South Korea to Launch Bitcoin ETFs Under 2026 Growth Strategy

Highlights:

• South Korea plans to launch spot Bitcoin ETFs as part of its plan to bring crypto into regulated financial markets.
• Lawmakers are working to finalize stablecoin rules and the Digital Asset Act by this month.
• Courts and regulators now treat digital assets like Bitcoin as enforceable financial property.

South Korea has confirmed plans to introduce spot Bitcoin ETFs under its 2026 Economic Growth Strategy. The government outlined the policy direction in its latest economic roadmap. Financial officials said regulators will begin detailed reviews within the year. The plan reflects growing demand for regulated crypto investment channels. Authorities also want closer alignment with global financial markets.

South Korea said in its 2026 Economic Growth Strategy that it plans to allow spot digital asset ETFs, including spot Bitcoin ETFs, this year, while the Financial Services Commission (FSC) accelerates phase-two digital asset legislation. The government cited active spot Bitcoin…

— Wu Blockchain (@WuBlockchain) January 9, 2026

The Financial Services Commission will oversee the regulatory review process. Officials will assess how spot Bitcoin ETFs fit under the Capital Markets Act. Regulators want existing securities rules to govern these products. The Korea Exchange has said its systems can support such listings.

The activity in the global market is still shaping policy design. Investors already trade spot Bitcoin ETFs actively in the United States and Hong Kong. Authorities are using those markets as the reference point in terms of oversight and protection of investors. Authorities have emphasized that regulators will issue licenses once they achieve regulatory readiness.

The ETF program is closely connected with the broader reforms in digital assets. A second wave of digital asset regulation is scheduled by lawmakers this year. These bills will address loopholes in the previous crypto regulations.

South Korea to Launch New Rules for Digital Assets

Alongside ETF planning, South Korea is advancing new digital asset rules. Stablecoin regulation stands at the center of the next legislative phase. Authorities are planning licensing requirements for issuers operating domestically. In particular, these licenses will include capital and governance standards. Regulators see this framework as necessary amid the rising stablecoin use in the country.

South Korea is racing to complete its Digital Asset Act by January 2026. Financial officials and lawmakers met on December 1 to resolve remaining disputes. The main issue involved the issuance structure for Korean won-based stablecoins. After months of stalemate, the parties reached a tentative agreement.

Reserve requirements are also a major point of concern. Policymakers would prefer stablecoins that are pegged to trusted assets. They are also working to ensure that holders have clear redemption rights. These steps are meant to enhance confidence in digital payment tools. Regulators think transparent rules will restrict systemic risks.

Digital Tokens Planned for Public Payments

South Korea intends to expand blockchain applications in state finance outside the scope of private markets. Authorities are considering deposit tokens that will be supported by commercial bank deposits. These tokens would facilitate government payments and settlements. According to officials, they are operational tools and not speculative assets.

Legal clarity around digital assets has already advanced through the courts. South Korea’s Supreme Court recently ruled that Bitcoin held on exchanges can be seized in criminal cases. The ruling followed the seizure of 55.6 Bitcoin linked to a criminal investigation. In particular, authorities valued the assets at about 600 million won. The decision reinforced digital asset recognition under existing law.

🇰🇷S. KOREA: BITCOIN ON EXCHANGES CAN BE SEIZED

The South Korean Supreme Court ruled that Bitcoin held on crypto exchanges is subject to seizure under criminal law. pic.twitter.com/zcergQAYo7

— Coin Bureau (@coinbureau) January 8, 2026

The government has also discussed using deposit tokens in treasury operations. Policymakers referenced a long-term goal to digitize up to 25% of treasury flows by 2030. Meanwhile, officials emphasized that any rollout would occur gradually. Regulatory readiness will determine the pace. Risk management remains central to planning.

Several legal changes will support this transition. Authorities are planning revisions to the Bank of Korea Act. In addition, the Treasury administration laws may also require updates. These changes will define how blockchain-based settlement tools operate. Officials aim to complete legal reviews within the year.