Korea Blockchain Week: Top Crypto Event in Seoul
Last time, Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) amazed everyone with 17,000 visitors and 300 experts speaking. Since 2018, this huge event happens in Seoul, South Korea, attracting fans and leading voices in blockchain from all over12.
Korea Blockchain Week stands out for its massive scope and the chance to learn and network. At the ‘IMPACT’ conference, you get to hear rare insights from the industry. FACTBLOCK and Hashed, who know a lot about blockchain, organize it. They wish to share knowledge widely and make local firms known worldwide1. If you’re into blockchain, a tech startup, or just curious about crypto and web3, this event opens doors to new opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) is a premier event held annually in Seoul since 20181.
- The latest KBW gathered 17,000 attendees and featured 300 speakers2.
- Organized by FACTBLOCK and co-hosted by Hashed, the event aims to unite global blockchain leaders1.
- The ‘IMPACT’ flagship conference provides exclusive insights into the blockchain industry1.
- Participants can expect a multitude of networking opportunities and cultural experiences1.
Introduction to Korea Blockchain Week
Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) is celebrated annually in Seoul, South Korea, since its inception in 20183. It is a leading global blockchain event in Korea. It brings together top leaders in blockchain and Web3 from around the world3. KBW is not just about blockchain technology, but it also includes cultural experiences. This mixture creates a dynamic and engaging atmosphere.
This event is a perfect place for people to learn about Korean blockchain technology. People attending are usually blockchain enthusiasts, investors, organizations, and industry leaders. They all bring a lot of knowledge and expertise to share4. The main conference, ‘IMPACT,’ is a key part of KBW. It’s vital for those who want to understand industry trends now and in the future3.
The digital currency forum Korea also plays a big role in KBW. It offers insights and talks on the evolution and future of digital currencies. In 2022, over 7,000 people attended KBW, with more than 150 speakers taking part4. This shows how important the event is and the valuable information exchanged there.
The week includes many activities. There are over 40 panel discussions, keynotes, and fireside chats about the blockchain industry4. Plus, the event hosted around 90 side events, like the Solana Hacker House and the Impact NFT Gallery4. These events help people understand more about blockchain applications and promote teamwork among global businesses.
During this week, Seoul turns into a center for blockchain discussions, advanced technologies, and cultural festivities. KBW is more than just a blockchain event in Korea. It’s a full experience that combines innovation with culture. Whether you want to network, learn from experts, or see the latest in Korean blockchain tech, KBW has something for everyone.
What is KBW?
Started in 2018, Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) is becoming a top event in the blockchain world. It’s well-known around the globe, especially in Seoul5. Led by FACTBLOCK, KBW seeks to connect global blockchain companies with Korea’s vibrant market. This creates a perfect setting for new ideas and teamwork6.
The Origins of Korea Blockchain Week
KBW began in 2018 with a strong goal to bring together different blockchain groups6. Since its first year in Seoul, it has become a key part of the blockchain world. It features big names like Vitalik Buterin of Ethereum, Ripple’s CEO Brad Garlinghouse, and Binance’s CEO Richard Teng as speakers6.
Main Attractions and Events
The main highlight of KBW is its lead conference, ‘IMPACT.’ It’s a place where experts share insights and new developments6. Besides learning, KBW offers chances to network, experience Korean culture, and meet leaders in blockchain and fintech. The event makes sure to keep attendees up-to-date with the latest news5.
The south korea blockchain summit and the blockchain expo Korea are key parts of KBW. They draw a wide audience, making the event dynamic and rich in information. It’s also a time to showcase new blockchain technologies, making it an important event for both experts and fans worldwide5.
IMPACT: The Flagship Conference
The IMPACT conference is at the heart of Korea Blockchain Week. It brings together over 17,000 attendees, which is a 70% jump from last year7. It takes place at the esteemed Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts on September 3-4. Here, attendees can meet leading professionals and big names in the industry8.
One of the main attractions is the blockchain summit, with over 300 speakers7. They share insights on the Web3 ecosystem. Talks cover tech infrastructure, institutional interest, and how art and culture merge with blockchain8. There are more than 130 panel discussions, keynotes, and chats on four stages. These provide many chances to learn about new trends and future forecasts7.
This event isn’t just for listening; it’s for making connections. Over 300 side-events are happening all over Seoul7. These networking times allow for great conversations among Korea fintech summit-goers and expert investors. Meeting big names like Ethereum’s Co-Founder Vitalik Buterin and Evan Cheng from Sui Network will open up many valuable networking opportunities8.
