Korean largest digital asset exchange operator, Dunamu, has declared its intent to move beyond trading — seeks to position itself as a core player in Web3 infrastructure and global blockchain standards. At the 8th Upbit D Conference (UDC) 2025, held in Seoul, the company announced the launch of its proprietary GIWA Chain and GIWA Wallet, while underlining stablecoins as the next frontier of global financial transformation. This moment signals not just innovation but Korea’s strategic repositioning in the global tech economy.
On September 9, 2025, Dunamu held the Upbit D Conference (UDC) 2025 at the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas in Gangnam. The event marked CEO Oh Kyoung-suk’s first public appearance since taking office and featured the formal launch of Dunamu’s Web3 strategy.
During the opening keynote, Oh Kyoung-suk introduced the GIWA Chain, a proprietary blockchain network, and the GIWA Wallet, a digital asset wallet. The company outlined its ambition to build “Global Infrastructure for Web3 Access,” moving beyond exchange operations and establishing itself as a core player in global blockchain infrastructure.
The conference, themed “Blockchain, to the Mainstream,” drew over 1,200 on-site participants, 230,000 online viewers, and 59 international speakers, reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s largest blockchain gatherings.
Since its inception in 2018, UDC has served as Korea’s flagship blockchain conference. However, this year’s edition represents a turning point: Dunamu is no longer content to follow global tech trends — it seeks to shape them.
In his address, CEO Oh Kyoung-suk drew a sharp contrast between Korea’s historical position in previous tech revolutions and its current opportunity,
“While Korea previously responded defensively to the rise of global Big Tech in the internet and AI revolutions, the blockchain revolution allows us to take an offensive stance,” he stated.
The emphasis on stablecoins reflects broader shifts in digital finance. According to Oh, won-denominated stablecoins now serve as critical infrastructure linking blockchain to real-world finance, offering new pathways for cross-border transactions, asset management, and capital markets development.
Dunamu CEO Oh Kyoung-suk declared,
“We’ve entered an era where we don’t just design currency — we design trust. Dunamu is building the next layer of financial infrastructure on that trust.”
“With our technology and expertise, the time is right to expand globally. Korea must become the starting point of next-generation finance.”
Eric Trump, EVP of Trump Organization, stated,
“Korea is already viewed as a leader in the Asian virtual asset market. But if we get lost in bureaucratic risk aversion, we risk falling behind.”
(Remarks via livestream session on digital asset outlook)
Patrick McHenry, Former Chair, U.S. House Financial Services Committee:
“Governments must acknowledge that digital assets are now mainstream. Korea is facing a golden opportunity — but slow responses won’t match the speed of change.”
“Regulations that hinder innovation under the pretense of consumer protection must be reconsidered.”
Dunamu’s GIWA initiative represents a foundational layer in Korea’s Web3 expansion strategy, linking the nation’s blockchain development to broader financial innovation and infrastructure-building.
With Upbit Custody for institutional services and VerifyVASP for travel rule compliance already in place, Dunamu is aligning key components for cross-border digital finance operations and ecosystem signals:
Korea is positioning its KRW-backed stablecoin ecosystem as a scalable alternative in global digital finance — a notable shift from reactive regulation to proactive infrastructure-building. This follows the recent policy breakthrough lifting venture investment restrictions on blockchain firms, effectively bringing them into Korea’s official deep-tech sector.
By engaging U.S. policy leaders such as Patrick McHenry and showcasing cross-border solutions, UDC 2025 reflects Korea’s intention to shape international digital asset governance.
Through programs like Upside Academy, Dunamu is cultivating future Web3 cybersecurity professionals — a critical need as blockchain security risks evolve with AI.
In the end, UDC 2025 reflects a maturing phase in Korea’s blockchain ecosystem: with speculative trading and foundational infrastructure. Dunamu’s move to globalize its Web3 services — supported by GIWA Chain, wallet infrastructure, and stablecoin positioning — aligns with Korea’s broader ambition to lead in digital finance innovation.
As Web3 regulations, use cases, and geopolitical competition evolve, Korea’s role will depend on proactive architecture, international collaboration, and sustained policy support. If Dunamu’s strategy holds, Korea may not just participate in the global blockchain economy — it may help define it.
