South Korea plans to roll out a comprehensive cryptocurrency regulatory framework within the year under its 2026 Economic Growth Strategy. The document centers on two moves: allowing spot crypto ETFs and building a second-phase legal regime for stablecoins. Taken together, the plan signals a clear policy shift as authorities move from a cautious stance toward closer integration between digital assets and traditional finance.
Spot crypto ETFs move into the official policy agenda
Under the government’s strategy, spot crypto ETFs are set to be permitted this year. The Financial Services Commission, which oversees the effort, has looked to markets such as the United States and Hong Kong, where spot Bitcoin ETFs are already active, while assessing global demand and liquidity conditions. Until now, cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin were not treated as suitable ETF assets in South Korea, which kept spot ETF trading off the table.
The new plan is meant to remove that barrier and give both retail and institutional investors access to crypto exposure through regulated capital market products. Officials said the ETF rollout will sit inside a framework that gives priority to financial stability. Market transparency and investor protection are listed as core principles, and decisions are expected to reflect international standards as well as market demand.
Second-stage stablecoin rules focus on issuers
A second pillar of the strategy is a dedicated legal framework for stablecoins. The Financial Services Commission plans to introduce a licensing system for issuers, with draft rules covering minimum capital requirements, full reserve backing, and users’ right to redeem funds. That would define clearer entry conditions for issuance and set direct obligations around redemption.
The framework is also expected to include a separate regulatory mechanism for cross-border stablecoin transfers and transactions. The Financial Services Commission and the Ministry of Finance are developing a shared-authority model aimed at controlling international money flows and protecting financial security. The source material does not provide a detailed implementation calendar, but it does make clear that both agencies are involved.
Digital public finance is part of the roadmap
Beyond ETF and stablecoin rules, the government wants to speed up digital transformation in public finance. By 2030, as much as one quarter of the state treasury is planned to be used in the form of “deposit tokens,” described as a type of digital currency. After pilot applications, relevant laws will be updated to create a legal basis for blockchain-based payment infrastructure.
Digital wallets are also expected to be used for certain categories of public spending. The available material does not identify which spending items will be included first, and it does not specify the size of the pilot. What is clear is the direction of travel: South Korea is trying to place crypto regulation, stablecoin oversight, and digital public payments on the same policy track.