Original Article Title: "IOSG Weekly Brief | Cryptocurrency Marketing Ecosystem Research: Focus on the Korean Market"

Original Article Author: Shirley, IOSG Ventures

Recently, a16z crypto opened an office in Seoul to provide market (Go-to-Market) support for its portfolio companies, covering the Asia-Pacific region. They have also hired a regional lead with local expertise to provide comprehensive support to projects.

Following a previous study on "Focus on the Chinese Cryptocurrency Market: A Quick Look at the Web3 KOL and Agency Marketing Ecosystem," this article will focus on the Korean market. Given Korea's unique economic environment, rapid digital asset adoption, and emerging regulatory framework, this report on local exchanges, media, institutions, research firms, and blockchain events aims to provide valuable reference resources for investors, startups, community builders, and stakeholders.

Why Has the Korean Market Become Increasingly Important in the Crypto Space?

South Korea is widely regarded as a global cryptocurrency hotspot, with cryptocurrency trading deeply ingrained in its financial culture. It has become one of the world's most vibrant cryptocurrency markets. 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for the industry. With over 16 million crypto users, high mobile adoption, and a tech-savvy population, Korea's crypto landscape is thriving at an unprecedented pace.

Adoption End Analysis

South Korea Stock and Cryptocurrency Traders Analysis (2018-2025)

From 2018 to 2025, South Korea underwent 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 surged from 2 million (3.9%) to 16.3 million (31.6%), marking a 715% increase. By 2025, cryptocurrency traders surpassed stock traders for the first time, reflecting a major shift in retail investor preferences.

▲ Traders Growth Trend (Millions)

▲ Population Penetration Rate (%)

Main Findings

#Stock Traders

· Increased from 5.6 million in 2018 (10.8% of the population) to 14.1 million in 2025 (27.3%)

· Experienced explosive growth during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic (136.7%)

· Has been relatively stable around 14.2 million since 2021

#Cryptocurrency Traders

· Soared from 2 million in 2018 (3.9% of the population) to 16.3 million in 2025 (31.6%)

· Witnessed an astonishing 715% growth throughout the period

· Underwent a significant acceleration in 2024-2025, adding nearly 7 million traders

· Surpassed Stock Traders for the first time in 2025

From 2024 to 2025, the stellar performance of Bitcoin, approval of U.S. ETFs, and Trump's pro-cryptocurrency stance drove explosive growth. Cryptocurrency traders surged from 9.7 million to 16.3 million, overtaking stock traders for the first time in Korean history, reflecting a fundamental shift in retail investor preferences.

Data source: Korea Financial Investment Association (KFIA), Korea Securities Depository (KSD), Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), Bank of Korea, Thornburg Investment Management, major cryptocurrency exchanges (Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, Gopax), and official government statistics. Stock trader numbers represent unique individual investors with active accounts. Cryptocurrency trader numbers represent verified users registered on exchanges. Population data is from the United Nations' "2024 World Population Prospects Revision" and Statistics Korea.

Beyond Stocks: South Korea's Cryptocurrency Adoption Surge and Market Impact

According to FinTech Weekly, by March 2025, over 16 million people in South Korea already held cryptocurrency accounts, surpassing stock investors, with digital asset adoption reaching a new high post-election. The total number accounts for over 30% of the population. Among them, Upbit's user distribution is approximately 5.4 million users (53% of the domestic market), Bithumb around 3.8 million users (37% of the domestic market), Coinone around 300,000 to 500,000 users (<5%), and Korbit around 100,000 to 200,000 users (<2%).

In terms of user base, South Korea's centralized exchanges serve 16M+ crypto users (over 30% of the population), representing around 3% of the estimated global 560M cryptocurrency owners/users by 2025. It is noteworthy that global data includes all cryptocurrency holders, with the majority using centralized exchanges, while Korean users mostly utilize regulated local platforms.

Despite Bitcoin's dominant holdings, South Korea is emerging as a major player in the global fiat-to-crypto arena. According to blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis' report on the "2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index," while the U.S. remains the world's largest fiat onramp with a total transaction volume exceeding $24 trillion—almost four times that of the second-highest country, South Korea follows closely with an impressive $722 billion in transaction volume. This strong performance underscores the country's growing significance in the global crypto ecosystem. In contrast, the EU's fiat-to-crypto transaction volume is slightly below $250 billion, highlighting the scale of the 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 position as a key global player in the crypto economy.

▲ Source: Chainalysis

Exchange-Side Analysis

The influence of South Korean cryptocurrency exchanges is growing not only regionally but also globally. Exchanges such as Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone dominate the trading volume and are evolving under South Korea's robust regulatory framework. As of October 2025, local centralized exchanges accounted for about 1.9% of global daily trading volume and around 3% of the global centralized exchange user base. However, when specifically measuring spot trading, Korea's share reaches about 16% of the global centralized exchange spot trading volume, highlighting the country's significant influence in fiat-to-crypto trading primarily driven by retail investors, despite a smaller proportion of total users.

▲ Global Volume Analysis Comparison (Q4 2025) (asksurf.ai)

Compared to major global markets, South Korea maintains its leading position as a global fiat-to-cryptocurrency gateway 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 Markets Comparison (Q4 2025) (asksurf.ai)

Regulatory Impact

South Korea was one of the first countries to establish a clear framework for trading and compliance. The government's stance has gone through different stages in its regulatory journey, with each stage responding to market developments:

· 2017-2018: Crackdown and Stability: Viewed crypto as a speculative threat, authorities imposed an ICO ban, margin trading restrictions, and anonymous account bans to safeguard financial stability.

