# South Korea Moves to Block 27 Unregistered Crypto Websites

- URL: https://stocks.freetheai.org/news/south-korea-moves-to-block-27-unregistered-crypto-websites-78a1b9
- Published: 2026-10-13T02:41:30Z
- Category: regulation; sentiment: bearish; impact: high
- Symbols: [KUCOIN:KCSUSDT](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/KUCOIN-KCSUSDT), [CRYPTO:PTUSD](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/CRYPTO-PTUSD), [CRYPTO:BTRBUSD](https://stocks.freetheai.org/symbols/CRYPTO-BTRBUSD)
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South Korean financial regulators have approved measures to block domestic access to 27 unregistered cryptocurrency exchange websites. The affected services include platforms associated with KuCoin Token (KUCOIN:KCSUSDT), Phemex Token (CRYPTO:PTUSD), Bitrue Coin (CRYPTO:BTRBUSD), MEXC, BitMart, and BingX. The restrictions apply to virtual asset providers that have not registered under the country's anti-money laundering legislation.

The web access ban expands earlier restrictions enforced on mobile applications across major app stores. Regulatory authorities assess whether international platforms target local traders by evaluating if they offer Korean language support, market directly to domestic residents, or allow transactions in Korean won. Blocking domain access terminates local hosting or cuts off connection to overseas servers.

Existing domestic clients on the affected platforms may encounter difficulties withdrawing their funds. Regulators indicated that they intend to publish withdrawal guidance and provide assistance alongside the Digital Asset eXchange Alliance and platform operators. Investors will monitor how smoothly exchanges coordinate customer asset withdrawals.

## Key points

- South Korea approved measures to block access to 27 unregistered virtual asset service provider websites.
- Targeted platforms include major exchanges such as KuCoin, MEXC, Phemex, Bitrue, and BitMart.
- The action enforces compliance with national anti-money laundering registration requirements.
- Authorities plan to issue withdrawal guidance with industry groups to help affected users retrieve assets.

## Questions and answers

### Why is South Korea blocking 27 crypto exchange websites?

South Korean authorities approved blocking measures because the platforms operated without registering under national anti-money laundering legislation.

### Which crypto exchanges are impacted by the South Korean website blocks?

The decision targets 27 unregistered platforms, including KuCoin, MEXC, Phemex, Bitrue, BitMart, BingX, CoinW, and DigiFinex.

### How can users on blocked crypto exchanges withdraw their funds?

Financial regulators plan to issue withdrawal guidance and coordinate support through the Digital Asset eXchange Alliance and exchange operators.