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North Korea Crypto Exchanges

Find best crypto exchanges in North Korea. Compare payment methods, fees and features for safe Bitcoin buy with North Korean won or other local currencies.

Best exchanges for first time Bitcoin buy in North Korea, ranked by ease of use, payment methods, and cheapest fiat (North Korean won or other local currency) deposit fees.

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📚 Buying Guide Best CEXs and guide

🏆 Top CEXs Top 10 in North Korea

All North Korea Crypto Exchanges:

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KuCoin

4.9/5

Best Passive Income

Read Review

4.9

KuCoin is one of the most comprehensive exchanges in the market, combining an extensive selection of digital assets with competitive trading fees and a wide range of advanced features. Whether users want to buy crypto with fiat, trade spot or futures markets, automate strategies with trading bots, earn passive income through staking and Launchpool, or explore Web3 services, KuCoin brings everything together on a single platform. Its active P2P marketplace, global availability, robust security measures, and intuitive desktop and mobile apps make it an excellent choice for everyone.

Cash deposit and withdraw

Payment method	Currency	Deposit fee	Withdrawal fee
Visa and Mastercard	Multiple	4.5%	5%
Google Pay	Multiple	4.5%	Not available
Revolut	Multiple	1.5%	Not available
SEPA bank transfer	🇪🇺 EUR	€1	€1
PIX	🇧🇷 BRL	Free	2.6 BRL

3rd party gateways: Volet, Simplex, Banxa, BTC Direct, Legend Trading, Onramp Money.

P2P market

Has crypto Visa/Mastercard cards for spending/ATM withdrawals.

Crypto trading and fees

Beginner Friendly

Features

Fees

Safety

Volume & Altcoins

Spot fees

Maker (minimum): 0.1%

Taker (maximum): 0.1%

Futures fees

Maker (minimum): 0.02%

Taker (maximum): 0.06%

Discounts & bonuses

Referral fee discount: 10%

VIP fee levels available

Welcome rewards: $11,000

Safety

Launch year: 2017

Users: 45 million

Has Proof of Reserves

Licenses

Licenses & registrations: 4

(Malta, Cayman Islands, India, Austria (MiCA for entire EU/EEA))

Altcoins

Spot trading pairs: 1000

Futures trading pairs: 650

Trading volume

24h spot BTC: ₿ 10,002

Spot Top 10

Futures Top 10

Read Review

BingX

4.6/5

Read Review

4.6

BingX is a versatile crypto exchange with strong copy trading tools, competitive futures fees, and wide selection of markets. The platform combines spot and derivatives trading with access to tokenized stocks, forex, commodities, and indices, giving users more options than many traditional crypto exchanges. Its fiat payment support and user-friendly interface make it approachable for beginners, while active traders benefit from advanced charts, trading bots, and deep futures features. With proof of reserves, a large insurance fund, and a broad range of trading services, BingX offers a comprehensive experience for users looking for a flexible all-in-one trading platform.

Cash deposit and withdraw

Payment method	Currency	Deposit fee	Withdrawal fee
SWIFT bank transfer	🌐 Multiple	No fee	€30
Visa and Mastercard	Multiple	3.8%	Not available
Google Pay	Multiple	5%	Not available
Apple Pay	Multiple	5%	Not available
SEPA bank transfer	🇪🇺 EUR	No fee	€2
PIX	🇧🇷 BRL	No fee	No fee

3rd party gateways: Volet, MoonPay, Banxa, Mercuryo, Legend Trading, Onramp Money.

P2P market

Has crypto Visa/Mastercard cards for spending/ATM withdrawals.

Crypto trading and fees

Beginner Friendly

Features

Fees

Safety

Volume & Altcoins

Spot fees

Maker (minimum): 0.1%

Taker (maximum): 0.1%

Futures fees

Maker (minimum): 0.02%

Taker (maximum): 0.05%

Discounts & bonuses

Referral fee discount: 5%

VIP fee levels available

Welcome rewards: $11,205

Safety

Launch year: 2018

Users: 40 million

Insurance fund: 150 million USD

Has Proof of Reserves

Licenses

Licenses & registrations: 2

(United States, Canada)

Altcoins

Spot trading pairs: 950

Futures trading pairs: 650

Trading volume

24h spot BTC: ₿ 4,756

Spot Top 15

Futures Top 10

There are 2 exchanges available to buy crypto in North Korea. All of these CEXs will let you to buy Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrency coins and tokens in North Korea.

In some cases, certain services such as margin trading, high leverage, staking, airdrops, or debit spending cards may be subject to regional availability. Use the provided filters and check each exchange to ensure the features you need are currently available in your region.

Exchanges with optional KYC are NOT listed here if they specifically exclude trading from North Korea. Using VPNs for crypto trading from restricted countries or regions is possible, but should be done at your own risk.

With so few exchanges available in North Korea, most traders are trading through VPN services on NO-KYC exchanges.

