South Korea's Small Businesses Get $0.01 Payments Boost via SUI-t’order Blockchain Breakthrough


SUI and t’order have announced a partnership to deploy a KRW stablecoin for real-world payments in South Korea, aiming to reduce transaction costs for small businesses and expand blockchain adoption. The collaboration leverages Sui’s blockchain infrastructure and t’order’s nationwide point-of-sale (POS) network, which processes over $4.3 billion in annual transactions. By replacing traditional card fees averaging 2.5% with ultra-low costs of approximately KRW 13 ($0.01) per transaction, the initiative is projected to save small businesses KRW 150 billion ($100 million) annually[1]. This move aligns with South Korea’s broader push to develop domestic stablecoins as an alternative to dollar-pegged tokens like USDTUSDT-- and USDC[4].
The KRW stablecoin will integrate advanced technologies, including QR code and facial recognition (Face Pay) systems, to enable transactions under 0.5 seconds. T’order’s infrastructure, managing 300,000 POS devices nationwide, will facilitate rapid deployment of the stablecoin across retail and food service sectors, which collectively represent a market exceeding 190 trillion KRW[1]. Transaction and loyalty data will be stored on Walrus, a decentralized protocol built on SuiSUI--, ensuring transparency and data integrity[2]. The system’s real-time processing capabilities and decentralized architecture aim to minimize disputes and fraud while enhancing consumer trust[4].
Small businesses stand to benefit significantly from reduced operational costs. T’order’s zero-fee payment gateway model, combined with Sui’s blockchain, could eliminate traditional payment gateway expenses for merchants. The partnership also emphasizes scalability, with Sui’s network capable of handling hundreds of millions of transactions simultaneously[2]. Analysts note that the initiative could challenge legacy payment systems by offering faster, cheaper alternatives, particularly in the food service market, where high transaction volumes make cost savings substantial[1].
South Korea’s regulatory environment is evolving to accommodate stablecoin innovation. The government has established a task force to draft legislation, including rules on collateral requirements and issuer oversight, with potential implementation by year-end[4]. Meanwhile, the Bank of Korea paused its central bank digital currency (CBDC) project in Q2 2025, shifting focus to private-sector solutions. This regulatory flexibility has spurred competition among domestic firms, with eight major banks planning to launch a won-pegged stablecoin by late 2025 or 2026. The Sui-t’order collaboration is positioned as a pilot for large-scale stablecoin adoption, with outcomes likely influencing future policy frameworks[5].
Market analysts highlight both opportunities and challenges. While the KRW stablecoin could enhance interoperability across platforms and reduce reliance on foreign tokens, risks include capital outflows and regulatory uncertainty. South Korea’s short-term bond market, crucial for collateralizing stablecoins, remains underdeveloped compared to U.S. counterparts, complicating issuance[9]. However, the private sector’s rapid response—evidenced by KakaoPay’s stablecoin preparations and blockchain firms securing intellectual property—suggests strong momentum[8]. If successful, the initiative could serve as a blueprint for integrating local stablecoins into global financial systems, aligning with trends in the EU and U.S. toward regulated digital assets[7].
The Sui-t’order partnership underscores blockchain’s potential to transform retail payments. By combining decentralized infrastructure with real-world use cases, the project advances South Korea’s digital economy while addressing merchant pain points. As regulatory clarity and market adoption progress, the KRW stablecoin could reshape payment ecosystems, fostering innovation without compromising financial stability[5].
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