There’s a strong list of institutional partners such as BitGo and Hana Financial Group, plus conference partners like Sui7. Being at the IMPACT conference puts you at the forefront of blockchain and Web3 development. It helps you make important connections to advance your projects.
The Organizers: FACTBLOCK and Hashed
FACTBLOCK and Hashed play key roles in Korea Blockchain Week (KBW). Their expertise and vision make the event stand out. Together, they make KBW a top event for blockchain and Web3 worldwide9.
FACTBLOCK’s Mission and Vision
FACTBLOCK works to build a strong Web3 ecosystem. They aim to close the information gap and build worldwide blockchain relationships. Their goal is to create events that bring blockchain fans together9.
They’ve worked hard to create a place where new ideas and teamwork can grow. Thanks to them, the event is a key spot in the industry9.
Hashed’s Role and Contributions
Hashed, known for blockchain investment, adds value to FACTBLOCK’s work. They have a big role in Seoul and Silicon Valley. They bring lots of knowledge and industry connections10.
Hashed’s hard work shows how teamwork is crucial for KBW’s success. This teamwork helps the blockchain world keep growing10.
Together, FACTBLOCK and Hashed focus on spreading blockchain use and creativity. Their work ensures Korea Blockchain Week leads in tech advances. The event draws over 17,000 people and 300 speakers. It’s key for Korea’s blockchain leaders and the worldwide community10.
KBW: A Platform for Innovation
Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) leads the way in blockchain innovation. This yearly event in Seoul attracted over 17,000 people in 2024. That’s a 70% jump from the year before11. This setting is perfect for new companies and big players to grow. More than 300 speakers shed light on the Web3 world, highlighting teamwork and fresh ideas11.
Opportunities for Startups
KBW is a goldmine for startups in blockchain. It allows them to showcase new ideas to many investors and specialists. This could really speed up their success. Companies get to join in on 130 panel talks and discussions across four areas11. It’s a great chance to get feedback and make important contacts in blockchain.
Connecting Global Blockchain Enterprises
KBW excels in linking blockchain companies worldwide. With over 300 side-events at the main conference11, there’s plenty of room for valuable talks and new alliances. The 2024 event had strong support from many partners and sponsors. This helped craft a team-spirit atmosphere for everyone involved11. Such unity among different industry leaders paves the way for innovations in blockchain tech.
The Growing Importance of Blockchain Events in Korea
Blockchain events in Korea are becoming very important. They show Korea’s strong commitment to becoming a key player in the global blockchain field. Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) is notably one of the top events. It brings together a lot of knowledge, expertise, and innovation in blockchain.
Korea’s blockchain events draw huge crowds. For example, KBW 202212 saw over 7,000 attendees. It featured 120 leaders in the industry, including big names like Ethereum’s Vitalik Buterin and 1inch Network’s Sergej Kunz12. This shows KBW’s worldwide importance and appeal.
A big part of Korea’s blockchain events is the involvement of large companies. Over half of Korea’s 82 big companies are working on Web3 projects13. Korea also leads in the Web3 space with a developer-to-population ratio of 4%13. This is higher than Japan and China.
In Korea, people are very excited about digital assets. The daily trading volume of cryptocurrency here once passed the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI)13. This shows the community’s strong interest and participation in the market.
Korea Blockchain Week is crucial for deep discussions and progress in the blockchain industry. It attracts people from all over, including top corporate figures, who want to dive into Korea’s blockchain scene. This event improves knowledge sharing. It also creates partnerships that make South Korea a central place for blockchain and cryptocurrency growth.
Highlights from Previous Years
Korea Blockchain Week has grown into a key event, drawing speakers and attendees from around the blockchain world. In 2019, the main conference, called D.FINE, was held at the Grand Intercontinental Seoul Parnas. It featured important moments and discussions14. Speakers like Mike Novogratz critiqued the longevity of some altcoins. Thomas Lee of Fundstrat then linked Bitcoin to the market movements of the S&P 50014. The event also saw big deals, like CHAI teaming up with CU, Korea’s biggest convenience store14.
Notable Speakers and Participants
Korea Blockchain Week has always had big names from the crypto world as speakers. The 6th Edition showcased over 200 leaders offering their perspectives15. They talked about everything from Ethereum to the latest in Web3 tech15. Cathie Wood of ARK Invest also shared valuable insights, adding more depth to the discussions16.
