South Korean authorities have approved measures to block internal access to 27 websites operated by unregistered crypto exchanges and other virtual asset service providers, including KuCoin, MEXC, Phemex and Bitrue.
in a announcement On Tuesday, South Korea’s Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) said the decision followed an October 6 and 7 review by the Korea Media and Communications Standards Commission.
The list includes CoinW, BTCC, BitMart, BingX, DigiFinex and others. The block applies to crypto platforms that are not registered under the country’s anti-money laundering laws, reporting and use of certain financial transaction information.
“With this decision, the blocking measures against illegal virtual asset operators will also apply to internet websites, following apps like Apple and Google,” the FIU said, according to a translation.
These measures include shutting down domestically hosted services or blocking access to websites operated abroad.
The move follows earlier restrictions on mobile apps. Cointelegraph Reported in April 2025 That South Korea blocked the download and update of 14 unregistered crypto exchange apps on Apple’s App Store, followed by restrictions on 17 apps through Google Play.
The FIU said authorities assess whether foreign operators target Korean consumers by looking at whether the platforms support Korean-language services, market to South Korean users or support transactions on the Korean One.
FIU acknowledges that website blocks may complicate withdrawal for existing users. It said it plans to provide withdrawal guidance and support through the Digital Asset Exchange Alliance, or DAXA, in collaboration with operators.
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