Korbit Exchange Compatibility Checker
Compatibility Assessment
Security Features
ISO 27001, SOC 1 Type 2 certifications and 9.75/10 safety rating from Traders Union.
Fee Structure
0.1% flat fee or 0% maker / 0.2% taker on Free Plan.
Looking for a deep dive into South Korea’s oldest crypto platform? This review breaks down Korbit crypto exchange from fees and security to user experience, helping you decide if it fits your trading style.
Key Takeaways
- Korbit is the longest‑running exchange in South Korea and the second‑largest by volume.
- Fees are simple: 0.1% flat on the Basic plan or 0% maker/0.2% taker on the Free plan.
- Security scores high - ISO 27001, SOC 1 Type 2, and a 9.75/10 safety rating from Traders Union.
- Only KRW is supported for fiat, so non‑Korean residents face hurdles.
- Limited crypto selection (192 pairs) but strong local banking integration.
What Is Korbit?
Korbit is a South Korean cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2013. It operates under the company name Korea Bitcoin Exchange Co., Ltd. and was the first Korean platform to list BTC/KRW trading pairs. The exchange now handles over $2.6million in 24‑hour volume (Oct2025) and sits behind just one domestic competitor in market share.
Where Does Korbit Fit in the Korean Crypto Landscape?
The platform’s home country, South Korea, boasts one of the world’s most regulated crypto markets. Korean investors value exchanges that comply with the Financial Intelligence Unit (KoFIU) and maintain transparent banking links. Korbit’s compliance gives it a moat against offshore players that struggle to meet these requirements.
Supported Coins and Trading Pairs
Korbit focuses on quality over quantity. Its catalog includes major assets such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Ripple (XRP), Litecoin (LTC), and a handful of altcoins like Zcash (ZCH) and Monero (XMR). In total, the exchange offers 192 crypto/KRW pairs, which is modest compared with hundreds on global platforms.
Fee Structure - What You Pay
Korbit offers two transparent plans:
- Basic Plan: 0.1% fee on every trade, regardless of maker or taker status.
- Free Plan: 0% maker fee, 0.2% taker fee. This plan is ideal for high‑frequency traders who can stay on the maker side.
Both plans require a minimum trade size of KRW5,000 (≈$3.70) and a minimum deposit of KRW10,000. There are no hidden withdrawal fees for KRW transfers, but network fees apply for crypto withdrawals.
Security and Regulatory Compliance
Security is where Korbit shines. The exchange earned the ISO 27001 certification in July 2018, becoming the first Korean crypto venue to meet this international information‑security standard. It also holds a SOC 1 Type 2 certification for financial controls.
According to Traders Union, Korbit received a 9.75/10 safety rating, reflecting robust cold‑storage practices, mandatory two‑factor authentication (2FA), and regular compliance audits with Korean regulators.
While it lacks some biometric tools (e.g., facial recognition) that competitors like Binance offer, its tier‑1 regulatory standing and government oversight provide a strong safety net for Korean users.
Trading Features and Order Types
Korbit’s web and mobile interfaces support the following order types:
- Limit buy/sell
- Market buy/sell
- Stop‑limit (both buy and sell)
- OCO (Order Cancels the Other)
The platform also offers staking for Ethereum (APR up to 5.2% until the full ETH 2.0 rollout) and an NFT marketplace. Advanced charting is limited; traders needing deep technical analysis often connect Korbit’s API to external tools like TradingView.
User Experience - Who Likes It?
For native Korean speakers, Korbit feels intuitive. The UI is clean, the KRW deposit/withdrawal flow integrates directly with local banks, and customer support offers Korean‑language chat. However, non‑Korean users report friction:
- Verification requires three levels beyond email, including a Korean phone number and bank account.
- English translations are partial, making advanced settings harder to navigate.
Support response times can stretch beyond 48hours during peak periods, a common criticism across review platforms.