Key Takeaways from Past Conferences
Yearly, Korea Blockchain Week opens up new insights into the crypto world. It’s not just about market trends and tech. It’s also about starting collaborations and projects. For example, Terra talked about global payment deals, showing how blockchain can be used in real-world settings14. Also, Hdac’s $10 million investment into development platforms shows strong support for a diverse dApp ecosystem14. These highlights fuel the excitement for what’s next in blockchain.
What to Expect at KBW 2025
By 2025, Korea Blockchain Week will be a key spot for top industry names and innovative startups. It will spotlight the latest blockchain trends and their real-world uses.
At KBW 2025, expect talks on big industry shifts, like the rise of layer-2 solutions. There will be deep dives into the tokenized securities market, drawing from Japan’s first security tokens by Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank in 202117.
Korea’s active blockchain scene supports projects like Neowiz’s games on the Avalanche blockchain. This is thanks to the huge esports and gaming fans in the country18. Events like KBW 2025 will discuss merging Web2 and Web3 technologies19.
KBW 2025 will be great for networking with leaders like Mysten Labs and Ripple19. This gives a chance to meet important people and talk about making projects successful locally and globally18.
The future of blockchain looks bright and transformative, with KBW 2025 leading in innovation. As Japan advances with its STO market, KBW will focus on boosting the blockchain world17. This approach makes KBW 2025 a must for anyone looking for inspiration and information.
How to Participate: Attendees, Sponsors, and Speakers
Join Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) to dive into the blockchain world. It’s great for attendees, sponsors, or speakers. Getting involved in this top event is easy.
Becoming an Attendee
KBW offers an incredible experience for those coming to the event. This leading crypto conference helps you learn more about blockchain. You’ll also meet many interesting people. The event features many key activities, including the main ‘IMPACT’ conference on September 3rd and 4th. It will be at Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts in Seoul, Korea202122.
Everyone will get free parking, lunch, coffee, and Wi-Fi. Plus, the venue is accessible to wheelchairs20. KBW 2024 is from September 1st to 7th. It offers a lot of sessions and chances to connect20. For all the info, look at the KBW attendee guide.
Options for Sponsoring and Speaking
KBW lets sponsors and speakers reach their perfect audience. Big names like Sui, Aptos Foundation, and Tron are lead sponsors in 202422. Sponsors get to boost their brand in front of key people. This event brings together Web2 and Web3 tech. It also connects the East and West in the blockchain space22. Notable speakers expected include Vitalik Buterin, Arthur Hayes, and Mike Belshe22.
If you’re interested in a speaking spot or sponsoring, you can join the blockchain community. It’s a chance to share your know-how with people around the globe.
Korea Blockchain Week’s Impact on the Industry
The influence of Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) on the blockchain industry is huge. It creates new connections and shines a light on innovative projects. Since starting in 2018, KBW has hosted a week-long global meeting for blockchain fans, investors, companies, and industry leaders23.
KBW plays a big role in pushing for clear rules. For example, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is closely watching the crypto industry. It has lawsuits against big firms like Ripple Labs and Coinbase Global24. Meanwhile, in South Korea, there are plans to change laws for security token offerings (STOs)24. These talks are key for growing the industry and setting rules.
The main event of KBW, IMPACT, will take place on September 3-4 at Walkerhill Hotels & Resorts in Seoul23. This event is a key moment for the influence of crypto events. It shows how blockchain can fit into regular industries smoothly. The discussions often cover how rules differ in important places like the U.S. and Asia. This gives valuable insights to those there24.
Additionally, this event shows the newest trends and launches new companies. Recently, 263 blockchain companies joined KBW. This reveals that KBW is key for understanding where the industry is heading24. It’s not just for showing off new ideas but also for finding startups that could change the industry’s future.
Kana Labs, one of the main sponsors, will be at IMPACT with a booth. They will display their new products and solutions23. Their presence highlights how the event helps in pushing tech forward. It gives companies a stage to share their new discoveries. Big names like Kana Labs being there adds a lot of value. It makes the event a great place for making deals and starting partnerships.
Networking Opportunities at KBW
Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) offers great networking opportunities. These chances can help start and grow important professional connections. They can lead to team-ups, mentorships, and finding funding.
Connecting with Industry Leaders
KBW is great for meeting industry leader meetups. You can join events like the Early Bird Networking Party on September 2 from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM KST. Also, the FABLO KOL Night by FACTBLOCK brings together top influencers and global Web3 projects. They’re perfect for making vital connections2526.
