South Korea’s Dunamu Building GIWA Ecosystem Ahead of Major Launch

Dunamu, the South Korean operator of crypto exchange Upbit, is preparing to unveil its new blockchain initiative under the name GIWA, according to trademark filings and online speculation. The company has submitted several trademark applications covering blockchain software, digital asset infrastructure, and related technologies, with stylized logos suggesting the development of a branded platform or ecosystem [1]. Although no formal announcements have been made by Dunamu or Upbit, a website linked to the GIWA project is already live and features a countdown clock set to expire before the annual Upbit Developer Conference (UDC 2025) on September 9 in Seoul [2]. Industry observers speculate that GIWA may represent a layer 1 or layer 2 blockchain network intended to support digital assets, on-chain applications, or identity systems [1].

The development follows a growing trend among major cryptocurrency exchanges to establish their own blockchain networks. Examples include Coinbase’s Base, OKX’s OKChain, and Binance’s BNB Chain. Dunamu’s potential entry into this space could signal a broader strategy to diversify its offerings beyond exchange services and into infrastructure development [2]. The UDC 2025 event is widely expected to play a central role in the official launch, as the countdown on the GIWA site aligns with the event’s timing, raising expectations for a major announcement [3].

Industry participants have noted that the GIWA initiative may be positioned as a competitive offering within the blockchain infrastructure space. Given the increasing demand for scalable and interoperable solutions in the Web3 ecosystem, the potential launch of GIWA could attract developers and enterprises seeking an alternative platform to build on. While no technical details about GIWA have yet been disclosed, the company’s decision to file multiple trademarks and develop a dedicated website indicates a well-coordinated effort to build brand recognition and anticipation ahead of the official launch [1].

The move also comes amid heightened activity in the broader blockchain and cryptocurrency sector, with several firms launching new products and partnerships. For instance, Stripe and Paradigm recently introduced Tempo, a blockchain for high-speed stablecoin payments backed by major industry players. Meanwhile, other crypto exchanges and platforms have expanded their services, including Gemini’s new staking offerings in the UK and the launch of new token derivatives on exchanges like Coinbase. This dynamic environment suggests that Dunamu’s GIWA initiative may aim to capture a share of the growing demand for innovative blockchain solutions [3].

Dunamu has not yet confirmed the scope or nature of the GIWA project, but the timing of the trademark filings and the countdown website implies an imminent announcement. Analysts speculate that the project could be unveiled during the UDC 2025 conference, where key details such as technical specifications, use cases, and ecosystem development plans may be disclosed. As the event approaches, industry participants and investors are closely watching for updates, with the potential launch of GIWA representing a significant step in Dunamu’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in the global blockchain industry [2].

Source: [1] Upbit operator rumored to launch GIWA chain (https://cryptobriefing.com/upbit-launches-giwa-chain-blockchain-announcement/) [2] Upbit Parent Files 'GIWA' Trademarks Amid Rumors of New ... (https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2025/09/08/upbit-parent-files-giwa-trademarks-amid-rumors-of-new-blockchain-launch) [3] Upbit Parent Files 'GIWA' Trademarks Amid Rumors of New ... (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/upbit-parent-files-giwa-trademarks-173628297.html)