Crypto Trading Fees Waived for Non-Profits and Exchanges in South Korea Starting June 2025

Starting in June 2025, non-profit organizations and cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea will be allowed to trade digital assets without transaction fees. This groundbreaking policy was finalized during a recent meeting of the Virtual Asset Committee in Seoul, marking a turning point for the South Korean crypto sector.

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) has completed the draft of new virtual asset trading guidelines that aim to support transparent crypto donations and ensure anti-money laundering (AML) compliance. These crypto regulations will enable registered non-profits to accept cryptocurrency donations more efficiently while strengthening South Korea’s crypto regulatory framework.

Why the FSC Introduced Free Crypto Trading for Non-Profits

The FSC’s main goals are to promote ethical donation practices and mitigate financial crime. With crypto assets such as Bitcoin and Ethereum gaining popularity in South Korea — including use cases like crypto investing and online gaming via Bitcoin casinos — regulating donations is more important than ever.

According to the Korea Blockchain Association, South Korea saw a 38% increase in crypto donations in 2024, totaling over ₩190 billion (approximately $140 million). This surge in crypto philanthropy highlights the importance of creating safe and transparent frameworks for handling virtual assets.

"The guidelines for non-profits receiving and selling virtual assets were developed in coordination with relevant institutions and experts. The focus is on establishing a healthy donation culture and preventing money laundering," the FSC said in an official statement.

Crypto legal analyst Yoon Ji-soo commented, “These crypto compliance measures offer clarity and build a foundation for ethical fundraising in the digital era. For non-profits, this opens the door to international donors and blockchain-based transparency.”

How the New Crypto Regulations Work

The zero-fee policy applies to crypto assets traded on South Korea’s top three fiat-to-crypto exchanges — Upbit, Bithumb, and Coinone — which represent more than 85% of the national crypto trading volume as of Q1 2025.

Non-profits that receive cryptocurrency donations must convert them into Korean won (KRW) to maintain liquidity and financial accountability. This requirement helps ensure donation traceability and aligns with AML regulations.

Economist Professor Lee Hae-jun from Korea University said, “The fiat conversion requirement ensures minimal disruption to the market and fosters donor trust. It’s a practical step toward scalable crypto philanthropy.”

Growing Crypto Adoption and the Role of FSC Regulation

As South Korea’s crypto market grows — with over 6.1 million people, or 12% of the population, holding crypto assets as of early 2025 (Statista) — calls for stronger regulation have become more urgent. The FSC’s policy addresses this by bringing structure to an industry often criticized for lack of oversight.

This reform is seen as a strategic step in advancing South Korea’s position as a global crypto regulatory leader. By preventing corporate overreach and ensuring all stakeholders follow official procedures, the country aims to strike a balance between innovation and compliance.

Blockchain policy expert Choi Min-seok added, “South Korea is fast becoming a regulatory blueprint for others. This reform proves that clear rules can drive adoption without compromising oversight.”

Key Guidelines for Crypto Donations and Transfers

A government-established review board will monitor all crypto transactions involving non-profits and digital asset exchanges. This board will verify the source and purpose of each transaction, approving only those deemed legitimate and in line with charitable intent.

To further enhance transparency, the FSC plans to launch a Know Your Customer (KYC) system specifically tailored for crypto transfers between non-profits and exchanges by May 2025.

Pros and Cons of South Korea’s New Crypto Guidelines

Pros:

• Promotes transparent, traceable cryptocurrency donations
• Expands global funding opportunities for non-profits
• Strengthens anti-money laundering (AML) protections
• Increases public and institutional trust in crypto assets
• Positions South Korea as a model for crypto regulation

Cons:

• Applies only to the three largest domestic exchanges
• Mandatory conversion to fiat may limit appeal to crypto-native donors
• Additional compliance steps may burden smaller non-profits
• Future crypto regulation for businesses remains unclear

What’s Ahead for Crypto in South Korea

This initiative reflects South Korea’s broader crypto roadmap. While current rules focus on non-profits and exchanges, similar regulations for private companies may be introduced later in 2025. The FSC has signaled that additional policy updates will be announced in the second half of the year.

For South Korean crypto users — from donors to investors and blockchain gamers — this development signals a maturing, secure market environment. Clear compliance rules, reduced trading fees, and a commitment to transparency are key ingredients for long-term adoption.

Industry consultant Park Seung-woo summed it up: “Having transparent crypto donation guidelines builds trust and unlocks growth. This could drive more institutional support and help crypto go mainstream across South Korea.”

Marco Lucchetti

Marco Lucchetti is a senior content strategist and blockchain analyst at Plisio. With over 7 years of experience in cryptocurrency research, DeFi protocols, and payment technologies, Marco specializes in creating clear, data-driven content for a global crypto audience. His work focuses on transaction tracing, crypto compliance, and the future of blockchain infrastructure.