In a significant move to enhance digital payment options for international visitors, Crypto.com has partnered with KG Inicis, one of South Korea’s leading payment gateway providers. This collaboration aims to introduce a seamless crypto payment experience for tourists across the country, leveraging KG Inicis’ extensive merchant network and Crypto.com’s robust digital asset platform.
A Strong Partnership for a Growing Market
KG Inicis, which processes hundreds of millions of transactions annually and serves around 190,000 affiliated merchants, will integrate Crypto.com Pay into its existing infrastructure. This integration will allow foreign travelers to use their digital assets for both online and in-store purchases, with merchants having the flexibility to receive payments in either fiat currency or digital assets.
“KG Inicis boasts an unrivalled merchant acceptance network with 40% market share and we’re proud to partner with this fintech powerhouse to make digital asset payments easier for travellers to Korea,” said Eric Anziani, president and chief operating officer of Crypto.com.
Expanding the Digital Economy
The partnership between Crypto.com and KG Inicis goes beyond just payment processing. The two companies are exploring additional areas of cooperation, including joint marketing initiatives and the development of new products, all subject to regulatory approval. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to create a robust infrastructure that supports the use of digital assets in real-world economic activities.
“Through our collaboration with Crypto.com, we plan to expand an infrastructure where digital assets can be utilised in actual economic activities, all while ensuring a solid legal and regulatory foundation,” a representative from KG Inicis stated.
Global Trends in Crypto Payments for Tourism
This move aligns with a growing trend of countries adopting crypto payments to attract and cater to international tourists. In May 2025, Bhutan introduced a crypto payment system for tourism through a partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank, allowing travelers to use over 100 cryptocurrencies for hotel bookings, tickets, and other services. Similarly, Thailand announced an 18-month ‘TouristDigiPay’ program, enabling tourists to convert their crypto into Thai baht for spending, with merchants receiving fiat payments.
Crypto.com’s Strategic Expansion
The partnership with KG Inicis is just one part of Crypto.com’s broader expansion strategy. Earlier this year, the exchange received conditional approval for a US national bank charter, paving the way for it to operate as a federally regulated digital asset custodian. Additionally, Crypto.com earned ISO certification for AI systems management, signaling its commitment to advancing technology and security in the crypto space.
Looking Forward
As more countries embrace crypto payments, the collaboration between Crypto.com and KG Inicis sets a strong precedent for how fintech companies can work together to build a more inclusive and innovative digital economy. This partnership not only enhances the travel experience for international visitors but also demonstrates the growing acceptance and integration of digital assets into everyday transactions.
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