Seoul, South Korea, March 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KODA, South Korea’s leading custody provider, has successfully integrated with Core—the first Proof of Stake (PoS) layer for Bitcoin and the largest decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem for Bitcoin. This partnership marks KODA’s first support for a Bitcoin scaling blockchain, reinforcing the momentum of Bitcoin staking within a crucial cryptocurrency market.
Korea has consistently been a frontrunner in the adoption of cryptocurrencies, with local exchanges handling billions in daily trading volumes. Retail traders from the country play a significant role in shaping global price movements. Institutional interest in the crypto space has also been growing, with KODA securing its position as a market leader.
This integration provides users access to CORE, the native token of the Core blockchain, while paving the way for regulated Bitcoin staking services in Korea as the regulatory environment evolves.
Significance of the Integration
The collaboration with Core positions KODA as the foremost custodian in Korea supporting this innovative blockchain. Already backing prominent blockchains like BNB Chain, Base, Polygon, and Solana, KODA’s integration with its first Bitcoin scaling chain is a substantial milestone that expands Bitcoin DeFi opportunities in Korea, fostering further adoption and innovation.
“KODA has positioned itself as an innovator in the institutional landscape by offering fully licensed solutions. We are thrilled to team up with such a reliable and forward-looking company to bring Core to this market, eventually creating new opportunities for institutional Bitcoin yield. This partnership is pivotal for enhancing access to secure blockchain solutions for Korean institutions,” noted Brendon Sedo, Initial Contributor to Core.
Future of Bitcoin Staking
Core is designed to facilitate Bitcoin staking, which was previously only achievable via centralized platforms. Since its launch in April 2024, over 6,000 BTC have been staked with Core. With KODA’s integration, Korean institutions will soon have the chance to explore Bitcoin yield opportunities directly through Core without giving up control of their Bitcoin assets.
Looking Ahead
The integration is now operational, and Core is eager to continue its expansion in Korea.
- Core is listed on Bithumb, offering local access to utilize CORE and other on-chain products.
- Preparing for potential regulatory changes that may enable institutions to access staking products through established custodians as a pathway to Bitcoin yield.
Recent updates indicate that South Korea is preparing to ease restrictions on cryptocurrency trading for institutional investors, indicating a potential shift in the country’s digital asset regulatory framework. While institutional investors are not explicitly restricted, banks in Korea face limitations on opening crypto trading accounts on their behalf. This integration comes at a pivotal time as the country is on the verge of unlock institutional crypto investments under new guidelines expected in Q3.
