Cryptocurrency Marketing Ecosystem Research: Focusing on the South Korean Market

Jan 12, 2026 21:18:47

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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 projects.

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 firms, 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, strong mobile adoption rates, 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 surged from 2 million (3.9%) to 16.3 million (31.6%), marking a staggering 715% increase. By 2025, cryptocurrency traders are expected to surpass stock traders for the first time, reflecting a significant shift in retail investor preferences.

▲ Trader Growth Trends (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%)
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
An astonishing growth of 715% over the entire period
Experienced significant acceleration from 2024 to 2025, adding nearly 7 million traders
First time surpassing stock traders in 2025

From 2024 to 2025, the strong performance of Bitcoin, the 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 Korea's history, reflecting a fundamental shift in retail investor 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, accounting 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%), Coinone around 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 South Korean centralized exchanges (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's dominant holdings, South Korea is becoming a major player in the fiat-to-crypto space globally. According to a report by blockchain analytics firm Chainalysis on the "2025 Global Crypto Adoption Index," while the U.S. remains the largest fiat deposit channel in the world with a total trading volume exceeding $2.4 trillion—nearly four times that of the second-highest country—South Korea follows closely with an impressive trading volume of $722 billion. This strong performance highlights the country's growing importance in the global crypto ecosystem. In contrast, the EU's fiat-to-crypto trading 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 number of users on 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. ▲ Global Volume Analysis 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 bans on ICOs, margin trading, and anonymous accounts 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 continuous learning in crisis response, technological maturity, and the 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.

With 16 million users holding approximately $70.3 billion (102.6 trillion KRW) in crypto assets, the market depth in South Korea is undeniable. For any crypto project, entering the South Korean market is shifting from an option to a strategic necessity, especially before token generation events (TGE). In terms of market promotion, language and cultural barriers are significant challenges. Therefore, collaborating with local crypto participants is essential, particularly media, GTM agencies, research firms, and even key opinion leaders (KOL).

2. Key Marketing Strategies 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. Institutions emphasize the need for at least 2-3 months 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 more than three months may lose user attention due to market congestion and rapidly moving retail traders. Institutions aim to maintain momentum without dragging activities too long. # Focus on Brand Awareness and Community Building Building brand awareness, attracting key opinion leaders (KOL), 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 and meaningful relationships with KOLs requires activities, translations, and incentives, such as whitelist spots, to promote better project understanding and advocacy. # Customized Marketing for Different Client 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 activities outside retail channels.

According to institutions, projects like 0G and Sahara AI have benefited from institutional support, with institutions 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 Institutions

Crypto media in South Korea plays a crucial role in helping projects navigate the local market, providing 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 offers tailored content that resonates with both 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 institutions to help projects better understand the media landscape in this key market. (Order is not prioritized) 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 real-time trading intelligence for retail investors. Founded in 2022, Followin has developed into Asia's leading crypto information infrastructure, boasting 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 activities, earn token rewards, and engage in tasks

# Services of Followin Leveraging its massive 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 integrated Go-To-Market service layers for crypto projects across the Asia-Pacific, combining real-time media distribution, localized user growth solutions, and deep KOL networks 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 relationships

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 visibility. # 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 showcases effective community building and ecosystem support. (📲 App: https://followin.io/download) Coinness (@CoinNess_) # Overview Coinness, established in 2018, 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 go-to for breaking crypto news and project exposure.

