The Transformation Path of the Korean Web3 Market: From Speculation to Industrial Ecology

In the first quarter of 2025, the South Korean Web3 market will experience a significant turning point. This market, once regarded as a "liquidity export" for global projects, is gradually transforming into a structured self-sustaining industrial ecosystem.

Regulatory Easing Brings New Opportunities

The Financial Services Commission ( FSC ) recently released a roadmap that allows institutional entities to conduct cryptocurrency trading through corporate accounts. This policy change brings significant impacts to the market:

1. Establish a legal foundation for Korean enterprises to develop Web3 business.
2. Introducing institutional investors with risk management capabilities is expected to enhance market stability.
3. Promote the diversification of financial services, including cryptocurrency funds and custody services.

However, a phased relaxation of regulations may lead to an imbalance between supply and demand, putting downward pressure on prices. As listed companies and institutional investors enter the market, the likelihood of the government strengthening tax regulation also increases.

Global Projects Support Ecological Construction

Multiple international Web3 projects are actively laying out in South Korea, aiming to build a long-term sustainable ecosystem.

• Avalanche and the TON Foundation nurture the ecosystem by directly supporting local teams.
• XRPL Korea( Ripple) and Superteam Korea( Solana) are hosting a large-scale hackathon, attracting hundreds of participants.
• These activities not only provide a clear market entry path but also bridge the gap between prototype development and actual deployment.

These measures have gone beyond mere marketing and are cultivating a new generation of local builders, injecting new momentum into the Korean Web3 industry.

Infrastructure and Policy Innovation

The "Han River Project" of the South Korean central bank digital currency ( CBDC ) has successfully completed its first retail user real transaction. At the same time, major commercial banks are beginning to explore the issuance of a Korean won stablecoin. In terms of infrastructure, the industry is discussing a "one exchange - multiple banks" model, which is expected to significantly enhance market flexibility and user access.

Conclusion

In summary, the South Korean Web3 market is at a critical juncture transitioning from being driven by speculation to being driven by industry. Improvements in the regulatory environment, continuous investment in global projects, and the gradual maturation of the local ecosystem are collectively driving the South Korean Web3 sector into a new stage of development. In the future, South Korea is expected to contribute more substantial innovations on the global Web3 stage.