· 2019-2021: Pragmatic Regulation: Shifted towards regulated acceptance. Enforced strict AML/KYC frameworks, eventually issuing the 2020 Specific Financial Transaction Information Act, establishing key reporting standards for Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASPs).

· 2022-2023: Investor Protection Focus: Triggered by major events like the Terra-Luna crash, this period prioritized consumer protection. The government introduced token safety guidelines and OTC broker rules, laying the foundation for future institutional products.

· 2024-Present: Institutional Integration: Cryptocurrency has become a mainstream political and financial topic. 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 harsh penalties for misconduct.

This evolution reflects the government's continuous learning process in crisis response, technological maturity, and recognition of cryptocurrency as a permanent part of the financial landscape. To date, public figures, companies, and exchanges are also subject to disclosure and strict monitoring. South Korea is unlikely to rapidly relax regulations but will continue to gradually refine policy standards to achieve a balance between investor protection and market growth. Over time, this may result in expanded institutional participation, including banks offering digital asset services and securities firms participating in tokenized financial products.

16 Million users hold approximately 703 Billion US Dollars (102.6 Trillion Korean Won) in crypto assets, showcasing the depth of the Korean market. For any crypto project, entering the Korean market is shifting from an option to a strategic necessity, especially pre-Token Generation Event (TGE). In terms of marketing, language and cultural barriers are significant challenges that cannot be overlooked. Therefore, collaborating with local crypto participants, especially media, GTM agencies, research firms, and even some Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), is necessary.

Key to Long-Term Success in the Korean Market

#Realistic Success Expectations

Korea's long-term success relies on coordinated marketing with clear milestones. Agencies emphasize that at least 2-3 months pre-listing are needed to build brand awareness and community engagement, and expecting a rapid volume increase in the first two months is unrealistic.

#Event Duration and User Engagement

Events lasting over three months may lose user engagement due to market saturation and rapid movements by retail traders. The aim is to maintain momentum without dragging the event too long.

#Focus on Brand Awareness and Community Building

Establishing brand awareness, attracting Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), issuing press releases, and community building rather than solely focusing on increasing trading volume can bring about longer-term followers and project token holders.

#KOL Engagement

Forming strong, meaningful relationships with KOLs requires activities, translation, and incentive measures such as whitelist allocations to facilitate better project understanding and advocacy.

#Customized Marketing for Different Customer Types

Marketing services are customized for pre-TGE (pre-Token Generation Event), post-TGE, and B2B institutional clients:

· Pre-TGE clients need urgent, concentrated marketing support for 2-3 months to establish market readiness in Korea.

· Post-TGE projects continue marketing to maintain momentum and assess team strength.

· B2B clients focus on institutional outreach, gaining exposure and professional activities beyond retail channels.

According to the institution, projects such as 0G and Sahara AI have benefited from institutional support, with institutions contributing up to 40% of their node sales volume. SUI has grown from $0.4 to $4 within two years, highlighting the importance of tight coordination between internal marketing, institutional coordination, and market maker strategies. The Korean crypto market features a decentralized institutional and research landscape, with a few dominant players and varying reputations. In the following section, I will briefly introduce key local media, institutions, and research companies.

Main Media Institution Introduction

Korean crypto media plays a crucial role in helping projects navigate the local market, providing a unique advantage due to their in-depth understanding of Korean trends, regulatory environment, and cultural nuances. With a highly engaged and tech-savvy audience, Korean crypto media offers tailored content that resonates with retail investors and institutional participants. The combination of extensive coverage, localized expertise, and active community engagement makes them essential partners for projects looking to succeed and thrive in Korea. This section focuses on introducing several leading media institutions to help projects better understand the media landscape in this key market. (Listed 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 viewpoints, on-chain signals — and turns them into a real-time trading intelligence source for retail investors. Founded in 2022, Followin has evolved into Asia’s leading crypto information infrastructure, boasting over 3 million users in the Asia-Pacific market and gaining momentum in Korea. Setting itself apart with a smarter AI news engine, the platform offers trending topics and the fastest market movement signals.

#Key Features

· Real-time News: Sub-second market movement 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 changes

· Earning and Rewards: Participate in airdrop events, earn token rewards, and engage in tasks

#Followin Service

Utilizing its large-scale retail traffic and extensive regional resource network, Followin has successfully supported numerous crypto projects in achieving zero-to-one marketing growth in the Asia Pacific market. Followin provides an integrated Go-To-Market service layer for crypto projects across the entire Asia Pacific region, bringing together real-time media distribution, localized user growth solutions, and a deep KOL network into a unified launch and growth engine.

· PR Service: Breaking news, PR distribution, online events

· Asia Pacific User Growth: All-in-one solution with localized marketing strategies

· KOL Service: KOL, community, and exchange relationships

Followin emphasizes regional partnerships, co-hosted events, and support for the Web3 ecosystem. Its collaborations help expand media influence, strengthen crypto brands, and drive community building across Asia. The platform's PR services, expert KOL connections, and multi-language channel support help crypto projects reach new audiences and increase brand awareness.