Coinness operates a network service while maintaining a mobile app-centric focus, 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 answering set questions
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 South Korean exchanges (like Bithumb, 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 South Korean market: With over 7 years of focus on the South 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 the high mobile penetration in Asia 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, 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 functionality 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 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 space and ranking high in the crypto category. It is a media agency 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 wide recognition through its annual "BlockFesta" conference, attracting global blockchain projects. With over 36K social followers and 58.7K YouTube subscribers, Blockmedia maintains 4 million monthly active users and stands out with 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 translations and edits. Enhance exposure through Google SEO, Naver, and Telegram.
Featured articles: In-depth research articles produced by the Blockmedia team, providing insights into partner projects, published on Blockmedia's official channels and CoinMarketCap.
Interviews (video/text): Video and text interviews conducted by the production team, answering set questions.
External dissemination: Distribution through other Web3 media agencies to maximize coverage and visibility among retail traders and users.
KOL bridging: Blockmedia filters 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 3,744 videos and 9.65 million views, including daily content such as Federal Reserve interest rate analysis and protocol deep dives.
Real-time information flow: 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 that competitors cannot match.
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, Federal Reserve interest rates, etc., making it stand out among 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 the 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 prominent 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 of content to help users make informed decisions without sifting through fragmented 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.
Provides various types of cryptocurrency content: startup token launches, exchange-listed coins, developer product releases, 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 launches, 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 distribution: Enhancing press release SEO and correctly tagging for long-term search engine rankings (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 (like 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 news standards and a broad financial network, setting it apart from other independent media. This gives Bloomingbit an advantage in attracting serious investors.
Curated insights and user-centered 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 like Korea Investment Week, highlighting its influence and attracting investors through market integration forecasts and economic analyses, especially in the context of high crypto 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 its traffic may not necessarily be the highest among major platforms, its partnership with South Korea's largest economic journal, Hankyung, and support from local investment firms like 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. Founded in 2017, it is the country's first specialized blockchain media agency, having 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: Attracting 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: Providing content in Korean and English, expanding to markets like Thailand, facilitating international users' access to and understanding of South Korean cryptocurrency news and trends.
Innovative tools and integration: Offering 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: Providing TPI (TokenPost Index) for market trend assessments and collaborating with data providers like Kaiko and Messari for in-depth research.

# Main Services

News dissemination: Providing 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: Offering in-depth market analysis, hidden market insights, and educational content through a knowledge encyclopedia, lowering the entry barrier for users.
Portfolio management tools: 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: Hosting interactive forums, reward-based lounges, and offline events like roadshows, providing industry education and networking opportunities.

# Core Competitive Advantages TokenPost stands out among leading media institutions through its top traffic rankings, innovative tools, and bridging role connecting local and global markets.

Scale and coverage: Boasting a large monthly visitor base and strong domestic traffic, along with broader international access that surpasses competitors.
Innovation and practicality: TokenPost's portfolio management tools, blockchain notarization, and KOL indices 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 "smart media" positioning.
Depth of content and expertise: Focusing on insights, exclusive interviews, and research (e.g., collaborations with Kaiko, Messari), TokenPost provides objective analysis, steering clear of hype. TokenPost's event hosting (e.g., 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 large scale, user-centered 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.

4. Introduction to Major Go-To-Market Agencies

In South Korea's cryptocurrency market, the role of marketing agencies is paramount, with many high-performing agencies—including those that 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 prioritized) 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 South Korea, INF has gained a strong reputation for helping crypto projects navigate and thrive in the South Korean market. # Key Services KOL Marketing and Management

Building brand stories 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-off content releases.
Tracking effectiveness 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 blog 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 organizing crypto events, including online interactive activities, AMAs, offline conferences, and hackathons.
YouTube/TV interviews: Providing opportunities for projects to showcase on top South Korean startup YouTube channels.

Community Management

Managing and building South Korean Telegram communities, driving engagement through KOL support and localized activities.

# Notable Partnerships 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. # Noteworthy Success Cases

SUI: Exclusive marketing partner in South 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 the market entry strategy for tokens and products, generating revenue for South Korean institutions.
Hyundai Card Conference: Successfully collaborated with Hyundai Card to host events.
Kite AI: Enhanced brand awareness in the South Korean market through the KOL+INF focus model, ensuring listing opportunities in South Korea.

INF CryptoLab offers flexible, high-quality services with a contract-based freelance KOL team. 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

Planning and managing KOL ambassador programs and alliances to enhance project visibility and credibility.

