Busan Digital Asset Nexus (BDAN), supported by the Busan city government and major media groups.
Target Audience: Institutional leaders, regulatory officials, local government representatives, and projects focused on RWA (real-world assets) and STO (security token offerings).
Impact Assessment: It has a strong regulatory and institutional background. For projects seeking to collaborate with traditional financial institutions in Korea or focusing on compliance tracks like RWA and STO, BWB provides a unique touchpoint.
▲ Comparison of Major Blockchain Conferences in Korea
Strategic Assessment of Sponsoring Events for Token Listings and Brand Building
In Korea, token listings and brand building are highly specialized and regulated processes. Sponsoring top blockchain conferences is not a direct "pass" for listings, but it is an indispensable strategic step that can significantly enhance a project's competitiveness in exchange evaluations.
# Enhancing Brand Awareness and Local Legitimacy
The Korean market has high demands for localization and "local legitimacy."
Building Trust: Sponsoring major conferences, especially UDC and KBW, which have strong influence in Korea, sends a signal to Korean investors and regulators that the project is financially sound and committed to the Korean market.
Media Exposure: Local media coverage of these conferences is very dense. By sponsoring and speaking at the conferences, projects can gain high-quality media exposure, directly reaching the Korean cryptocurrency community.
Technical Endorsement: Participation in ETH Seoul or BUIDL Asia can provide strong technical endorsement for projects. Korean exchanges (especially Upbit) place great importance on a project's technical foundation, and active participation in these hardcore technical conferences is a strong testament to technical strength.
# Facilitating Token Listings on Exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb
Korea's top five exchanges (Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, Gopax) form the Digital Asset Exchange Alliance (DAXA) and follow a unified set of self-regulatory listing and delisting guidelines. For example:
A. Strategic Focus for Upbit Listings: UDC and ETH Seoul
Upbit, operated by Dunamu, emphasizes "service proof" and "developer proof" in its listing evaluations.
UDC: Provides the most direct connection to the Upbit ecosystem.
ETH Seoul: For Ethereum ecosystem projects, deep participation at ETH Seoul (such as sponsoring hackathons) can attract the attention of Upbit's technical team, as Upbit closely monitors technological advancements in the Ethereum ecosystem.
B. Strategic Focus for Bithumb Listings: KBW
Bithumb places more emphasis on liquidity, community engagement, and market demand.
KBW: The best stage to showcase a project's global influence and attract attention from local retail investors/market makers in Korea.
Xangle Adoption: Demonstrating collaboration with major Korean enterprises to prove the project's commercial sustainability, meeting Bithumb's strict quality requirements for projects.
# Strategic Summary
Sponsoring Korea's top blockchain conferences is a key part of a project's strategy to enter the Korean market, and sponsorship fees should be viewed as an investment in marketing and public relations. This investment helps projects stand out among numerous applicants in the competitive and highly regulated Korean market, winning favor from exchanges. Korean blockchain conferences are strategic high grounds for projects entering this market. Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) offers the broadest network, Upbit D Conference (UDC) holds the highest value for Upbit listings, ETH Seoul and BUIDL Asia provide indispensable technical endorsements, and BWB offers support in corporate collaboration and regulatory compliance. By strategically sponsoring and participating in these events, projects can significantly enhance their brand awareness in Korea and lay a solid foundation of local legitimacy, technical strength, and institutional trust to meet the increasingly stringent listing evaluation standards of exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb.
VII. Final Thoughts
The increasing influence of the Korean crypto ecosystem has made it a key market that anyone interested in the future of Web3 should pay attention to.
By 2025, Korea's crypto ecosystem has experienced rapid development, benefiting from technological advancements and prudent yet progressive regulatory policies. The country has one of the largest bases of retail investors globally, with millions of active users and trading volumes comparable to traditional stock markets. Korea's unique crypto culture, characterized by enthusiasm and pragmatic regulatory measures, is fostering a safer and more compliant market.
As a significant global crypto hub, Korea offers tremendous opportunities for international investors. However, to succeed in this market, overseas projects must closely collaborate with local crypto players—including media, GTM agencies, research companies, event organizers, and even individual KOLs. These partnerships are crucial for understanding the unique cultural differences, regulatory environment, and market dynamics of the Korean market. Local institutions can help tailor marketing strategies, while research companies provide valuable insights and data to ensure compliance and market relevance. Events like Korea Blockchain Week also offer valuable opportunities to help international projects connect with local stakeholders and bridge the gap between domestic and foreign participants. At the same time, local companies are eager to collaborate with international projects, making the Korean market highly receptive to foreign initiatives.
Despite ongoing challenges such as complex regulations, exchange dominance, and competition for market share, Korea continues to solidify its important position in the crypto space, demonstrating how smart regulation can parallel rapid adoption. Its growing influence highlights Korea as a key market for successfully entering the Asian and even global markets for Web3 projects. Building relationships with local players is not just an advantage—it is a prerequisite for successfully entering the Korean crypto market.
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