Building Professional Relationships
With over 300 side events during Korea Blockchain Week 2024, there are plenty of chances to meet others27. You can go to the Whitewater Labs Seoul Pub Crawl on September 3 from 9:00 PM to 2:00 AM KST. Also, check out the Epoch Seoul event on September 5, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM KST. Each event aims to help you meet others and share knowledge25.
By joining these events, you can build a network that lasts. This web of connections taps into a wide range of experiences in the blockchain world.
Blockchain and Web3 Insights: What You Can Learn
Going to Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) is a great chance to learn about Web3 and blockchain. This event in Seoul started in 2018. It brings together people from all over the world3.
KBW is famous for having over 150 speakers, such as Vitalik Buterin and Changpeng Zhao. They discuss everything from DeFi to NFTs4. With more than 40 sessions, including panels and keynotes, you’ll learn a lot about new blockchain stuff4.
The event looks at how blockchain and Web3 change different areas like finance and entertainment. FACTBLOCK and Hashed, who started KBW, lead these important talks. Their goal is to share knowledge and help the market grow3.
At KBW, Orderly Network shared important lessons. Co-Founder Ran Yi talked about solving big problems like high fees in 2025. He showed off their smart solutions like combining liquidity across chains in his talk3.
KBW also mixes in music, art, and culture, making learning fun and exciting3. It includes big events like the IMPACT conference, giving unique insights3.
Networking is a big part of KBW too. Around 90 side events help people make new friends and have great talks428. People noticed more knowledge in the crowd about crypto trends and strategies, which is key28.
To wrap up, Korea Blockchain Week is perfect for learning about blockchain, whether you’re new or experienced. It gives great Web3 knowledge and is a key event for blockchain fans everywhere.
The Role of Culture in KBW
Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) is a special event that mixes technology with creativity. It’s like a big party in Seoul where music and art meet blockchain. Since 2018, KBW has shown us how blockchain and culture can come together in exciting ways for everyone2930. Not just tech lovers, but also artists and musicians, get to share their works in a space that loves blockchain.
KBW2024, happening from September 1-7, 2024, plans to host events that boost art with blockchain30. It shows how much KBW wants to spark creativity where new ideas and art can grow.
Music, Art, and Blockchain
At KBW, music and art team up with blockchain, showing off how flexible this tech is. Attendees will see art and hear music made possible by blockchain. This shows us how tech can change our culture, giving us new ways to be creative and share our works.
Fostering a Creative Environment
One of KBW’s big goals is to create a place where new ideas can form easily. By mixing culture with the event, KBW becomes a space where techies and artists can learn from each other. This mix helps everyone see how blockchain and culture can work together to make new things possible. The TRON network has helped this by sharing its meme coin world at KBW31.
Korea Blockchain Week proves that blockchain and culture together can make an event even better. By pushing for blockchain-friendly art experiences, KBW encourages everyone to think big and create, shaping the future of tech and art.
Case Studies: Real-world Blockchain Applications
Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) shares innovative blockchain uses that are shaping our industry’s future. It drew 17,000 attendees and featured 300 speakers, making it an essential event for breakthrough crypto applications32. At KBW, people learned about using blockchain for content tracking and protecting intellectual property. An example is Story, which raised $80 million for a project on IP content tracking32.
KBW also looked at how stablecoins are entering mainstream finance, showing blockchain’s growing role. PayPal introducing PYUSD and messaging apps like Line and Telegram adopting crypto wallets highlight this change32. The event also covered how new asset classes can be tokenized, offering insights into innovative blockchain use.
Other notable topics at KBW included blockchain creations by the California DMV and JP Morgan on the Avalanche platform32. The gaming sector’s rising interest in blockchain was clear too. Experts think we’ll soon see top-tier blockchain-based games32. These studies show how blockchain technology is advancing and being used in different areas.
The Japan Virtual and Crypto Assets Exchange Association (JVCEA) started a Green List in March 2022. It allows Crypto Asset Exchange Service Providers to evaluate themselves, with 24 tokens listed as of July 202333. Also, Japan had a massive 43.6% share of the global Bitcoin trading volume in 2017. This beat the United States and China33. These actions highlight Japan’s strategic use of blockchain and offer lessons for KBW attendees.
