Visitors in South Korea to Convert USDT through Cryptocurrency ATMs

Visitors to well-known tourist destinations in South Korea will have the opportunity to convert the stablecoin USDT into fiat currency through DaWinKS crypto ATMs.

The non-profit Kaia DLT Foundation, in collaboration with FinTech firm DaWinKS, has introduced a service in South Korea that enables international tourists to exchange USDT, which is issued on the Kaia blockchain, for South Korean won at specialized digital ATMs (DTM).

A digital ATM (DTM) is a versatile device that facilitates both crypto-to-cash and cash-to-crypto transactions, along with various other financial services without requiring internet connectivity. DTMs provide users with the ability to:

• convert cryptocurrencies and stablecoins into fiat;
• issue prepaid cards, including transit cards;
• conduct currency exchange transactions between fiat currencies;
• offer additional FinTech services such as tax refunds or transfers.

DaWinKS ATMs that accommodate USDT are located in seven prominent tourist areas in South Korea:

• at the N Seoul Tower, a well-known site in Seoul;
• at Homeplus supermarket locations in the Hapjeong and CentumCity districts;
• at a Lotte Mart outlet in the Gwangbok region;
• at the LIFEWORK large retail establishment in the Myeongdong tourist zone;
• at the Money Club exchange office situated in Myeongdong;
• at the NamDaeMun Exchange Café in the Namdaemun district.

The network is set to expand to additional major Lotte Mart locations throughout the country.

Tourists can complete the verification process using their passport and biometric checks similar to those conducted at South Korean airports. Once they pass KYC, users can exchange USDT from the Kaia network for cash in their selected currency or obtain a prepaid transit card. Any remaining balances can be converted to U.S. dollars prior to departing the country. All transactions are executed at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction.

In addition to USDT, the ATMs also support BTC and ETH. The KAIA token, which is the native token of the Kaia network, is expected to be included in the future. Sangmin Seo, Chair of the Kaia DLT Foundation, stated that the partnership with DaWinKS aims to greatly enhance the practical application of stablecoins and create new avenues for cross-border financial transactions. He also mentioned intentions to broaden the initiative beyond South Korea over time. DaWinKS crypto ATMs are operational in 17 countries and support 89 national currencies.

South Korean regulators enforce stringent requirements for digital asset service providers. In 2024, the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (KoFIU) intensified inspections of crypto exchanges, leading to the prohibition of certain platforms from the local market. Furthermore:

• severe penalties were established for crypto-related offenses;
• the acquisition of cryptocurrencies using credit cards was banned;
• oversight of stablecoins was enhanced alongside stricter regulation of international crypto transactions.

In 2025, the South Korean government initiated a comprehensive reform of the crypto industry, announcing updates to stablecoin regulations and commission structures for local crypto exchanges.

Сообщение Tourists in South Korea to Exchange USDT via Crypto ATMs появились сначала на CoinsPaid Media.