Huobi Korea Crypto Exchange Review 2025: Features, Fees, Security & Korean Support
Apr, 11 2025
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When Korean traders look for a crypto platform, Huobi Korea is the local branding of the global exchange HTX (formerly Huobi Global). While the Korean‑specific site is not widely documented, the parent platform’s policies, fees and security measures give a solid picture of what users can expect.
What is Huobi Korea?
Huobi Korea is essentially the Korean‑language interface of HTX, a exchange that started in Beijing in 2013 and moved its headquarters to Seychelles. The rebrand to HTX in September 2023 marked the platform’s 10‑year anniversary and signaled a broader push into global markets. According to the latest data, HTX sits in the top ten exchanges worldwide, handling over $4 billion in daily volume and serving more than 47 million users.
Signing Up and KYC
Account creation mirrors the global process: email verification, password setup and a two‑factor authentication (2FA) step. For Korean residents, the KYC flow asks for a resident registration number, a government‑issued ID and a selfie. The verification window usually closes within 15 minutes, though occasional delays happen during heavy traffic spikes.
Trading Features Available in Korea
Once logged in, users see a dashboard that mixes spot trading, margin products and a dedicated “Buy Crypto” section. The platform supports more than 300 coins for direct purchase, and over 1,000 trading pairs for spot markets. Order types include limit, market, stop‑limit and iceberg orders, while the margin engine offers up to 5× leverage on major pairs.
Fees and Discounts
HTX applies a flat 0.2 % fee for both makers and takers on spot trades. The fee can shrink dramatically through the tiered VIP program, which rewards higher trading volumes with lower rates - the lowest maker fee drops to 0.0126 %. Korean users also benefit from fee rebates when they use the native token HT to pay transaction costs.
Security Measures
Security is a top priority. The exchange stores the bulk of user assets in cold wallets and publishes Merkle‑tree proofs of reserves monthly. Although HTX has suffered breaches in its early years, each incident was followed by transparent compensation to affected users. Two‑factor authentication, anti‑phishing codes and IP whitelist options further harden accounts.
Supported Currencies and Korean‑Specific Offerings
Beyond the ubiquitous US Dollar and Euro, HTX lists 57 fiat options. Korean Won (KRW) is among them, allowing direct bank‑transfer deposits through local banks such as KEB Hana and Shinhan. The platform also offers a Korean‑language help center and a dedicated support line that operates during Seoul business hours.
Regulatory Landscape
South Korea’s crypto rules require exchanges to register with the Financial Services Commission and to link user accounts to real‑name verification. HTX has applied for a local license, but final approval is still pending as of October 2025. The exchange aligns its policies with the EU’s MiCA regulation, a move that signals a commitment to broader compliance. The MiCA framework (MiCA) sets standards for token classification, consumer protection and market transparency, and HTX’s adherence helps smooth future cross‑border operations.
Staking, Loans and Other Services
Huobi Korea inherits HTX’s full suite of financial products. Users can stake major coins like ETH, SOL and BNB for weekly yields ranging from 3 % to 12 %. Crypto‑backed loans let traders borrow stablecoins against their holdings, with interest rates as low as 4 % APR. An over‑the‑counter (OTC) desk handles large‑volume trades, offering personalized price quotes and settlement via Korean banks.
Pros and Cons for Korean Users
- Pros
- Broad asset selection - over 700 tokens.
- Competitive fee structure and VIP discounts.
- Robust security with cold storage and reserve proofs.
- KRW deposits and Korean‑language support.
- Cons
- Regulatory approval still pending - potential service interruptions.
- Mobile app occasionally lags during high‑volume events.
- Limited localized promotions compared to domestic rivals.
How Huobi Korea Stacks Up Against Local Competitors
| Feature | Huobi Korea | Binance Korea | Upbit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported fiat | KRW, USD, EUR, 54 others | KRW, USD, JPY | KRW, USD |
| Spot fee (maker/taker) | 0.20 % (down to 0.0126 % VIP) | 0.10 % (down to 0.02 % VIP) | 0.15 % (flat) |
| Leverage options | Up to 5× | Up to 10× | Up to 3× |
| Staking APY | 3‑12 % | 4‑14 % | 2‑10 % |
| Regulatory status (2025) | License pending | Licensed | Licensed |
Final Takeaway
For Korean traders seeking a global‑grade exchange with deep liquidity, Huobi Korea offers a compelling package. The platform’s extensive asset list, tiered fee discounts and strong security posture are clear wins. However, the unfinished regulatory licensing means users should keep an eye on official announcements and be ready with a backup exchange if service disruptions arise. Pairing Huobi Korea with a locally licensed backup like Binance Korea or Upbit ensures continuous access to the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Huobi Korea currently licensed in South Korea?