#Core Competitive Advantages

· High-Quality Retail Trader Users: 3M+ users on app and web, 1.7M+ users on social channels

· Regional and Multi-Language Focus: Real-time translation support for English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese, covering key markets in Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and China

· Asia Pacific Network: Deep connections with KOLs, media, and communities

Followin is a leading mobile AI aggregator in Asia, leveraging the region's high mobile penetration and the multilingual needs among retail traders. By integrating a vast amount of information sources, Followin caters perfectly to traders who prioritize speed over analysis. With strong regional partnerships, the platform showcases effective community building and ecosystem support.

Coinness (@CoinNess_)

#Overview

Founded in 2018, Coinness is the largest crypto media and community platform in Korea by user base, serving as a leading real-time news wire operator in the industry. The platform serves over 1 million monthly active users, 150K+ daily active users, and 300K registered community members, making it the top choice for breaking crypto news and project exposure.

The Coinness operational network services, while maintaining a mobile app-centric approach, have successfully built a large-scale app-based crypto news and community platform—an achievement unmatched by Korea's traditional online-centric media. In terms of mobile app traffic, Coinness trails only behind the country's two major 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

· PR News: In-depth insight PR articles pinned at the top of the news section for enhanced visibility

· Research: Detailed articles exploring the technical aspects of crypto projects

· Interviews: Text-based interviews conducted in a Q&A format

· Pop-up Banner: Partners can display promotional banners on the platform to increase visibility

· CoinNess Night Live (CNL): Interactive AMA events held in the Coinness Telegram community with an average of over 1000 KYC-verified participants

· Price Aggregation: Real-time digital asset prices, including liquidation rates, long/short ratios, funding rates, and detailed market data on open interest

#Core Competitive Advantages

· Real-time Asian Market Intelligence: Coinness focuses on sub-minute reporting of Korean exchange activities (such as Bithumb, Upbit) and tracks regulatory developments across Asia. This provides traders with a competitive edge, especially for arbitrage and market surveillance insights.

· Integrating News into the Trading Workflow: By combining breaking news alerts with real-time trading (spot and futures), Coinness offers a seamless user experience that spans from news discovery to position trade execution.

· Deep Korean Market Expertise: With over 7 years of experience dedicated to the Korean market, Coinness maintains an unparalleled depth in local crypto culture, regulatory nuances, and community preferences that global competitors find challenging to replicate.

· Mobile-First Architecture: The platform is optimized for mobile devices, providing push notifications, customizable alerts, and offline reading, catering to Asia's high mobile penetration and outperforming web-based competitors in the region.

#Key Points of Differentiation

· Unlike traditional web-based media, the Coinness app adheres to a strict Monthly Active User (MAU) standard, counting only actively engaged users rather than one-time page visitors. This approach delivers a more robust and 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 integrity has been recognized by leading institutions, enabling Coinness to collaborate with major enterprises such as Kakao Bank, Hanwha Investment & Securities, and Bithumb for advertising campaigns—a distinction rarely achieved 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 expert insights. Its breaking news is distributed through 30+ API partners, including exchanges and media platforms, and is widely and organically referenced by traditional media and crypto KOLs, allowing information to rapidly disseminate throughout the industry.

As Asia's leading mobile-first crypto media aggregator, Coinness combines speed, cultural relevance, and integrated trading features to capture the regional market. The platform's success lies in its ability to provide real-time, actionable information to active Asian traders. Coinness's strong local market presence and seamless integration of news and trading tools have positioned it as the leading real-time crypto media platform in Asia.

Blockmedia (@with_blockmedia)

#Overview

Launched in 2017, Blockmedia defines itself as South Korea's first blockchain media, leading the market in the crypto field and ranking at the top in the crypto category. It is a media institution dedicated to educating and engaging blockchain and cryptocurrency audiences. Blockmedia originally started as an online media platform and now interacts with investors through various channels, including YouTube, Telegram, and X. The platform has gained widespread recognition through its annual "BlockFesta" conference, attracting global blockchain projects. With 36K+ social followers and 58.7K YouTube subscribers, Blockmedia maintains 4 million monthly active users and stands out with its comprehensive real-time coverage, global project interviews, and original research, solidifying its market leadership position in the region.

#Key Services and Features

· Press Release: Publish press releases on Blockmedia, distribute to Telegram (35K followers) including translation and editing. Enhance exposure through Google SEO, Naver, and Telegram.

· Featured Article: Internal research articles provided by the Blockmedia team, offering in-depth insights into partner projects, published on Blockmedia official channels and CoinMarketCap.

· Interviews (Video/Text): Video and text interviews by the production team. Published on YouTube (58.7K subscribers) and shared on Telegram and Twitter.

· External Communication: Distributed through other Web3 media outlets to maximize exposure and visibility to retail traders and users.

· KOL Bridging: Blockmedia selects top KOL collaborations to enhance content promotion and marketing activities, tailoring content and budgets for each KOL.

#Platform Highlights

· News and Market Reports: Real-time crypto and stock market updates, in-depth coverage of technology, industry trends, and major announcements.

· Regulatory Expertise: Detailed South Korean regulatory coverage, including updates on stablecoins and local market policies.

· Interviews/Profiles: CEO interviews, on-site 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.

· Video Content Excellence: YouTube channel with 58.7K subscribers, 9.65 million total video views across 3744 videos, including daily content such as Fed rate analysis and protocol deep dives.

· Real-time Information Feed: Receive hourly news updates via Telegram, delivering real-time market data and breaking news alerts.

#CompetitiveAdvantages

· Excellent Regulatory Coverage: Blockmedia offers outstanding in-depth coverage of South Korean regulations, real-time event updates, and institutional intelligence. Its regulatory analysis goes beyond simple news aggregation, providing insights that competitors cannot match.

