South Korea Eases Crypto Trading Rules as First Institution Sells Ethereum Post-Ban
South Korea has taken a notable step toward opening its crypto markets to institutional players, with humanitarian organization World Vision Korea becoming the first non-retail entity to sell cryptocurrency since the country's de facto ban began to lift.
On Sunday, World Vision Korea sold 0.55 Ethereum (ETH) worth approximately $1,396.50 through the local exchange Upbit. The transaction was confirmed by Dunamu, Upbit's parent company, and marks the beginning of South Korea’s carefully phased reentry into institutional crypto trading.
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The shift follows updated guidance from South Korea's Financial Services Commission (FSC), which announced that, starting June 1, qualified non-profits and registered crypto exchanges would be permitted to sell digital assets under limited conditions. The new rules enable non-profit organizations to liquidate crypto donations and allow exchanges to sell user-paid fees collected in digital currencies.
This cautious policy rollout is part of the FSC’s broader plan to ease restrictions on institutional crypto engagement. In the second half of 2025, the regulator is expected to announce additional measures that could allow listed companies and licensed professional investors to participate in crypto markets.
The change signals a measured but meaningful evolution in South Korea’s approach to digital assets. After years of strict oversight and a cooling regulatory environment, momentum is building once again—driven by both policy and politics.
The timing is significant. South Korea’s presidential election is set for Tuesday, and all three leading candidates have publicly committed to supporting the country’s digital asset industry. Among their promises: the approval of the nation’s first spot crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a move that could reshape retail and institutional access to crypto.