Upbit and Bithumb, South Korea's crypto giants, are generating significant attention in the altcoin space

Upbit and Bithumb have solidified their positions as powerhouse exchanges, particularly for altcoin holders looking for significant price surges.

Upbit and Bithumb, South Korea’s crypto giants, are generating significant attention in the altcoin space due to their substantial liquidity and impressive token pumps. Do these exchanges, dominating the Korean market, represent a new hope for altcoin holders seeking explosive growth? Let’s explore.

Upbit and Bithumb: The New Liquidity Giants?

Upbit and Bithumb have solidified their positions as powerhouse exchanges, particularly for altcoin holders looking for significant price surges.

A striking example is WalletConnect Token (WCT), which soared nearly 200% after being listed on Upbit, as reported in recent market data. Even on Binance, WCT continues to lead the top gainers, showcasing the ripple effect of Upbit’s influence.

Image: WCT price action on Binance

Learning More: WalletConnect (WCT) Will Be Listed on Binance Launchpool

Besides, Upbit has a reputation for driving massive pre-listing pumps.

As one of the largest exchanges in the world, Upbit is a force to be reckoned with, especially in the altcoin market. With its user-friendly interface, support for over 180 cryptocurrencies, and a global presence, Upbit is becoming an attractive option for traders worldwide.

This is particularly true in South Korea, where Upbit and Bithumb together handle the majority of trading volume, catering to a whale-heavy investor base known for driving altcoin rallies.

While Binance faces scrutiny and regulatory challenges, Upbit and Bithumb are another place for investors to go, especially for altcoin holders seeking the next big pump.

About Upbit and Bithumb

Launched in 2017, Upbit is South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, renowned for its user-friendly interface and extensive market offerings. It supports over 180 cryptocurrencies and more than 300 trading pairs, including fiat markets with the Korean won (KRW). Upbit has expanded globally, operating in Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, and was valued at $8.7 billion in 2021. It ranks 26th among global exchanges on BitDegree’s Exchange Tracker, reflecting its significant presence in the crypto space.

Bithumb, established in 1994, is another South Korean titan, focusing on security and compliance while catering primarily to the local market. Bithumb has been a pioneer in the Korean crypto scene, with the most active trading pair being USDT/KRW, recording $107.6 million in daily volume. Together, Upbit and Bithumb are emerging as formidable competitors to Binance, especially after Binance’s underwhelming performance with token listings in early 2025.

This is particularly true in South Korea, where these two exchanges dominate the market, catering to a whale-heavy investor base known for driving altcoin rallies.

While Binance faces scrutiny and regulatory challenges, Upbit and Bithumb are another place for investors to go, especially for altcoin holders seeking the next big pump.

About Upbit and Bithumb

Launched in 2017, Upbit is South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, renowned for its user-friendly interface and extensive market offerings. It supports over 180 cryptocurrencies and more than 300 trading pairs, including fiat markets with the Korean won (KRW). Upbit has expanded globally, operating in Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, and was valued at $8.7 billion in 2021. It ranks 26th among global exchanges on BitDegree’s Exchange Tracker, reflecting its significant presence in the crypto space.

Bithumb, established in 1994, is another South Korean titan, focusing on security and compliance while catering primarily to the local market. Bithumb has been a pioneer in the Korean crypto scene, with the most active trading pair being USDT/KRW, recording $107.6 million in daily volume. Together, Upbit and Bithumb are emerging as formidable competitors to Binance, especially after Binance’s underwhelming performance with token listings in early 2025.

This is particularly true in South Korea, where these two exchanges together handle the majority of trading volume, catering to a whale-heavy investor base known for driving altcoin rallies.

While Binance faces scrutiny and regulatory challenges, Upbit and Bithumb are another place for investors to go, especially for altcoin holders seeking the next big pump.