PR and Media Promotion

Publishing PR content and articles in both crypto 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 broader audience.

Blogging, Editorial Services, and SEO

Content creation, blog publishing, and SEO strategies to enhance online visibility and drive traffic growth.

# Key Case Studies/Performance Records

Perp DEX Growth: Driving billions in trading volume growth for perpetual DEX partners.
South Korean Node Distribution: Generating $2 million in node sales for projects like Aethir, Carv, Delysium, Moonveil, etc.
Web2 → On-chain User Acquisition: Helping bring Web2 users on-chain—making South Korea the second-largest market for Catizen, providing $1 million in game revenue within 8 months.
Founder Exposure (Web2 Retail Coverage): Securing traditional media interviews for founders to enhance their digital presence and reach the Web2 retail market.
Providing PMF Support for Web2 Companies: Building and promoting Tada mini-apps to support Tada's service products and refine 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 investments, 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 (South Korea's largest KOL DAO with over 50,000 members) and Blockstreet (a South Korean crypto PR/media agency with 4,000 daily active users), providing competitive advantages 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, creators, 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 space, they are 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 region (APAC). DeSpread has over 30 experts and is at the forefront of continuous innovation in the South Korean Web3 GTM space. To date, DeSpread has supported over 100 global blockchain projects without relying on external investments. The agency is recognized for driving Web3 growth in South 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 narratives.
Providing consulting on Web3 product-market fit (PMF) and brand building.
Building local partnerships and providing ecosystem support for market entry.

Growth Strategies and Media Outreach

Data-driven product growth and marketing strategy consulting.
Media relations management, crisis PR, and social media strategies.
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 build 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 trusted 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 South Korea.
Developing customized asset acquisition strategies for investors with different risk appetites and providing tailored solutions.

# Key Partners and Cases As one of South Korea's earliest and longest-standing GTM companies, DeSpread collaborated early on with projects like Solana, Stacks, The Sandbox, Filecoin, etc. Over time, their partner list has expanded to include successful cases like Aptos, Sui, Arbitrum, Berachain, Soneium, Story, 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 investment decision-makers through education and relationships. These objectives are based on their core services—brand consulting, growth strategies, research, and validator services, strategically incorporating DAT coverage as a special tool to facilitate institutional collaboration and enterprise practicality.

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

5. Introduction to Major Research Firms

South Korean exchanges heavily rely on reports produced by research firms 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 ecosystem of research firms in South Korea is becoming a powerful force shaping its cryptocurrency market. (Order is not prioritized)

FourPillars (@FourPillarsFP) # Overview FourPillars is one of the fastest-growing crypto research firms 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 providing 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 South Korea to cover 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 South Korea. They also launched a validator brand - FP Validated to facilitate ecosystem development.

Research reports and articles: Providing comprehensive guides and outlook analysis reports, content-neutral, 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 South 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). Its research aims to assist crypto natives in strategic planning, while its narrative-driven approach combines technical depth with actionable insights to drive ecosystem development. This focus sets FourPillars apart in competition.

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-level crypto narrative in South Korea.
Expanding regional influence: Extending its influence across the broader Asian region.

TigerResearch (@tiger_research) # Overview Tiger Research is a South Korean research and consulting firm 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 like 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 twice a week, tracking the latest developments in countries like South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Business development and consulting: Providing 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, jointly publishing reports on the Southeast Asian market with other research firms. 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 from data-centric global firms in the South Korean crypto research space. The company 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 rapidly 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, deep local networks, and a trust-building philosophy, Tiger Research becomes 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 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 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, supporting 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 standardized disclosure frameworks 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-grade integration, positioning itself as a leading platform for real-time analysis and compliance in the Asian crypto market. Unlike other qualitative or consultancy-oriented firms, Xangle provides evidence-based research, particularly focusing on regulatory alignment and market transparency, especially suited for South 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 the competitive Asian crypto market.

