Samsung Wallet may support stablecoin in Korean won

Managing Director of Samsung Global Research, Park Hyun-soo, suggested the possibility of a stablecoin pegged to the South Korean won appearing in Samsung Wallet. He spoke on November 5, 2026, at a financial seminar in Seoul. This is a proposal, not an announcement of a token release or feature launch.

American Service as an Example

Park pointed to the experience of Samsung Wallet in the U.S. In October, Samsung announced the addition of USDC for eligible Galaxy users. The service provides transfers to compatible crypto wallets and bank accounts in over 60 countries with funds credited in local currency.

The infrastructure is provided by Bastion, and USDC custody is organized through Coinbase Prime. Samsung does not act as the issuer of the stablecoin and does not hold client assets independently. The feature is not available to all device owners, and terms and fees depend on the type of transfer.

According to Park, a similar feature could be offered in South Korea following the emergence of an appropriate stablecoin and necessary regulations. The company did not name a potential issuer, integration date, or usage terms.

Stablecoins and Tokenization of Securities

Another application Park mentioned was settlements for tokenized securities. The South Korean regulator is preparing rules for their issuance and circulation starting February 4, 2027. These will affect not only bonds but also stocks, funds, and individual investment products.

The use of stablecoins in such transactions could combine the transfer of digital securities and payment on the blockchain. However, the entry into force of tokenization rules does not itself mean permission to issue stablecoins in won. The conditions for their circulation are discussed separately.

Risks Highlighted by Samsung Representative

Park warned that the shift of funds from bank deposits to stablecoins could limit banks' lending capabilities. Non-interest-bearing tokens could also weaken the impact of key rate changes on the financial system.

Among other risks, he mentioned the concentration of the payment market among large players and increased costs due to anti-money laundering and customer verification requirements. Therefore, the prospect of a won stablecoin appearing in Samsung Wallet primarily depends on regulation and practical service conditions.