As of October 2025, Huobi Korea has applied for a local license but final approval from the Financial Services Commission is still pending. The exchange operates under a provisional framework, so users should monitor regulatory updates.
Can I deposit Korean Won directly?
Yes. The platform supports KRW deposits via local bank transfers, and the funds appear in the exchange wallet within 10‑30 minutes depending on the bank.
What are the fee discounts for high‑volume traders?
HTX’s VIP program reduces the maker fee from the base 0.2 % down to 0.0126 % for the highest tier, which requires a 30‑day trading volume of over $10 million.
Is my crypto safe on Huobi Korea?
The exchange stores about 95 % of user assets in offline cold wallets and publishes monthly Merkle‑tree proofs of reserves. Enabling 2FA and IP whitelisting adds extra protection.
How does Huobi Korea handle staking rewards?
Staking rewards are distributed weekly directly to the user’s spot wallet. The APY varies by token; for example, staking ETH yields around 5 % per year, while newer DeFi tokens can offer double‑digit rates.
Marlie Ledesma
October 24, 2025 AT 00:08Just used HTX for the first time last week to swap some ETH for SOL - super smooth. KRW deposit hit in 12 minutes, no hiccups. 2FA setup was actually clearer than Upbit’s.
Sean Hawkins
October 24, 2025 AT 14:49For anyone considering Huobi Korea, the VIP fee structure is legitimately one of the best in the space if you’re trading above $1M/month. The 0.0126% maker fee is insane - better than Binance’s lowest tier. And the Merkle proofs? They’re published on IPFS with cryptographic anchors, not just a PDF on their site. That’s enterprise-grade transparency.
Also, the OTC desk handles $500k+ trades with zero slippage if you’re on the institutional tier. Not many exchanges offer that for retail users.
Niki Burandt
October 24, 2025 AT 19:17Yasss 💅 I’ve been using HTX since 2022 and honestly? It’s the only one that doesn’t make me wanna scream when the app crashes during a pump. Also, their staking APY on ATOM is wild right now - 11.7% 🤯
Karen Donahue
October 25, 2025 AT 12:34Let’s be real - this whole ‘Huobi Korea’ thing is just a rebranding shell game. The parent company got hacked three times before 2020, and now they’re pretending they’ve turned into some saintly crypto deity? Please. They’re still operating in Seychelles with zero real legal accountability. The ‘license pending’ status? That’s just a fancy way of saying ‘we’re skating on thin ice.’
And don’t get me started on the ‘Korean support’ - their help desk takes 48 hours to respond if you’re not trading $100k a day. Meanwhile, Upbit answers in 17 minutes. This is just a thinly veiled attempt to siphon off Korean retail traders who don’t know any better.
Bert Martin
October 25, 2025 AT 17:11Don’t let the naysayers scare you off. If you’re doing regular trading and care about security, HTX is actually one of the safer bets out there. The cold wallet ratio is higher than most, and the reserve proofs are verifiable on-chain. Just enable IP whitelisting, use a hardware wallet for long-term holds, and you’re golden.
And honestly? The KRW deposit system works better than most local exchanges I’ve tried.
Ray Dalton
October 26, 2025 AT 05:28Biggest thing people miss: HTX’s margin engine is way more stable than Binance’s during volatility. I’ve had liquidations on Binance during 10% swings, but on HTX? The liquidation price was respected and I didn’t get wiped. Also, their 5x leverage is actually usable - not just a marketing gimmick.
And yeah, the app lags sometimes, but the web interface is buttery smooth. Use that instead.
Peter Brask
October 26, 2025 AT 20:37THEY’RE STILL RUNNING ON THE SAME INFRASTRUCTURE THAT GOT HACKED IN 2018!!! 🚨 They’re just hiding behind ‘MICA compliance’ and ‘cold wallets’ like that means anything!! The FSC hasn’t approved them BECAUSE THEY’RE A SCAM!! THEY’RE USING KOREAN TRADERS AS TEST DUMMIES FOR THEIR GLOBAL LAUNCH!!
And don’t even get me started on the ‘HT token’ - it’s just a pump-and-dump coin they control. I saw the whale wallets move 200M HT in 3 minutes last week. This isn’t finance - it’s casino.
USE UPBIT. OR BINANCE. OR DIE TRYING.