6. Introduction to Major Blockchain Conferences in South Korea and Strategic Value Assessment

South Korea's blockchain conference ecosystem 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 overviews, organizers, target audiences, and impact assessments. It will also focus on evaluating the strategic value of sponsoring these events for project tokens to be listed on major exchanges in South Korea (like Upbit or Bithumb) and enhancing project brand awareness in the local market. Overview of Major Blockchain Conferences in South Korea # Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) KBW is South Korea's largest and most internationally influential annual blockchain event, held every year since 2018. It is not only an industry conference but also a week-long Web3 festival, with the flagship conference "IMPACT" at its core.

Organizers: 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 South 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 South Korean markets.

# Upbit D Conference (UDC) UDC is a global blockchain conference hosted by Dunamu, the operator of South Korea's largest cryptocurrency exchange, Upbit. Initially named the "Upbit Developer Conference," it has expanded to cover various fields including 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 including hackathons and technical summits. It is the core event for the Ethereum global community in South Korea.

Organizers: 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 South Korea. For projects built on Ethereum, ETH Seoul is a key platform for showcasing technical innovations, attracting the core developer community in South 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.

Organizers: KryptoPlanet, etc.
Target Audience: Core developers, blockchain researchers, protocol teams, and projects focused on technological innovation.
Impact Assessment: It enjoys a strong reputation within the South Korean developer community, making it 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 assessments by exchanges.

# Blockchain Week in Busan (BWB) BWB is a regional event supported by the Busan city government, aimed at promoting Busan's vision as 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 South Korea or focusing on compliance tracks like RWA and STO, BWB provides a unique touchpoint.

▲ Comparison of Major Blockchain Conferences in South Korea Strategic Assessment of Sponsoring Events for Token Listings and Brand Building In South 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 South Korean market has high demands for localization and "local legitimacy."

Building Trust: Sponsoring major conferences, especially UDC and KBW, which have strong influence in South Korea, sends a signal to Korean investors and regulators that the project is financially sound and committed to the South 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 South Korean cryptocurrency community.
Technical Endorsement: Participation in ETH Seoul or BUIDL Asia can provide strong technical endorsement for projects. South Korean exchanges (especially Upbit) place great importance on a project's technical foundation, and active participation in these hardcore technical conferences is a strong proof of technical strength.

# Facilitating Token Listings on Exchanges like Upbit and Bithumb The five major exchanges in South Korea (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-based projects, deep involvement 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 and market makers in South Korea.
Xangle Adoption: Demonstrating collaboration with major South Korean enterprises to prove the project's commercial sustainability, meeting Bithumb's strict quality requirements for projects.

# Strategic Summary Sponsoring top blockchain conferences in South Korea is a key component of a project's strategy to enter the South 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 South Korean market, winning favor from exchanges. South Korean blockchain conferences are strategic high grounds for projects entering the 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 for corporate collaboration and regulatory compliance. By strategically sponsoring and participating in these events, projects can significantly enhance their brand awareness in South 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.

7. Final Thoughts

The increasing influence of South Korea's crypto ecosystem has made it a key market that anyone interested in the future of Web3 should pay attention to.

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

As a significant global crypto hub, South Korea offers immense opportunities for international investors. However, to successfully establish a foothold in this market, overseas 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 environments, and market dynamics of South Korea. Local agencies can help tailor marketing strategies, while research firms provide valuable insights and data to ensure compliance and market relevance. Events like Korea Blockchain Week also offer valuable opportunities for international projects to connect with local stakeholders and bridge the gap between domestic and international participants. At the same time, local companies are eager to collaborate with international projects, making the South Korean market highly receptive to foreign initiatives.

Despite the challenges of complex regulations, exchange dominance, and competition for market share, South Korea continues to solidify its important position in the crypto space, demonstrating how to develop alongside intelligent regulation and rapid adoption. Its growing influence underscores that South Korea is a key market for Web3 projects seeking successful entry into Asia and even the global market. Building relationships with local players is not just an advantage—it is a prerequisite for successfully entering the South Korean crypto market.