South Korea to Introduce Spot Crypto ETFs by 2026

3 mins mins

Key Points:

The South Korean government plans to launch spot crypto ETFs by 2026.
The strategy aims to institutionalize virtual assets, targeting Bitcoin.
Expected to boost institutional investment in South Korean markets.

On January 9, South Korea’s Ministry of Finance revealed plans to introduce a spot exchange-traded fund (ETF) for digital assets as part of its 2026 Economic Growth Strategy.

This strategic move indicates a shift towards embracing virtual assets in South Korea, potentially fostering institutional investment and aligning with international market trends.

South Korea to Introduce Spot Crypto ETFs by 2026

South Korea’s Ministry of Finance unveiled plans for spot digital asset ETFs under the “2026 Economic Growth Strategy.” This includes major cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, to increase transaction convenience. As the Ministry of Economy and Finance, South Korean Government, said, they plan to “introduce spot ETFs of major virtual assets such as Bitcoin to enhance the convenience of transactions.”

This policy change signifies a shift towards recognizing and integrating digital assets into the financial system. The Financial Services Commission is currently reviewing regulations to accommodate such ETFs under the existing Capital Markets Act. This review process examines how digital assets fit into existing law, and whether new frameworks for crypto ETFs might be necessary.

Market participants are responding with optimism. KRX Chairman Jeong Eun-bo stated that the exchange is ready to support crypto-backed ETFs, awaiting regulatory clarity. Jeong noted that “KRX is ready to accommodate digital asset products within our systems once regulatory clarity arrives.” This move could position South Korea competitively in the global fintech landscape.

Bitcoin Price and Market Reactions

Did you know? The approval of spot Bitcoin ETFs in other regions, such as the U.S., has triggered significant institutional inflows, setting a precedent that South Korea’s planned ETFs could replicate, boosting local financial markets.

According to CoinMarketCap, Bitcoin is currently priced at $90,901.17, with a 24-hour trading volume of $41.86 billion. It has a market cap of $1.82 trillion and shows a 2.65% gain over the past week despite a three-month 18.98% decline.

bitcoin-daily-chart-5502 — Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 05:41 UTC on January 9, 2026. *Source: CoinMarketCap*

Coincu research analysts suggest that South Korea’s integration of spot ETFs aligning with global standards may enhance liquidity and encourage technological innovation, driving broader acceptance of cryptocurrency in the region.

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice. We encourage you to do your own research before investing.