Pros and Cons At a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong regulatory compliance in South Korea | Only KRW fiat support limits global users |
| Simple fee structure with a zero‑maker‑fee option | Limited crypto selection compared to Binance |
| High security ratings (ISO 27001, SOC 1, Traders Union) | Customer support can be slow |
| Native Korean banking integration for fast deposits/withdrawals | Basic charting tools; no built‑in TradingView |
| Additional services: ETH staking, NFT marketplace, savings “Piggybank” | English UI is still a work‑in‑progress |
How Does Korbit Compare to Global Players?
| Feature | Korbit | Binance | Coinbase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported Fiat | KRW only | USD, EUR, GBP, and many others | USD, EUR, GBP |
| Number of Crypto Pairs | 192 | >5,000 | ~600 |
| Maker/Taker Fees | 0%/0.2% (Free) or 0.1% flat | 0%/0.1% (VIP) or 0.1% flat | 0%/0.5% (Standard) |
| Security Certifications | ISO 27001, SOC 1 Type 2 | ISO 27001, 2FA, SAFU fund | ISO 27001, FDIC insurance on USD balances |
| Regulatory Standing in Home Country | Tier‑1 Korean regulator | Mixed (global) | U.S. FinCEN compliance |
| Mobile App Rating (Google Play) | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.5 |
Is Korbit Right for You?
If you are a Korean resident or have a Korean bank account, Korbit’s seamless KRW flow and strong compliance make it a top choice for spot trading and staking. For international traders who need a wide range of assets and fiat options, platforms like Binance or Kraken may feel more comfortable.
Consider the following decision tree:
- Do you hold a Korean bank account? Yes → Korbit’s instant KRW deposits give you a speed advantage.
- Do you need more than 200 crypto pairs? No → Korbit’s selection covers most major coins.
- Is advanced charting essential? No → Use external tools via API.
- Do you prioritize maximum security certifications? Yes → Korbit’s ISO 27001 and high safety rating are reassuring.
Following this flow will help you gauge whether the exchange’s strengths align with your priorities.
Future Outlook
Regulatory stability in South Korea remains a key factor. Analysts predict continued growth in domestic crypto adoption, and Korbit’s already‑secured compliance positions it well for future market share gains. The exchange plans to expand its reward programs across six digital assets and keep refining mobile UX, although no public roadmap details have been disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Korbit if I don’t live in South Korea?
Technically you can create an account, but full verification requires a Korean bank account and phone number. Without those, KRW deposits/withdrawals are blocked, making the platform impractical for most non‑Korean users.
What are the withdrawal fees for crypto?
Korbit charges the standard blockchain network fee for each asset. For example, Bitcoin withdrawals cost approximately 0.0005BTC, while ERC‑20 token withdrawals are around 0.005ETH.
Is Korbit’s staking service safe?
Staking is handled off‑chain by Korbit’s custodial service, which follows the same security protocols as its spot wallets (cold storage, multi‑sig). The APR for Ethereum is currently 5.2% and is payable in ETH.
How long does the KYC verification take?
After submitting all three verification levels, most users see their accounts approved within 24-48hours, assuming all documents are clear and the bank link works.
Does Korbit offer a mobile app?
Yes, Korbit provides Android and iOS apps that support spot trading, staking, and account management. The app currently holds a 4.4‑star rating on Google Play.
Bottom Line
For Korean traders, Korbit delivers a secure, compliant, and fee‑friendly environment that’s hard to beat locally. International users may find the KRW‑only focus and language gaps a dealbreaker, pushing them toward more globally oriented exchanges. Ultimately, the platform’s strong security certifications and simple fee plans make it a solid pick if you meet the residency requirements.
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Marcus Henderson
7 October, 2025 . 09:15 AM
For traders seeking a regulated environment, Korbit’s ISO 27001 and SOC 1 certifications represent a solid foundation of trust. The flat 0.1% fee on the Basic plan simplifies cost calculations, especially for occasional spot traders. Moreover, the platform’s deep integration with Korean banks accelerates KRW deposits, reducing friction for domestic users. Those aspects collectively make Korbit a compelling choice for residents aligning with local compliance requirements.
Debra Sears
11 October, 2025 . 09:15 AM
I can see how the limited fiat options might feel restrictive if you’re outside Korea, yet the security metrics are impressive. The 9.75/10 safety rating indicates robust cold‑storage practices that many globally‑focused exchanges still strive for. While the crypto pair count sits at 192, the selection covers the major assets most users need for regular trading. If you primarily trade BTC, ETH, and a few altcoins, the platform’s simplicity could actually be an advantage. It’s worth weighing the trade‑off between breadth and regulatory certainty.