Daisy Family
October 27, 2025 AT 05:16oMG hUoBi kOrEa?? lOl wHAt a cRaZy tRy tO bE a gLoBaL pLaYEr wItH a kOrEaN lOoK aNd nO rEaL lIcEnSe?? sO cUtE. i dIdNt kNoW yOu cOuLd pUcH a pRoJeCt tHiS fAr wItH oUt a cOnTrAcT aNd a sLiGhTlY bEtTeR wEbSiTe. lOl. aNd tHe ‘mErKlE pRoOfS’? sO cLeVeR. i’m sUrE tHeRe’s nO tRaCeLeSs sHaDoW wAlLeTs hErE. pLeAsE. 😘
Paul Kotze
October 27, 2025 AT 21:28Interesting take on the regulatory limbo. I’m from South Africa and we’ve got our own crypto chaos, but I’ve been watching how HTX navigates this. The fact they’re aligning with MiCA is smart - it’s the closest thing we have to a global crypto framework. If they get licensed in Korea, they could become the bridge between Asian and EU markets.
Also, the OTC desk handling Korean bank settlements? That’s rare. Most global exchanges just avoid KRW entirely. Kudos for the effort.
Chris Pratt
October 28, 2025 AT 18:32As someone who’s lived in both the US and Korea, I can say this: Huobi Korea’s interface is actually better than Upbit’s for English speakers. The layout is cleaner, the charts load faster, and the Korean support team? They speak perfect business English. Not like some local exchanges where you get a Google Translate bot.
Also, their staking rewards are paid out in the same token - no forced conversion to HT. That’s huge for long-term holders.
Jason Roland
October 28, 2025 AT 23:06Look, I used to hate HTX because of their past. But the last two years? They’ve completely turned it around. The transparency reports, the compensation after breaches, the way they handle KYC - it’s not perfect, but it’s leagues ahead of what most exchanges do. The fact they’re trying to get licensed? That’s not a red flag - that’s ambition.
Don’t just compare them to Upbit because it’s ‘local.’ Compare them to Kraken or Coinbase. HTX is in that league now.
Trent Mercer
October 29, 2025 AT 22:330.2% fees? That’s laughable. Binance does 0.1% and you can get it down to 0.02%. And the leverage? 5x is nothing when you’ve got 10x on Binance. This feels like a middle-tier exchange trying to sound fancy with ‘Merkle proofs’ and ‘VIP tiers.’
Also, ‘57 fiat options’? That’s just a list of currencies they accept via third-party on-ramps. Most of them are unusable for actual trading. Don’t be fooled by the numbers.
Kyle Waitkunas
October 30, 2025 AT 00:28THEY’RE TRACKING YOUR IP. THEY’RE USING YOUR KRW DATA TO SELL TO THIRD PARTIES. I SAW A THREAD ON A FORUM WHERE A USER GOT A ‘PERSONALIZED PROMOTION’ FROM HTX AFTER DEPOSITING - AND THEN GOT PHISHED TWO DAYS LATER. IT WASN’T A COINCIDENCE. THEY’RE SELLING YOUR DATA TO CRYPTO SCAMS. I’VE BEEN WARNED. I’M BLOCKING ALL THEIR SERVERS. THEY’RE NOT SAFE. THEY NEVER WERE. THIS IS A TRAP.
AND THE ‘KOREAN SUPPORT LINE’? IT’S JUST A CALL CENTER IN THE PHILIPPINES. THEY CAN’T EVEN SPELL ‘KYC.’ I ASKED FOR MY TRANSACTION HISTORY AND THEY SENT ME A BLANK PDF. THIS IS A SCAM. I’M TELLING EVERYONE.
vonley smith
October 30, 2025 AT 01:28Just wanted to say - if you’re new to crypto and you’re Korean, HTX is actually a solid starting point. No crazy onboarding, decent app, and the Korean support is real. I used to panic every time I deposited, but now I just use it like a bank. Chill out, folks. It’s not perfect, but it’s not a dumpster fire either.
Melodye Drake
October 30, 2025 AT 16:26Ugh. Another one of those ‘HTX is fine’ posts. You know what? I’ve seen the same people who say this also use Binance and Upbit. Why? Because they’re scared to admit they’re just using HTX because it’s the only one that lets them trade obscure memecoins with no KYC. You’re not being responsible - you’re being lazy.
And the ‘MiCA alignment’? Please. MiCA doesn’t even apply to them since they’re not based in the EU. It’s just marketing fluff to make you feel better about using a shell company with no real legal presence in Korea.
Don’t be fooled by the pretty charts and the ‘reserve proofs.’ You’re still trusting a Seychelles LLC with your life savings.
paul boland
October 30, 2025 AT 22:43Of course HTX is trying to sneak into Korea - it’s a colonialist move. The Irish exchange I use? It’s Irish. The Korean one? It’s Korean. Why does an American-owned Seychelles shell need to ‘localize’ its brand? It’s cultural imperialism disguised as ‘convenience.’
Support Upbit. It’s Irish-owned? No. It’s Korean-owned. That matters. And if you’re not supporting local infrastructure, you’re part of the problem.