When you think of crypto trading in Asia, Upbit, a leading cryptocurrency exchange based in South Korea with over 10 million users and billions in daily volume. Also known as Dunamu Exchange, it's one of the few platforms that actually dominates its home market with real liquidity, not just hype. Unlike many global exchanges that struggle to gain traction in specific regions, Upbit built its reputation by focusing on local demand—especially for Korean won (KRW) pairs like BTC/KRW and ETH/KRW. It’s not just another exchange; it’s the go-to for millions of Korean traders who want fast, low-cost access to crypto without jumping through hoops.
Upbit’s strength comes from its tight integration with Korea’s banking system. You can deposit KRW directly via bank transfer and start trading in minutes. That’s rare. Most global exchanges force you to use crypto as a bridge, adding steps and fees. Upbit also lists hundreds of tokens you won’t find on Binance or Coinbase, including many Korean-origin projects like Klaytn and Ontology. But here’s the catch: while it’s great for trading, it’s not built for long-term holding. The platform doesn’t offer staking, and its wallet features are basic. If you’re holding crypto for years, you’ll still need a hardware wallet. And if you’re outside Korea? You’re out of luck—Upbit doesn’t serve international users. That’s why you’ll see so many guides here about WhiteBIT, a Europe-focused exchange with strong compliance and global access, or Blockchain.com, a trusted platform with over 37 million users and solid security. They fill the gaps Upbit leaves open.
What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t just a list of articles—it’s a real-world look at what matters when you’re using exchanges like Upbit. You’ll see how Coinzo, a Turkish exchange offering cheap BTC/TRY trades compares to Upbit’s local model. You’ll learn why platforms like Buff Network, an untracked exchange with no verifiable data should be avoided, while others like Bitnomial, the only U.S.-regulated exchange with physical delivery offer something completely different. There’s also deep dives into security, KYC delays, and why some exchanges disappear overnight. If you’ve ever wondered why Upbit’s fees are so low, or why it’s not on CoinMarketCap’s top 10 globally, the answers are here—no fluff, no guesses, just what’s real.
Upbit, South Korea's biggest crypto exchange, faced a $34 billion potential fine for KYC failures in 2025. The penalty was never imposed, but the suspension and reforms changed crypto regulation globally.
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