· Original Research: Through a team of professional analysts, Blockmedia produces targeted research, offering exclusive market reports and insights.

· Video Content Leadership: With its "블미 TV" channel, Blockmedia leads in video content, providing daily updates on global projects, Fed rates, and in-depth technical analysis, setting it apart from local competitors.

· Comprehensive Multimedia Coverage: Setting itself apart from 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, positions it as a leading platform for South Korean institutional investors and retail crypto audiences. Its exceptional regulatory coverage and original research make it a preferred source for investors seeking broad exposure and in-depth insights, as well as for Web3 projects. 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 is a renowned cryptocurrency and blockchain media platform in South Korea. Established as part of South Korea's largest financial media group, the Hankyung Media Group (with its flagship publication being The Korea Economic Daily), Bloomingbit focuses on providing reliable real-time news and insights to crypto investors, emphasizing content clarity and user-friendliness to help users make informed decisions without sifting through scattered information. The platform positions itself as the starting point for crypto investments, offering reports carefully selected by full-time blockchain journalists, catering to both Korean and international audiences with bilingual content. Its team comprises writers and editors targeting a globally English-speaking market, transforming complex stories into easy-to-understand English to share with readers.

#Key Features

· Real-time news updates, expert-curated market trend analysis, and user-friendly interface allow users to have a "bird's eye view" of cryptocurrency information.

· Mobile access through its application translates complex stories into actionable insights, integrates social media sharing capabilities, and expands the reach.

· In-depth analysis, such as 2026 Bitcoin predictions, large transaction reporting, and analysis of economic crossroads.

· Offers various types of cryptocurrency content: token issuance by startups, exchange-listed assets, developer product releases, PR agency collaborations with crypto clients, projects undergoing IDO or ICO, DAO governance, etc.

#Bloomingbit Key Services

· Organic News Release: Editor-picked content (non-advertising-driven). (e.g., token launches, tech updates, industry partnerships, public events, and reports)

· Sponsored Content Placement: Promotional or time-sensitive content (e.g., exchange listings, token sales, product launches, AMA announcements, etc.)

· Press Release Distribution: Enhances press releases for SEO and proper tagging for long-term search engine ranking. (e.g., company updates, financial reports, investor news, security audits, protocol changes, etc.)

Bloomingbit's services cover comprehensive news coverage on blockchain, Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, DeFi, Web3, altcoins, regulatory developments, exchange activities (such as Upbit, Bithumb), and global trends, usually focusing on the Korean market.

#Core Competitive Advantages

· Credibility and support of traditional media: As part of Hankyung, Bloomingbit benefits from established journalistic standards and an extensive financial network, distinguishing it from other independent media. This gives Bloomingbit an advantage in attracting serious investors.

· Curated insights and user-centric content: Bloomingbit emphasizes journalist-curated actionable stories, contrasting with the quick updates of other media that may overwhelm users with information. Distribution channels include Upbit, Bithumb, Tradingview, hankyung.com, Naver News, etc.

· Activity and Leadership: Bloomingbit actively participates in events such as Korea Investment Week, showcasing its influence and attracting investors, particularly in the context of high cryptocurrency traffic in Korea (a leading Asian country), through market integration forecasts and economic analysis.

Bloomingbit, with the support of traditional media, curated content, and bilingual accessibility, has become a reliable source of crypto information in Korea. While not necessarily the highest in traffic on major platforms, its partnership with Korea's largest economic journal, Hankyung, and support from local investment firm Hashed give it a significant advantage in reputation and depth, garnering institutional exposure. As a subsidiary of Hankyung, Bloomingbit is gradually gaining more traction in the market.

TokenPost (@tokenpost)

#Overview

TokenPost is a groundbreaking blockchain and digital asset media platform in Korea. Established in 2017 as the country's first specialized blockchain media outlet, TokenPost has evolved into a comprehensive platform that connects the domestic and international blockchain industry, 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 cryptocurrency, 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.

· Bilingual and Global Focus: Provides Korean and English content and expands into markets like Thailand to facilitate international user access and understanding of Korean domestic cryptocurrency news and trends.

· Innovative Tools and Integration: Offers real-time price tracking (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, HBAR, BNB, XRP), blockchain notarized articles for transparency, KOL Index to measure influencer impact, and provides audio analysis through the TokenPost podcast.

· Data-Driven Analysis: Provide the TPI (TokenPost Index) for market trend assessment and collaborate with data providers such as Kaiko and Messari for in-depth research.

#Key Services

· News Coverage: Provide objective, fact-based coverage of blockchain, crypto markets, DeFi, AI, Web3, regulatory updates, and security issues, including breaking news and exclusive interviews.

· Research & Insights: Offer in-depth market analysis, hidden market insights, and educational content through a knowledge base to lower the barrier of entry 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 custom news.

Community and Events: Host 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 institutions through its top-tier traffic ranking, innovative tools, and role as a bridge connecting local and global markets.

· Scale and Coverage: With a large monthly visitors base and robust domestic traffic, TokenPost also has broader international access, surpassing its competitors.

· Innovation and Practicality: TokenPost's portfolio management tools, blockchain notary, and KOL index make it more than just a news platform, providing practical user value that competitors lack. By combining data analysis and simulation tools, TokenPost achieves deeper user engagement, akin to its positioning as "smart media."

