This FAQ covers everything you need to know about Coinone, one of South Korea's leading cryptocurrency exchanges, including its features, fees, security, and how it compares to compe*****s in 2026.

What is Coinone?

Coinone is a major cryptocurrency exchange headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, offering a platform for buying, selling, and trading digital assets. It was founded in 2014 and has grown to become one of the 'Big Four' exchanges in the country, alongside Upbit, Bithumb, and Korbit. The exchange is known for its robust security measures, user-friendly interface, and compliance with South Korean regulations, including real-name verification and anti-money laundering (AML) policies. Coinone provides a variety of services, including spot trading, margin trading, and a mobile app, catering to both beginners and experienced traders. As of 2026, Coinone continues to operate under strict regulatory oversight, ensuring a safe environment for cryptocurrency transactions.

Coinone is registered with the Korea Financial Intelligence Unit (KoFIU) and has never been hacked, a significant achievement in the industry. The exchange supports a range of cryptocurrencies, including major coins like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and many altcoins, with trading pairs against the Korean Won (KRW). Its platform is available in both Korean and English, making it accessible to international users.

How to use Coinone?

To use Coinone, you must first create an account, complete identity verification, and deposit funds in Korean Won or cryptocurrency. The process is straightforward: visit the Coinone website or download the app, sign up with your email, and provide necessary personal information. After registration, you'll need to complete a Know Your Customer (KYC) process, which involves submitting a government-issued ID and possibly a selfie for verification. Once verified, you can deposit KRW via bank transfer or wire transfer, or deposit crypto from an external wallet. Then, you can navigate to the exchange section, select a trading pair (e.g., BTC/KRW), and place a market or limit order. Coinone also offers a simple 'Buy/Sell' interface for beginners, making it easy to execute trades.

For advanced users, Coinone provides a Pro trading interface with charting tools, order books, and various order types. The platform also supports API trading for algorithmic strategies. Additionally, Coinone offers a 'Coinone Index' and 'Coinone Ticker' services for market data. Always ensure you have two-factor authentication (2FA) enabled for security.

Is Coinone safe and secure?

Yes, Coinone is considered one of the safest cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea, with a strong track record of security and regulatory compliance. The exchange has never been hacked since its inception in 2014, which is notable given the prevalence of exchange breaches in the industry. Coinone employs multiple security layers, including cold wallet storage for the majority of funds, hot wallet monitoring, and advanced encryption. It also adheres to South Korea's strict regulations, requiring real-name accounts and AML procedures. In 2021, Coinone received the Information Security Management System (ISMS) certification, further validating its security practices. Users are encouraged to enable 2FA and use strong passwords to enhance account security.

Despite these measures, no exchange is entirely risk-free, and users should be aware of potential phishing attacks and market risks. Coinone also has a dedicated security team that monitors suspicious activities and collaborates with law enforcement when needed.

What are the fees on Coinone?

Coinone charges a competitive trading fee of 0.2% for both makers and takers on its standard trading platform, which is in line with industry norms. For higher-volume traders, Coinone offers a tiered fee structure based on 30-day trading volume, with fees reducing to as low as 0.05% for top-tier traders. Additionally, there are no fees for depositing KRW, and cryptocurrency deposits are typically free, but withdrawal fees vary depending on the blockchain network (e.g., 0.0005 BTC for Bitcoin withdrawals). Coinone also imposes a 0.04% fee on KRW withdrawals, which is common among Korean exchanges. It's important to check the latest fee schedule on the official website, as fees may be subject to change.

For comparison, Upbit and Bithumb have similar fee structures, but Coinone's fees are slightly higher than some global exchanges like Binance (0.1%). However, Coinone's integration with Korean banking and regulatory compliance may justify the cost for local users.

Pros and cons of Coinone

Coinone has several advantages, including a strong security record, regulatory compliance, and a user-friendly interface. It is one of the few Korean exchanges that have never been hacked, which builds trust. The platform also offers a wide range of cryptocurrencies and supports KRW trading pairs, making it convenient for Korean investors. Additionally, Coinone has a mobile app with a clean design and provides educational resources for beginners. However, there are some drawbacks: the exchange has limited global reach, primarily serving Korean residents, and its customer support has been criticized for being slow in response times. Also, the fee structure is not the lowest, and the platform may lack some advanced features found on other exchanges, such as futures trading (though it offers margin trading).

