Best Crypto Exchanges to Trade Bitcoin in Korea 2025

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Korea has become an increasingly open market for cryptocurrency exchanges, attracting global platforms eager to serve its tech-savvy and financially active population. With strong regulatory oversight from the Financial Services Commission (FSC) and growing public interest in digital assets, Korean investors now have more options than ever when it comes to trading Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

To help you make informed decisions, we’ve evaluated the top crypto exchanges available to users in South Korea based on key criteria such as:

Below is our curated list of the best crypto exchanges for trading Bitcoin in Korea in 2025, complete with in-depth reviews, fee breakdowns, and practical guidance.

Top 6 Crypto Exchanges for Korean Traders

1. Bybit – Best for Derivatives Trading

Bybit stands out as one of the most powerful platforms for advanced traders in Korea, especially those interested in futures and leveraged trading. With over 660 supported cryptocurrencies and daily trading volumes exceeding $7 billion, Bybit offers deep liquidity and high-performance tools.

The exchange supports both spot trading (over 400 coins) and a robust derivatives market with more than 300 perpetual contracts. Traders can access up to 100x leverage on major assets like BTC and ETH, making it ideal for short-term strategies.

👉 Discover how Bybit’s advanced trading tools can boost your strategy.

While Bybit does not support direct KRW deposits or withdrawals, Korean users can transfer crypto from local exchanges like Upbit or Bithumb. This indirect route is common among traders seeking lower fees and broader market access.

Bybit also offers a demo trading mode—perfect for beginners to practice risk-free before going live.

2. BingX – Best No-KYC Crypto Exchange

Launched in 2018 and headquartered in Singapore, BingX has rapidly expanded across Asia, Europe, and North America. It now serves over 1 million users globally, including a growing base in Korea.

What sets BingX apart is its No-KYC option, allowing users to trade up to certain limits without submitting personal identification. This appeals to privacy-focused traders who still want access to advanced tools like charting, order books, and API integrations.

The platform supports over 300+ futures contracts and competitive fees:

BingX enables KRW access via P2P trading and credit/debit card purchases through third-party providers. It also complies with Korea’s Travel Rule via CODE solutions, ensuring regulatory alignment.

Its intuitive interface makes it accessible for both new and experienced traders.

3. Bithumb – Best for Beginners in Korea

As a homegrown exchange, Bithumb remains one of the most trusted names among Korean crypto investors. With over 8 million registered users and a daily trading volume surpassing $17.5 billion, it's a dominant player in the domestic market.

Bithumb focuses on spot trading only, offering more than 280 trading pairs. Trading fees range from 0.04% to 0.25% depending on volume, with KRW/BTC pairs often free of charge.

KRW deposits and withdrawals are seamless via KRW Points—a system where users buy points using bank transfers and redeem them for KRW within the platform. Crypto deposits and withdrawals are also fully supported.

Additional features include:

Bithumb is ideal for beginners looking for a secure, localized experience with strong customer support.

4. Upbit – Korea’s Largest Crypto Exchange

With over 8.9 million users and daily volumes exceeding $2 billion, Upbit is the largest cryptocurrency exchange in South Korea. Operated by Dunamu Inc., it offers seamless integration with local banking systems and full KRW support.

Users can trade over 200 cryptocurrencies, including major players like BTC, ETH, XRP, and emerging tokens like FLOW and HIFI. The flat spot trading fee of 0.05% (including VAT) is among the lowest in the domestic market.

Upbit also offers staking services for select assets:

👉 See how staking on a regulated platform can grow your holdings over time.

KRW deposits are free via bank transfer; withdrawal fees vary by asset. While Upbit doesn’t offer futures or margin trading, its reliability and compliance make it a go-to choice for conservative investors.

5. MEXC – Best Low-Fee Crypto Exchange

MEXC has gained popularity among Korean traders for its ultra-low fees and vast selection of over 1,800 cryptocurrencies, including low-market-cap gems like AIDOGE and POGAI.

It charges 0% spot trading fees for makers and just 0.02% for takers, making it one of the most cost-effective exchanges globally. Futures traders enjoy up to 200x leverage with fees as low as 0.02% taker.

Although MEXC doesn’t support direct bank transfers in KRW, it allows KRW deposits via its P2P marketplace. Users can also buy crypto with KRW using third-party payment gateways like Mercuryo.

This flexibility makes MEXC a favorite for traders hunting early-stage tokens without resorting to decentralized exchanges.

MEXC strikes a balance between accessibility, affordability, and innovation.

6. OKX – Best All-in-One Crypto Platform

OKX ranks among the top choices for Korean traders seeking a full-service platform. With over 317 supported cryptocurrencies and a daily trading volume exceeding $5.6 billion, OKX delivers institutional-grade performance.

The exchange supports:

Trading fees are highly competitive:

While OKX does not support direct KRW deposits or purchases, users can transfer crypto from local exchanges or use P2P channels indirectly.

OKX holds multiple international licenses (Dubai MVP, France DASP, Hong Kong VASP), reinforcing its commitment to compliance.

👉 Explore OKX’s multi-product ecosystem designed for serious traders.

Is Cryptocurrency Legal in South Korea?

Yes — cryptocurrency is legal and regulated in South Korea. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) oversees all virtual asset activities, supported by the Bank of Korea when necessary.

In June 2023, Korea passed the landmark Virtual Asset User Protection Act, establishing clear rules around exchange operations, investor safeguards, and transparency requirements.

Taxation:

Always consult a local tax professional to ensure compliance.

How to Buy Crypto in Korea: Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Choose a KRW-Supported Exchange
    Start with Bithumb or Upbit for direct KRW deposits. For wider coin selection, consider MEXC or BingX via P2P.
  2. Register & Complete KYC
    Provide ID documents (passport, driver’s license) to verify your identity and meet AML requirements.
  3. Deposit KRW or Buy Crypto
    Use bank transfers (Upbit, Bithumb) or P2P/fiat gateways (MEXC, BingX) to fund your account.
  4. Secure Your Assets
    After purchasing, transfer funds to a cold wallet like Ledger Nano X or Safepal to reduce counterparty risk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I trade Bitcoin with韩元 directly on international exchanges?
A: Most global platforms like Bybit and OKX don’t support direct KRW deposits. You’ll need to buy crypto on a local exchange first and transfer it.

Q: Are there taxes on crypto profits in Korea?
A: Yes. Profits above ₩2 million annually are taxed at 2.5% until 2024. A new tax system takes effect in 2025 — stay updated with official FSC announcements.

Q: Which exchange offers the lowest fees?
A: MEXC leads with 0% spot trading fees. For futures, Bybit and OKX offer some of the lowest taker fees at around 0.05%.

Q: Do I need KYC to use any crypto exchange in Korea?
A: Local exchanges require full KYC. Some international platforms like BingX and MEXC allow limited trading without verification.

Q: Is staking available on Korean exchanges?
A: Yes — both Upbit and Bithumb offer staking services with APYs ranging from 4% to over 20%, depending on the asset.

Q: How do I keep my crypto safe after buying?
A: Never leave large amounts on exchanges. Use hardware wallets (cold storage) and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) everywhere.

Final Thoughts

South Korea offers a vibrant and well-regulated environment for cryptocurrency trading. Whether you're a beginner using Bithumb or Upbit for simple KRW-based trades, or an advanced trader leveraging futures on Bybit, MEXC, or OKX, there’s a platform tailored to your needs.

Prioritize security, understand tax obligations, and always choose regulated platforms that align with your trading goals.

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