Table of Contents

How to Buy Crypto in North Korea

How to Buy Crypto in North Korea

In a world increasingly connected through digital means, cryptocurrency has emerged as a decentralized form of currency, transcending borders and offering financial opportunities to individuals worldwide. However, in certain regions like North Korea, accessing and utilizing cryptocurrency presents unique challenges due to regulatory restrictions, political factors, and international sanctions.

🏆 Best exchanges in North Korea:

1. KuCoin

4.9

Easy fiat deposits, sleek interface, good staking returns, and many altcoins.

KuCoin Review KuCoin Website

2. BingX

4.6

Lots of altcoins with easy to use interface, can also trade gold, silver, popular stocks.

BingX Review BingX Website

You can use any of the above top 2 exchanges to buy crypto in North Korea. All have very low or zero fee deposits through cards or bank transfers in many local currencies, and are easy to use even for beginners.

Beginners can also look at exchanges available in local languages. At the moment, CoinEx is the only no-KYC exchange available in North Korea that also has user interface, mobile app or customer support in Korean language:

Other exchanges with Korean translation and optional KYC include MEXC, Poloniex, Phemex, and PrimeXBT.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the potential of buying cryptocurrency in North Korea, examining the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for navigating this complex environment.

Cryptocurrency Use in North Korea

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a highly secretive and isolated nation governed by a totalitarian regime. The country has been subject to stringent international sanctions due to its nuclear weapons program, human rights violations, and other illicit activities. These sanctions have severely restricted North Korea’s access to the global financial system, making it challenging for citizens to engage in international trade and financial transactions.

Despite these challenges, there have been reports suggesting that North Korea has shown interest in leveraging cryptocurrency to circumvent sanctions and generate revenue. According to various sources, including reports from cybersecurity firms and international organizations, North Korean hackers have been involved in sophisticated cyberattacks targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and mining operations worldwide. These activities are believed to be part of North Korea’s broader strategy to acquire foreign currency and evade financial sanctions.

Why Is Buying Crypto Difficult in North Korea?

Given the restrictive nature of the North Korean regime and the country’s limited access to the internet and international financial networks, buying cryptocurrency within North Korea poses significant challenges. Some of the key challenges include:

Regulatory Restrictions: North Korea has strict regulations governing internet usage and financial transactions. Cryptocurrency activities are likely to be heavily monitored and controlled by the government, with severe penalties for individuals caught engaging in unauthorized transactions.
Limited Internet Access: Internet access in North Korea is tightly controlled, with only a small percentage of the population having access to the global internet. This limited access makes it difficult for ordinary citizens to participate in online cryptocurrency exchanges or access blockchain networks.
International Sanctions: North Korea is subject to comprehensive international sanctions imposed by the United Nations and individual countries, including the United States and South Korea. These sanctions restrict financial transactions with North Korean entities and limit the country’s access to the global financial system, including cryptocurrency exchanges.
Cybersecurity Risks: Given North Korea’s reported involvement in cyberattacks targeting cryptocurrency exchanges and other financial institutions, there are significant cybersecurity risks associated with buying cryptocurrency in the country. Individuals and organizations operating within North Korea may be vulnerable to hacking attempts and other malicious activities.

Crypto Laws in North Korea

North Korea does not have any known regulations or legislation specifically enacting cryptocurrency regulations. This lack of clarity leads to the controversial status of cryptocurrencies in the country.

Without specific laws, the use and trading of cryptocurrencies in North Korea operate in a legal grey area, at best. The country’s authoritarian regime, under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, has not made any official statements or legislations concerning the use or trade of cryptocurrencies.

Is Buying and Trading Crypto Legal in North Korea?

While there is no official statement regarding the legality of cryptocurrency trading in North Korea, it is generally assumed that any form of trading is strictly regulated by the government. The country’s strict control over its economy and financial activities likely extends to the trading of cryptocurrencies. Despite the lack of explicit legislation, the North Korean government has been known to impose harsh penalties on individuals involved in unauthorized cryptocurrency activities.

How to Buy Cryptocurrency in North Korea

Despite the challenges, there are several strategies that individuals and organizations in North Korea may employ to buy cryptocurrency:

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Transactions: Peer-to-peer transactions offer a decentralized approach to buying and selling cryptocurrency, allowing users to exchange digital assets directly with one another without the need for intermediaries. In North Korea, P2P platforms or informal networks may facilitate cryptocurrency transactions among trusted individuals or groups.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Markets: Over-the-counter markets provide an alternative venue for buying and selling cryptocurrency outside of traditional exchanges. In North Korea, OTC trading desks or brokers may operate discreetly, catering to high-net-worth individuals, businesses, or government entities looking to acquire digital assets.
Mining and Staking: Cryptocurrency mining and staking offer opportunities to acquire digital assets through computational power or holding investments in blockchain networks. While North Korea’s access to electricity and computing resources may be limited, reports suggest that the regime has explored cryptocurrency mining as a means of generating revenue.
International Proxy Purchases: Some individuals or entities in North Korea may use intermediaries or proxies located outside the country to facilitate cryptocurrency purchases on their behalf. These proxies may operate through virtual private networks (VPNs) or other means to bypass internet restrictions and access international cryptocurrency exchanges.
Cryptocurrency Tourism: Cryptocurrency tourism involves traveling to other countries with more favorable regulatory environments to buy and sell digital assets. While North Korean citizens face severe restrictions on international travel, privileged individuals or government officials may engage in cryptocurrency tourism as a means of acquiring digital assets.