· Content Depth and Expertise: Focused on insights, exclusive interviews, and research (e.g., collaborations with Kaiko, Messari), TokenPost offers objective analysis, staying away from hype. TokenPost's event hosting (e.g., Onchain Symposium) and policy focus give it a stronger thought leadership position in the market.

· Global and Partnership Focus: Expand into the Thai market and establish partnerships with companies like Crypto.com and Chiliz to position TokenPost as a leader in the local media.

Overall, TokenPost, with its massive scale, user-centric tools, and insightful content, has emerged as a pioneer driving sustainable ecosystem development in the dynamic Korean crypto market, leading in both traffic and innovation, and bridging global audiences.

Main Go-To-Market Agencies Overview

In the Korean cryptocurrency market, the role of marketing agencies is self-evident, with many high-performing agencies—including those tending to remain anonymous—playing a crucial role. Here, based on existing data and information, we highlight three agencies: INF CryptoLab, 071Labs, and DeSpread, emphasizing particularly their capabilities in cryptocurrency marketing. For more information about the agencies, feel free to contact us. (Listed in no particular order)

INF CryptoLab (@INF_CryptoLab)

#Overview

INF CryptoLab is a leading Web3 accelerator and marketing firm in Korea, renowned for its rapid success since its establishment in 2020. As one of the largest marketing agencies in Korea, INF has gained a strong reputation for assisting crypto projects in harnessing and thriving in the Korean market.

#Key Services

KOL Marketing and Management

· Brand storytelling and strategic planning to ensure consistent brand presence.

· Identification of top-performing KOLs for maximum results with minimal spend.

· Tailored content and continuous exposure, not limited to one-time content releases.

· Effectiveness tracking through actionable data.

Research and Education

· Offering comprehensive research across Web2/Web3 platforms, media, and academic domains.

· Providing online and offline educational content to enhance market awareness.

SEO/SEM and Blog

· Collaborate with leading blog KOLs to increase visibility on search engines, with a focus on platforms like NAVER.

Traditional and Crypto PR

· Bring professional expertise in selecting the right media partners to ensure wide exposure.

· Secure coverage across 20+ media outlets on both Web2 and Web3 platforms.

Event Organization (Online and Offline)

· Possess rich experience in organizing crypto events, including online interactive sessions, AMAs, offline conferences, and hackathons.

· YouTube/TV Interviews: Provide opportunities for projects to be featured on top Korean startup YouTube channels.

Community Management

· Manage and grow the Korean Telegram community, fostering engagement through KOL support and localized events.

#Key Partnerships

INF CryptoLab has partnered with leading Web3 projects globally, including Sui, Avalanche, Injective, NEO, Openledger, Sahara, Magic Labs, Walrus, etc. They have also established collaborations with well-known enterprises like Uniswap, Mantle, 0g Labs, Orbiter Finance, Oasys, Hashkey Global, Plume, Kite AI, RedStone, ZKPass, Jito, Pyth, etc.

#Notable Success Cases

· SUI: Exclusive marketing partner in Korea, with over 2.5 years of collaboration and working with multiple projects on the SUI platform.

· 0G Labs: Contributed 30% of its node sales volume through KOL influence.

· Aethir: Led the market entry strategy for tokens and products, generating revenue for Korean institutions.

· Hyundai Card Conference: Successfully partnered with Hyundai Card to organize an event.

· Kite AI: Enhanced brand awareness in the Korean market through the KOL+INF focus mode and ensured listing opportunity in Korea.

INF CryptoLab offers flexible, high-quality services with a contract-based freelance KOL team. Their custom services cover Web2 and Web3 channels, ensuring successful entry of overseas projects into the Korean market.

071Labs  (@071_labs)

#Overview

071 Labs is a leading GTM incubator and venture capital firm in Korea known for its extensive client base and market influence. By leveraging innovative blockchain technology, investment, and diverse business models, 071 Labs supports the growth of blockchain startups and promising projects. 071 Labs closely collaborates with project teams, KOLs, and media to help turn creativity into reality, positioning their partners at the forefront of the digital economy.

#Key Services

KOL Ambassador Program and Corporate Alliances

· Planning and managing KOL ambassador programs and alliances to enhance project exposure and credibility

PR and Media Outreach

· Publishing PR content and articles in the crypto space and traditional mainstream media to strengthen brand visibility and ensure strategic media exposure

Community Building and Viral Marketing

· Establishing and managing online communities, conducting viral marketing campaigns to drive engagement and awareness in the Korean market

YouTube Content Creation

· Developing and producing YouTube content to promote projects and reach a wider audience

Blog, Editorial Services, and SEO

· Content creation, blog publishing, and SEO strategies to increase online visibility and drive traffic growth for projects

#Key Case Studies/Track Record

· Perp DEX Growth: Drove billions in trading volume for perpetual DEX partners

· Korea Node Distribution: Generated $2 million in node sales for projects like Aethir, Carv, Delysium, Moonveil, and more

· Web2 → On-chain User Acquisition: Helped onboard Web2 users to on-chain — making Korea the 2nd largest market for Catizen, delivering $1 million in gaming revenue in 8 months

· Founder Exposure (Web2 Retail Investor Coverage): Secured traditional media interviews for founders, enhancing their digital presence and reaching Web2 retail investor markets

· Providing 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 has collaborated on marketing with top blockchain projects 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

On the investment side, including:

Particle Network, Catizen, UXLink, Zerobase, Solv, Nubit, Aria, Vanila Finance, Multiple Network, Aimeme, OpenEden, Aster, Momentum, Moss, Tria, Billions

As Korea's largest GTM incubator and VC firm, 071 Labs offers a comprehensive ecosystem for blockchain projects, covering aspects from funding and marketing to community building and viral growth. They own Dokdo DAO (Korea's largest KOL DAO with 50,000+ members) and Blockstreet (a Korean crypto PR/media agency with 4,000 daily active users), providing a competitive edge in the market.

