South Korean crypto exchanges ramp up dollar stablecoin campaigns as won-dollar rate surges in January 2026

South Korean cryptocurrency exchanges are expanding trading and marketing activities around U.S. dollar-pegged stablecoins as the won-dollar exchange rate climbs. Platforms including Korbit, Coinone, Upbit, and Bithumb are waiving fees, listing new stablecoins, and running reward campaigns distributing USDC and USDe to boost volumes. Trading in Tether against the won has also jumped significantly while lawmakers advance a bill to bring stablecoins under the Foreign Exchange Transactions Act for anti–money laundering and tax compliance.