Crypto.com has partnered with KG Inicis to introduce crypto payment options for foreign tourists visiting South Korea. The companies will roll out Crypto.com Pay across KG Inicis’ merchant network, enabling international travelers to pay with digital assets at physical stores and online platforms while giving merchants the option to receive settlements instantly in fiat or crypto.
According to a March 17 press release, the integration aims to bridge digital assets and everyday commerce. A KG Inicis spokesperson said a payment infrastructure that connects digital assets with the real economy will be a core competitive advantage for future finance and commerce industries, and the firm plans to expand such infrastructure while ensuring a solid legal and regulatory foundation.
KG Inicis is one of South Korea’s largest payment gateway providers, handling hundreds of millions of transactions annually, serving about 190,000 affiliated merchants, and holding nearly 40% market share. Beyond payments, the two companies plan to explore joint marketing and new product development, subject to regulatory approval.
The partnership aligns with Crypto.com’s broader expansion: the company recently secured conditional approval for a U.S. national trust bank charter, obtained ISO certification for AI systems management, and launched a prediction market platform called OG.
Cryptocurrency use in tourism is rising across Asia. Thailand introduced plans for an 18-month TouristDigiPay program to let visitors convert crypto into baht for everyday spending, and Bhutan launched a tourism crypto payment system through a partnership with Binance Pay and DK Bank, enabling travelers to pay for hotels, tickets, and services using digital assets.