By pioneering blockchain technology and reshaping the cryptocurrency ecosystem, 071 Labs has created innovative business models and unlocked 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, building a sustainable foundation for the digital economy's future. As architects in the blockchain space, they are the ideal partners for projects seeking to fundamentally transform the industry.

DeSpread (@DeSpreadTeam)

#Overview

Founded in 2019, DeSpread is one of the largest Web3 growth studios in terms of client base and market impact, providing Go-To-Market (GTM) strategic consultancy for blockchain projects in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. DeSpread boasts over 30 experts who have been at the forefront of innovating 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, aiding overseas projects in successfully entering the Korean market.

#Key Services

Brand Consultation

· Customizing GTM strategies based on market insights and narrative development.

· Providing consultation on Web3 product-market fit (PMF) and brand building.

· Building local partnerships and offering ecosystem support for market entry.

Growth Strategies and Media Outreach

· Data-driven product growth and marketing strategy consultancy.

· Managing media relations, 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

· Validator and Infrastructure: Mainnet validators operating multiple networks, including Hyperliquid, Berachain, Story, Monad, Stacks, and Avail, also serving as an LST validator on Berachain, Hyperliquid, and Monad, providing reliable technical support for the region.

DAT (Digital Asset Treasury) Strategist

· Pioneering various opportunities in South Korea's Digital Asset Treasury (DAT)

· Connecting global DAT investors with top Korean financial institutions.

· Developing customized asset acquisition strategies for investors with different risk preferences and providing tailored solutions.

#Key Partnerships and Use Cases

As Korea's earliest and longest-standing GTM company, DeSpread partnered with projects like Solana, Stacks, The Sandbox, Filecoin, etc., in the early stages. Over time, their list of partners has expanded, including several successful cases like Aptos, Sui, Arbitrum, Berachain, Soneium, Story, Babylon, Gensyn, among others.

As a deep ecosystem participant, DeSpread is committed to facilitating a comprehensive GTM strategy through a dual-track framework:

1. Matching on-chain product providers with existing and potential on-chain user needs

2. Connecting projects with investment decision-makers through education and relationships. These objectives, based on their core services - brand consulting, growth strategy, research, and validator services, strategically incorporate DAT coverage as a special tool in the ecosystem to promote institutional collaboration and enterprise usability.

DeSpread has also expanded its coverage of retail and bulk user adoption through the DATCON2025 conference, achieving overall GTM coverage for users and investors.

Main Research Company Introduction

Korean exchanges heavily rely on research reports during project listings, highlighting the importance of neutral, trustworthy research to market participants. Represented by Four Pillars, Tiger Research, and Xangle, Korea's research company ecosystem is integrating to become a powerful force shaping its cryptocurrency market. (Order does not imply sequence)

FourPillars (@FourPillarsFP)

#Overview

FourPillars is one of Asia's fastest-growing crypto research firms based in Seoul, focusing on providing institutional and crypto-native professionals with professional, data-driven analysis. Founded with a focus on delivering high-quality industry insights, the company aims to shape Asia's blockchain narrative through research, infrastructure, and influence. FourPillars has a professional research team that is expanding its reach beyond Korea to cover English-speaking countries and the broader Asian market.

#Core Business and Highlights

Four Pillars' 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 foster ecosystem growth, including business expansion in Korea and developer opportunities. They have also launched a validator brand - FP Validated to promote ecosystem development.

· Research Reports and Articles: Providing comprehensive guidance and outlook analysis reports, content-neutral, targeting builders, retail, and investors.

· Validator Services: Introducing theory-driven blockchain validators for L1/L2 blockchains, targeting investors and traders.

· Data-Driven Tools: Providing public dashboards for crypto projects, analyzing and displaying key metrics.

· Ecosystem Contribution: Driving global projects into the Korean market through event reviews and project collaboration initiatives.

#Strengths and Conclusion

FourPillars focuses on institutional-grade, forward-looking research, providing in-depth technical analysis (e.g., ZK proofs, Real World Assets (RWAs), ecosystem outlook). Its research aims to assist crypto natives in strategic planning, and its narrative-driven approach combines technical depth with actionable insights to drive ecosystem development. This focus sets FourPillars apart in a competitive landscape.

· Selective Validators: Operating only top-tier validators after rigorous screening.

· Validated Product-Market Fit: Research has demonstrated clear market applicability.

· Scalable Growth: Validators used for strategic expansion rather than diffusing core business focus.

· Industry Leader Trust: Widely trusted by founders, funds, and the community.

· First Mover Advantage: A pioneer in shaping the Korean institutional-grade crypto narrative.

· Expand Regional Influence: Broadening its influence across a wider Asian region.