How are North Koreans Investing in Crypto

Not only is crypto purchasing difficult in this country, but most crypto trading platforms deliberately choose not to service customers from North Korea. Only a handful of exchanges are available to North Koreans. Even using those few that are available can be risky, as they can change their policies at any time to comply with international sanctions.

Therefore, the best approach to buying crypto in North Korea is to use a P2P marketplace, preferably on a no-KYC exchange, while using a VPN to mask user location (if within the country).

Residents with access to foreign bank accounts have an easier time investing in Bitcoin and other digital currencies. Services such as Palau ID also allow North Koreans to pass identity checks on small and medium crypto exchanges.

Best no-KYC Exchanges

Our full list of no-KYC exchanges has plenty of platforms to choose from. However, most will detect North Korean IP addresses and block access, so using VPNs will be required.

The following list contains top 10 best no-KYC exchanges, excluding country availability.

North Korean residents using VPNs or living abroad should be able to access any of these platforms without issues, and use them to buy crypto using international bank accounts or cards, or trade crypto without restrictions.

Conclusion

Buying cryptocurrency in North Korea presents unique challenges due to regulatory restrictions, limited internet access, international sanctions, and cybersecurity risks. Despite these obstacles, individuals and organizations within the country may employ various strategies to acquire digital assets, including peer-to-peer transactions, over-the-counter markets, mining and staking, international proxy purchases, and cryptocurrency tourism.

It’s essential to recognize the legal and security risks associated with buying cryptocurrency in North Korea, as individuals may face severe consequences for engaging in unauthorized transactions or violating international sanctions. It’s crucial to stay informed about regulatory developments and adopt appropriate risk management strategies when buying crypto in complex environments like North Korea.

Recommended exchanges in North Korea:

KuCoin • Read review • Visit website
BingX • Read review • Visit website

Top Exchanges in North Korea

We reviewed all 2 available crypto exchanges in North Korea and compared many factors: deposit and withdrawal options, trading fees, ease of use, available features, asset safety, staking yields, number of coins listed, volume, security, new user bonuses, and more.

As a result, we compiled this list of top crypto exchanges in North Korea:

#1 KuCoin

KuCoin is yet another beginner-friendly CEX in North Korea. This has been a reliable exchange since 2017, and has easy fiat deposits through bank transfers and bank cards.

One of our favorite things about KuCoin is the curated selection of cheap altcoins to invest in. If you wish to diversify your portfolio and buy coins that often aren't available on other exchanges yet, this is the place to do it.

KuCoin also has good returns on their savings program, allowing investors to earn passive income by holding certain coins on the exchange. You can also reduce your trading fees by using their native token, and get an extra 10% off with our referral link.

Review

#2 BingX

Football fans might recognize this one from their Chelsea sponsorship! BingX is a fantastic medium-sized exchange for investors who want to take their first crypto steps, but with an opportunity for more.

On BingX, you can trade over 950 crypto tokens, but also traditional commodities such as gold, silver, oil, platinum, and more. You can also trade a selection of popular stocks including Apple, Google, Tesla, PayPal, Intel, Microsoft, and Netflix, and that's just the beginning.

New BingX users mulling over signing up should stop thinking too much, as our referral link gives you a 5% fee discount and a welcome bonus up to $5,000.

Review

There are very few exchanges available in North Korea. Because of this, many traders are using a VPN service with a NO-KYC exchange.

You can use any of these exchanges to buy crypto in North Korea. Lots of new investors don't care of even understand all the options and features available on CEXs (centralized exchanges). The options can truly be overwhelming, and new buyers simply want an easy and safe purchase experience to get their first Bitcoin.

These 2 best exchanges in North Korea are selected and ranked by variety of deposit options, proven track record of funds safety, transparency of holdings and customer assets, regulatory compliance, staking yields, number of coins listed, trading volume, trading fees, ease of use, and several other factors. All have low or zero fee deposits through cards or bank transfers in many local currencies, and all of them are servicing clients in North Korea.

If you need even more exchanges, you can look at ones without identity verification requirements in our No KYC category. Some of these no-kyc exchanges might not officially service customers from North Korea, but can be accessed through VPNs, and will not enforce identity checks.

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North Korea Crypto Exchanges

All North Korea Crypto Exchanges:

How to Buy Crypto in North Korea

How to Buy Crypto in North Korea

Cryptocurrency Use in North Korea

Why Is Buying Crypto Difficult in North Korea?

Crypto Laws in North Korea

Is Buying and Trading Crypto Legal in North Korea?

How to Buy Cryptocurrency in North Korea

How are North Koreans Investing in Crypto

Best no-KYC Exchanges

Conclusion

Top Exchanges in North Korea

#1 KuCoin

#2 BingX