Furthermore, Coinone's liquidity is lower compared to Upbit, which can result in slightly wider spreads. Despite these cons, Coinone remains a solid choice for those seeking a safe and regulated exchange in South Korea.

Coinone vs Upbit: Which is better?

When comparing Coinone and Upbit, both are reputable South Korean exchanges, but they have distinct differences. Upbit is the largest exchange in South Korea by trading volume, offering higher liquidity and a wider selection of cryptocurrencies. Upbit also has a partnership with KakaoTalk, providing integration with the popular messaging app. On the other hand, Coinone has a stronger focus on security and has never been hacked, while Upbit experienced a hack in 2019. Coinone's fee structure is slightly higher (0.2% vs Upbit's 0.25% for most trades, but Upbit offers discounts for holding their token). In terms of user experience, Coinone's interface is considered more intuitive, while Upbit offers more advanced trading tools. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: if you value liquidity and variety, Upbit may be better; if security and simplicity are your focus, Coinone is a strong contender.

Both exchanges are fully regulated and support KRW deposits, so either is a safe option. It's common for traders to use both to take advantage of different features or price differences.

How to buy Bitcoin on Coinone?

Buying Bitcoin on Coinone is a simple process that involves six steps: create an account, verify your identity, deposit funds, navigate to the BTC/KRW market, place a buy order, and confirm the transaction. First, register on Coinone's website or app and complete the KYC verification, which typically takes a few minutes to a few days. Once verified, deposit KRW into your Coinone account via bank transfer. Then, go to the exchange section, select the BTC/KRW trading pair, and choose between a market or limit order. For a market order, you buy at the current price; for a limit order, you set your desired price and wait for it to be filled. After placing the order, the Bitcoin will appear in your Coinone wallet instantly. You can also use the 'Instant Buy' feature for a more straightforward purchase.

It's important to note that Coinone only supports KRW for fiat purchases, so if you have other currencies, you may need to exchange them first. Also, be mindful of transaction fees and potential market volatility.

How to withdraw money from Coinone?

To withdraw money from Coinone, you need to sell your cryptocurrency for KRW and then withdraw the KRW to your linked bank account. The process is as follows: first, ensure you have KRW balance by selling your crypto on the exchange. Then, go to the 'Withdraw' section, select KRW, enter the amount, and choose your bank account (which must be the same as the one used for verification). Coinone will process the withdrawal, and the funds typically arrive within a few hours, though it may take up to one business day. There is a 0.04% fee for KRW withdrawals, and the minimum withdrawal amount is 1,000 KRW. For crypto withdrawals, you can transfer to an external wallet by entering the destination address and network. Crypto withdrawals may take a few minutes to confirm on the blockchain, and fees vary by coin.

Always double-check the withdrawal address to avoid errors, as transactions are irreversible. Also, ensure that your bank account is verified for KRW withdrawals to avoid delays.

When was Coinone founded?

Coinone was founded in 2014, making it one of the oldest cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea. It was launched by a team of developers and financial experts with the goal of providing a secure and reliable trading platform. Since its inception, Coinone has expanded its services, introduced new features, and maintained compliance with evolving regulations. In 2021, Coinone integrated with Korean banks to offer real-name accounts, and in 2022, it introduced margin trading. As of 2026, Coinone continues to operate, serving a loyal user base and adapting to market changes.

The exchange's longevity is a testament to its stability and commitment to security, having survived multiple market cycles and regulatory shifts.

Final Thoughts

Coinone stands out as a secure and regulated cryptocurrency exchange in South Korea, with a strong track record and user-friendly platform. It is an excellent choice for Korean residents and those seeking a safe entry into crypto trading. While it may not offer the lowest fees or highest liquidity compared to larger global exchanges, its compliance and security make it a reliable option.

In 2026, Coinone continues to evolve, and we recommend that users keep an eye on its fee schedule and available features as they may change. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced trader, Coinone provides the essential tools for trading digital assets with peace of mind.

Always do your own research and consider your risk tolerance before investing in cryptocurrency. Use Coinone as part of a diversified strategy and never invest more than you can afford to lose.