Bithumb

Overview

Bithumb is one of South Korea's largest cryptocurrency exchanges, founded in 2013. It is licensed by the FSC (Financial Services Commission), FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit), and partnered with KB Bank for real-name accounts. Bithumb offers spot and margin trading with KRW support.

South Korea's Market Leader

Bithumb is one of South Korea's largest crypto exchanges, with a dominant market share alongside Upbit and Coinone. The Korean market is known for the "kimchi premium" — crypto prices often trade higher on Korean exchanges.

Real-Name Account System

Bithumb uses Korea's real-name account system in partnership with KB Bank, requiring users to verify their identity through their bank account for KRW deposits and withdrawals.

Pros & Cons

Pros

One of South Korea's largest exchanges
FSC, FIU, and KB Bank partnership
Spot and margin trading
KRW deposit and withdrawal support
Strong local market presence
Operating since 2013

Cons

Limited to South Korean residents
Real-name account system required
Past security incidents
Limited global reach

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bithumb regulated?

Yes, Bithumb is licensed by the FSC (Financial Services Commission) and FIU (Financial Intelligence Unit) in South Korea, with a real-name account partnership with KB Bank.

Can foreigners use Bithumb?

Bithumb primarily serves South Korean residents. Foreigners may face restrictions and need to verify their identity through a Korean bank account for KRW deposits.

What is the real-name account system?

South Korea requires crypto exchange users to have real-name verified bank accounts for KRW deposits and withdrawals. Bithumb partners with KB Bank for this system.