South Korea Expands Travel Rule to All Crypto Transactions

Key Points:* South Korea expands the travel rule to all crypto transactions, including those below 1 million won.

• Measures aim to increase transparency and prevent money laundering.
• New regulations may impact market liquidity and cross-border exchanges. On November 28th, South Korea’s Financial Services Commission Chairman Lee Eok-won announced expanded cryptocurrency regulations under the “travel rule” at the Anti-Money Laundering Day ceremony.

The move heightens compliance, curtails money laundering risks, and impacts global crypto interactions, affirming South Korea’s regulatory rigor in virtual asset oversight.

Crypto Market Braces for Liquidity Shifts amid New Regulations

Lee Eok-won announced the extension of the travel rule, also known as the “cryptocurrency real-name system,” during the Anti-Money Laundering Day ceremony. The expanded scope aims to scrutinize transactions below 1 million won (approximately US$680), signaling intensified efforts against financial crimes in crypto.

The crackdown includes bans on transactions with high-risk overseas exchanges and a comprehensive review of crypto business stakeholders’ financial and criminal profiles. These measures will likely discourage illicit activities and foster a more transparent crypto trading environment.

Lee Eok-won, Chairman, Financial Services Commission (FSC) of South Korea, highlighted the expansion of rules by affirming, “the ‘travel rule’ or ‘cryptocurrency real-name system’ will be expanded to cover cryptocurrency transactions below 1 million won.” – PANews

Market observers note that stricter reviews and prohibitions could decrease cross-border liquidity. No comments from global figures like CZ or Vitalik have emerged, but local regulators see this as aligning with international standards.

Historical Context, Price Data, and Expert Insights

Did you know? South Korea’s expansion of the travel rule aligns with previous efforts like the real-name system, reflecting a consistent history of comprehensive measures against crypto-related financial crimes.

Bitcoin (BTC) holds a market cap of $1.82 trillion with a current price of $91,395.97, experiencing a 24-hour shift of 5.81% and a 7-day increase of 7.32%, according to CoinMarketCap. The circulating supply is 19,954,762 against a max of 21 million BTC.

Bitcoin(BTC), daily chart, screenshot on CoinMarketCap at 07:22 UTC on November 28, 2025. Source: CoinMarketCap Coincu’s research team suggests that these regulatory changes might propel South Korea into a significant role in international crypto compliance, encouraging other countries to adopt similar measures to increase transaction transparency and market fairness.