TigerResearch (@tiger_research)

#Overview

Tiger Research is a South Korean research and consulting firm focused on Web3 and the blockchain space, with a strong emphasis on the Asian market. Established in 2021 and headquartered in Seoul, the company has branches in key cities like Tokyo, Hanoi, and Jakarta to expand its presence in regions such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and China. Tiger Research offers end-to-end solutions for global Web3 projects to enter and expand in the Asian market, leveraging deep local market insights 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. By combining bottom-up market research with results-driven business strategies, the company minimizes risk and accelerates client growth. Emphasizing long-term partnerships, problem-solving capabilities, and leveraging local networks, Tiger Research creates sustainable success in a complex market.

· Market Research and Reports: Provides customized, in-depth reports covering regulations, market trends, and ecosystem dynamics. These reports are released twice a week, tracking the latest developments in countries like Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia.

· Business Development and Advisory: Offers tailored Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, compliance guidance, and market entry solutions. Monitors daily government policies and trends in the target regions.

· Partnerships and Ecosystem Building: Utilizes over 30 local partners to facilitate collaboration and create synergies. For example, collaborates with other research firms to release reports on the Southeast Asian market. Also serves as a research partner for events like Malaysia Blockchain Week.

#Advantages and Conclusion

Tiger Research stands out in the South Korean crypto research field from globally data-centric companies with its practical, execution-focused approach and regional expertise. The company provides customized research reports covering regulations, market trends, and business dynamics, emphasizing practical execution over mere ideation. This results-oriented approach enables clients to quickly adapt and scale in fast-moving markets.

Tiger Research offers end-to-end solutions, from market analysis to full Go-To-Market (GTM) strategies, helping clients minimize risks and accelerate growth. With a multi-region business presence, deep local networks, and a commitment to trust-building, Tiger Research has become a practical and reliable partner for Asian Web3 growth. By prioritizing actionable insights and long-term partnerships, Tiger Research assists clients in navigating complex regional markets and achieving sustainable success.

Xangle (@Xangle_official)

#Overview

Xangle is a South 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 South Korean crypto market, one of the world's largest crypto trading centers. Xangle's mission is to support businesses and investors with data-driven decision-making while ensuring compliance.

#Core Business and Highlights

Xangle's work is research-driven, supporting its broader role in ecosystem transparency and infrastructure development. Its core activities include protocol-layer analysis, research releases, and operating on-chain infrastructure such as blockchain explorers and validator nodes.

· Research and Market Intelligence: Provide 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: Maintain a standardized disclosure framework focusing on accurately conveying blockchain project protocol mechanics, governance structures, and token design.

· Blockchain Explorer and Ecosystem Infrastructure: Design and operate an official blockchain explorer and ecosystem hub, providing integrated on-chain data access, governance information, and ecosystem overview for L1 and L2 networks.

· Validator and On-Chain Operations: Operate validator infrastructure for selected blockchain networks, supporting network security and governance participation.

#Benefits and Conclusion

Xangle stands out with its quantitative on-chain data and institutional-grade integration, positioning itself as a leading platform for real-time analysis and compliance in the Asian crypto market. Setting itself apart from other qualitative or consulting-oriented firms, Xangle provides research based on empirical data, with a strong focus on regulatory alignment and market transparency, particularly suitable for Korea's strict crypto environment. Its data reliability, regulatory focus, and global integration make Xangle a valuable tool for institutions, exchanges, and crypto projects in the competitive Asian crypto market.

Introduction to Major Blockchain Conferences in Korea and Strategic Value Assessment

Korea's blockchain conference ecosystem is mature and diverse, with major events categorized into global summits, exchange-led developer conferences, technology-focused builder gatherings, and government-supported regional events. The following is a detailed introduction to six major conferences, covering key information such as conference overview, organizers, target audience, and impact assessment. It also focuses on evaluating the strategic value of sponsoring these events for project token listing on major Korean exchanges (such as Upbit or Bithumb) and enhancing the project's local brand awareness in Korea.

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."

· Organizers: FACTBLOCK (Founder and Host) and Hashed (Leading Crypto VC Firm) and other collaborating institutions.

· Target Audience: Global Web3 leaders, top developers, international investors, corporate executives, and everyday crypto enthusiasts.

· Influence Assessment: KBW is the primary bridge connecting global projects with the Korean market. It has the highest media exposure and broadest international participation, making it the preferred platform for building a global and Korean market network.

#Upbit D Conference (UDC, Upbit D Conference)

UDC is a global blockchain conference hosted by Dunamu, the operator of South Korea's largest cryptocurrency exchange Upbit. The conference was originally named the "Upbit Developer Conference" and has now expanded to cover various areas such as technology, policy, and industry trends.

· Organizer: Dunamu (Operator of Upbit).

· Target Audience: Blockchain developers, industry experts, regulatory agency representatives, and stakeholders interested in the Upbit ecosystem.

· Influence Assessment: UDC holds the highest direct strategic value for projects seeking listing on Upbit. It is a non-profit event aimed at promoting ecosystem development, and a project's presence at UDC is seen as a strong signal of Upbit's recognition of its technical and ecosystem value.

#ETH Seoul

ETH Seoul is an annual developer event focused on the Ethereum ecosystem, typically featuring hackathons and technical summits. It is a core event for the Ethereum global community in South Korea.

· Organizer: KryptoPlanet, supported by Dunamu and other institutions.

· Target Audience: Ethereum developers, researchers, DeFi/NFT protocol teams, and Ethereum enthusiasts.

· Influence Assessment: It is one of Korea's purest technical developer gatherings. For projects built on Ethereum, ETH Seoul is a critical platform for showcasing technical innovation, attracting the Korean core developer community, and gaining the attention of global institutions such as the Ethereum Foundation.

