South Korea Launches USDT ATMs for Foreign Tourists via Kaia Blockchain

Foreign visitors to South Korea can now withdraw local currency using U.S. Dollar Tether (USDT) on the Kaia blockchain at designated digital ATMs (DTMs) in major tourist areas. This development marks a key step in the country’s ongoing efforts to integrate stablecoins into real-world financial services [1]. The ATMs, operated by fintech company DaWinKS, allow users to exchange 85 different fiat currencies for cash or recharge local transportation cards, following identity verification via passport and facial recognition [2]. The service, currently available in locations such as NSeoul Tower and Lotte Mart, is limited to users with foreign passports and is part of a regulatory sandbox initiative [3].

The collaboration between DaWinKS and the Kaia DLT Foundation represents a significant advancement in connecting digital assets with traditional financial infrastructure for international travelers [2]. Kaia’s native USDT is now supported on DaWinKS’s ATMs, allowing for seamless on- and off-ramp transactions. The initiative aims to expand the practical use cases of stablecoins, particularly for cross-border transactions, and aligns with broader trends of integrating blockchain into daily financial activities [3].

Dr. Sam Seo, Chairman of the Kaia DLT Foundation, emphasized that the move responds to growing consumer familiarity with digital assets and anticipates higher demand for such services in the future [3]. The project also plans to open domestic access later this year, broadening its scope beyond foreign tourists.

DaWinKS CEO Jong-myeong Lee highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, noting the company’s experience in cryptocurrency ATMs and QR payment systems. The collaboration with Kaia, which has also partnered with Tether and LINE NEXT, is expected to drive further expansion of DTMs globally [3]. Kaia USDT joins Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH) in being supported by the DTM network since late 2024, with plans to include the Kaia blockchain’s native token, KAIA, in the future [3].

The DTM service operates based on daily exchange rates, converting digital assets into fiat currency accordingly. Additionally, leftover cash can be converted back into USD when users leave the country, offering further flexibility [3]. This development reinforces South Korea’s position as a key player in blockchain innovation and financial technology, showcasing the country’s commitment to building a robust digital asset ecosystem.

South Korea’s stablecoin ATMs reflect a broader global trend of embedding blockchain into traditional financial infrastructure. As more countries experiment with regulatory sandboxes and digital asset adoption, South Korea’s approach demonstrates how blockchain can be leveraged to enhance financial accessibility for international users [3].

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[1] Tourists Can Now Withdraw Cash With USDT via Kaia ATMs in South Korea (https://decrypt.co/332878/tourists-can-now-withdraw-cash-with-usdt-via-kaia-atms-in-south-korea)

[2] Kaia's Native USDT Adds DaWinKS's Digital ATMs, Testing Stablecoin Exchanges for Foreign Travellers (https://www.btcc.com/en-US/square/Cryptopolitan/714324)

[3] Kaia USDT-Enabled DTMs Expand Stablecoin Access in South Korea (https://u.today/kaias-native-usdt-now-supported-in-dawinkss-digital-atms)