South Korea Launches Stablecoin ATMs for Foreign Tourists at Key Locations

South Korea is expanding the practical use of stablecoins by enabling foreign tourists to convert digital assets into fiat currency through ATMs. Kaia, in collaboration with fintech firm DaWinKS, has launched Digital Teller Machines (DTMs) at key tourist spots, allowing users to withdraw cash or load funds onto prepaid transit cards using Kaia-issued USDT [1]. The service, currently limited to non-residents, operates at seven locations including NSeoul Tower, Homeplus, and Lotte Mart, with plans for further expansion [3].

The DTMs incorporate KYC protocols, such as passport and facial recognition, to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. After authentication, users can access 85 currencies or load transit cards, with any remaining funds convertible to USD for departure [5]. The machines also support Bitcoin and Ethereum, following USDT’s introduction last year [6]. This initiative aims to enhance digital asset accessibility for international visitors, especially those drawn to K-culture and South Korea’s tourism sector.

Dr. Sangmin Seo, Chairman of the Kaia DLT Foundation, emphasized that the collaboration supports global remittance and cross-border financial activities. He noted that evolving consumer attitudes toward digital assets are expected to drive demand for such services [7]. DaWinKS CEO Jong-myeong Lee highlighted the partnership’s role in advancing stablecoin usability and expanding the firm’s global footprint, particularly in payments and currency exchange [8].

Kaia and DaWinKS are also exploring the integration of KAIA, the native token of the Kaia blockchain, into the DTM system, which could further enhance the platform’s utility for both fiat and crypto users [9]. The initiative reflects broader efforts to bridge digital and traditional finance, particularly in countries with tourism-driven economies like South Korea.

Simultaneously, South Korea is working on a regulatory framework for stablecoins. On Monday, both ruling and opposition parties introduced competing legislation aimed at governing the sector. One bill proposed by Ahn Do-geol of the Democratic Party seeks to ban interest on won-pegged stablecoins and require a minimum capital of $3.6 million for issuers. Another, from Kim Eun-hye of the People Power Party, focuses on fostering innovation in crypto payments without restricting interest. The nation’s new president, Lee Jae-myung, has also pushed for a crypto-friendly agenda, including a Digital Asset Basic Act that would limit stablecoin issuance to companies with $366,749 in capital [4].

Richard O’Carroll, APAC regional manager at OneKey, commented that South Korea’s stablecoin regulation must balance government oversight with private-sector freedom to maintain global competitiveness in the digital asset space [4]. As the country moves forward with legislative and technological developments, the convergence of digital assets and traditional finance is likely to play a crucial role in shaping the future of cross-border financial services.

Sources:

[1] Mitrade. [https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-997325-20250730](https://www.mitrade.com/insights/news/live-news/article-3-997325-20250730)

[2] U.Today. [https://u.today/kaias-native-usdt-now-supported-in-dawinkss-digital-atms](https://u.today/kaias-native-usdt-now-supported-in-dawinkss-digital-atms)

[3] Blockster. [https://blockster.com/kaias-usdt-now-live-on-digital-atms-across-south-korea-powered-by-dawinks](https://blockster.com/kaias-usdt-now-live-on-digital-atms-across-south-korea-powered-by-dawinks)

[4] Binance. [https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/07-31-2025-usdt-atm-27676556616585](https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/07-31-2025-usdt-atm-27676556616585)