#BUIDL Asia

BUIDL Asia is a technology-focused conference that revolves around "builders" and protocol development. Its core value lies in high-quality technical discussions and community building.

· Organizers: KryptoPlanet, among others.

· Target Audience: Core developers, blockchain researchers, protocol teams, and projects focusing on technical innovation.

· Impact Assessment: Highly regarded in the Korean developer community, it is an excellent venue for projects to showcase their technical prowess and code quality. For technology-driven projects, gaining recognition at BUIDL Asia can help them stand out in the exchange's technical evaluation process.

#Blockchain Week in Busan (BWB)

BWB is a regional event supported by the Busan Metropolitan Government aimed at propelling Busan towards the vision of being a "blockchain city."

· Organizers: Busan Digital Asset Nexus (BDAN), with support from the Busan Metropolitan Government and major media groups.

· Target Audience: Institutional leaders, regulatory officials, local government representatives, and projects focusing on Real-World Assets (RWA) and Security Token Offerings (STO).

· Impact Assessment: It has a strong regulatory and institutional background. For projects seeking collaboration with traditional Korean financial institutions or focusing on compliance paths like RWA and STO, BWB provides a unique touchpoint.

▲ Comparison of Major Blockchain Conferences in Korea

Strategic Evaluation of Sponsorship Events for Token Listing and Branding

In Korea, token listing and branding are highly specialized and regulated processes. Sponsoring top blockchain conferences is not a direct ticket to listing but is an essential strategic step that can significantly enhance a project's competitiveness in exchange evaluations.

#Enhancing Brand Awareness and Local Legitimacy

The Korean market places a high emphasis on localization and Local Legitimacy.

· Building Trust: Sponsoring key conferences, especially those with strong local influence such as UDC and KBW in Korea, sends a signal to Korean investors and regulatory bodies about the project's sound finances and serious commitment to the Korean market.

· Media Exposure: Local Korean media cover these conferences extensively. Through sponsorship and speaking engagements at these 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 a strong technical endorsement for the project. Korean exchanges, especially Upbit, highly value a project's technical prowess, and active participation at these hardcore tech conferences serves as a robust testament to the project's technical strength.

#Facilitating Token Listing on Upbit and Bithumb

Korea's top five exchanges (Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, Gopax) form the Digital Asset Exchange Association (DAXA) and adhere to a set of unified self-regulatory listing and delisting guidelines. For example:

A. Strategic Focus for Upbit Listing: UDC and ETH Seoul

Operated by Dunamu, Upbit's listing evaluation emphasizes "Service Proof" and "Developer Proof."

· UDC: Provides the most direct connection to the Upbit ecosystem.

· ETH Seoul: For Ethereum ecosystem projects, deep engagement at ETH Seoul (e.g., sponsoring hackathons) can attract Upbit's tech team's attention as Upbit closely monitors Ethereum ecosystem's technical progress.

B. Strategic Focus for Bithumb Listing: KBW

Bithumb focuses more on liquidity, community engagement, and market demand.

· KBW: Showcases the project's global impact and provides the best stage to attract attention from South Korean retail investors/market makers.

· Xangle Adoption: By demonstrating collaboration with major Korean corporations, it proves the project's business sustainability, meeting Bithumb's strict requirements for project quality.

#Strategic Summary

Sponsoring a top-tier blockchain conference in South Korea is a key part of the project's entry strategy into the Korean market, with the sponsorship fee seen as an investment in marketing and public relations. This investment helps the project stand out among many applicants in the highly competitive and strictly regulated Korean market, gaining favor from exchanges. Korean blockchain conferences serve as a strategic high ground for market entry. The Korean Blockchain Week (KBW) provides the broadest network, Upbit Developer Conference (UDC) holds the highest value for Upbit listings, ETH Seoul and BUIDL Asia offer essential technical endorsement, and BWB contributes support in enterprise collaboration and regulatory compliance. By strategically sponsoring and participating in these events, the project can significantly enhance its brand awareness in Korea and establish a solid foundation of local legitimacy, technical prowess, and institutional trust to meet the increasingly stringent listing evaluation criteria of exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb.

In Conclusion

The growing influence of the South Korean crypto ecosystem has made it a key market for anyone interested in the future of Web3.

By 2025, South Korea's crypto ecosystem had seen rapid development, benefiting from technological advancements and prudent yet progressive regulatory policies. The country boasts one of the world's largest retail investor bases, with millions of active users and trading volumes comparable to traditional stock markets. Korea's unique crypto culture enthusiasm and pragmatic regulatory measures are nurturing a safer, more compliant market.

As a significant global crypto hub, South Korea presents immense opportunities for international investors. However, to succeed in this market, foreign projects must closely collaborate with local crypto players—including media, GTM agencies, research firms, event organizers, and even individual KOLs. These partnerships are crucial for understanding the unique cultural differences, regulatory environment, and market dynamics in Korea. Local agencies can help tailor marketing strategies, while research firms provide valuable insights and data to ensure compliance and market relevance. Events like the Korean 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, giving foreign projects a high level of acceptance in the Korean market.

Despite ongoing challenges such as complex regulation, exchange dominance, and market share competition, South Korea continues to solidify its position as a key player in the crypto space, showcasing how smart regulation and rapid adoption can go hand in hand. Its growing influence highlights South Korea as a critical 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 success in entering the South Korean crypto market.

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