In conclusion, the event showcased cutting-edge blockchain case studies and practical crypto uses. Attendees learned how to apply these insights to their work. As blockchain technology develops, KBW leads the way in promoting these significant technological advances and wider adoption.
| Case Study | Description | Data Source |
|---|---|---|
| Story | Raised $80 million for IP content tracking | 32 |
| PayPal and Telegram | Integration of stablecoins into mainstream financial services | 32 |
| JP Morgan on Avalanche | Custom blockchain development | 32 |
| JVCEA Green List | Self-assessment by CAESPs with 24 tokens listed | 33 |
| Japan’s Bitcoin Trading Volume | 43.6% share of global Bitcoin trading volume in 2017 | 33 |
Korea’s Position in the Global Blockchain Industry
South Korea is a key player in the global blockchain scene. The government has put $2 billion into tech, showing its commitment to growth34. Its top crypto exchanges, Upbit and Bithumb, see over $200 million traded daily. This highlights Korea’s big role in the crypto world34.
South Korean investors control 14 percent of the global Bitcoin market. Almost half of South Korea’s workforce invests in blockchain34. This shows a wide interest in the technology. The rising use of blockchain by Korean companies shows they’re ready to use it across different sectors35.
Korea Blockchain Week boosts Korea’s position in the blockchain world. It draws global companies and many Korean startups35. KBW helps Korean and international firms team up. This shows the industry’s spirit of working together35.
The Korean government has put over $880 million into tech. It plans to keep investing for the next five years to spur innovation34. The Ministry of Science and ICT is also putting $9 million into blockchain projects. These projects test blockchain in areas like online voting and managing supplies34.
At KBW, the presence of many attendees and government officials shows Korea’s deep interest in blockchain35. This mix of investment, innovation, and international teamwork cements Korea’s vital role in the blockchain field.
Future Trends in Blockchain: What to Watch For
The blockchain world is changing quickly, bringing new blockchain future trends to watch. These shifts aim to make blockchain faster, safer, and easier to use. Everyone using different platforms will see the benefits.
Emerging Technologies and Innovations
A big leap in blockchain is the development of second-layer solutions. These aim to speed up transactions. For example, the Delegated ICA in the Cosmos ecosystem reroutes 90% of staking rewards back into staking. The remaining 10% cover fees36. With the Cosmos Hub, users can stake tokens without needing direct access. This is done using the ICA feature to ease access36. Also, IBC protocols allow blockchains to talk to each other. This means easier syncing through tech like ICQ and ICA36. Another improvement, Replicated Security (RS), boosts the integrity of the PoS ecosystem36.
Tokenizing new asset classes is another big move. Wemade is diving into blockchain gaming with 32 games on its Wemix platform. They’re also launching the una wallet that works with various chains37. Likewise, Story Protocol raised $54 million to make creating IP easier with blockchain37. These steps show the industry’s focus on becoming more diverse and widespread.
Predictions for the Next Decade
In the next ten years, expect big changes in the blockchain scene. Stablecoins, for one, will become more common in finance and social media. In South Korea, the blockchain game scene is growing. Companies like Netmarble are creating web3 games like The King of Fighters ARENA and Meta World: My City. Yet, there are roadblocks, like nation-wide bans on NFT or cryptocurrency games37. But, Planetarium Labs is pushing forward with web3 RPGs. Games like Immortal Rising 2 and Verse8 were highlights at Korea Blockchain Week37.
There’s also a buzz around blockchain-based games, even with current rules in places like South Korea. The attention to making engaging game ecosystems was clear at Korea Blockchain Week. There, companies like Wemade and Netmarble showed their plans. In summary, the next decade looks bright for blockchain, thanks to new tech, creative solutions, and evolving rules.
Conclusion
Korea Blockchain Week (KBW) ended up being a major event for the blockchain world. It attracted 17,000 visitors and had 300 speakers38. This shows just how much it influences and leads in bringing new ideas to life. Big names like Vitalik Buterin, Richard Teng, and Mark Karpeles being there made it even more prestigious38. KBW was filled with panels, workshops, and lots of chances to meet people and learn39.
The conference pointed out the need for blockchain to be easy to use to get more people on board38. It’s essential to move forward and keep up with changing rules and what customers want, especially in the fast-moving blockchain world38. Using blockchain for real things, like stablecoins, shows how much it can do and where it’s heading38.
Going to KBW taught us invaluable lessons, like using Korean culture to connect better and enjoy Seoul’s lively scenes39. The event worked hard to improve blockchain’s efficiency, speed, and costs, aiming for constant betterment38. In conclusion, Korea Blockchain Week really puts Korea at the forefront of the blockchain scene, promising exciting future developments.
