"Payment landscape changes"... Web 3.0 industry research: Korean won stablecoin ushers in a major transformation in digital finance

Based on the Web 3.0 Industry Activation Policy Research, it is expected that stablecoins based on the Korean Won will bring about a fundamental change to the payment and settlement structure. The previously reliance on intermediary institutions in the payment structure will be simplified through stablecoins. Coupled with the integration of artificial intelligence and programmable technology, the next-generation digital financial ecosystem seems poised to usher in a new era.

Although existing payment and settlement systems allow real-time authorization of transactions, actual fund clearing experiences time lags, and merchants typically receive funds on the next business day. Especially in international remittances, delays of over 1-3 business days caused by multi-level processes and time zone differences in the SWIFT network, along with multiple fees, expose operational efficiency limitations. This structure faces many constraints even with the introduction of the latest technologies such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and blockchain.

Therefore, this report recommends issuing Korean Won stablecoins with a 1:1 collateralization ratio and adopting a partially permissioned structure that integrates real-name verification and anti-money laundering regulations. The Web 3.0 Industry Activation Policy Research analysis believes that this model can replace the limitations of current centralized systems and, based on distributed ledger technology infrastructure with real-time processing capabilities, ensure stability and flexibility.

In terms of operational efficiency and scalability, the introduction of Korean Won stablecoins will bring about various changes. First, in transfer payments, asset ownership is transferred in real-time on the blockchain ledger, enabling instant payments without separate clearing. In card payments, intermediary processes can be shortened, reducing merchant fees and settlement cycles. Additionally, the Web 3.0 Industry Activation Policy Research also points out that in cases of refunds or transaction cancellations, due to the immutability of blockchain, a reverse transaction process needs to be established.

In cross-border payments, by utilizing bridging networks between stablecoins, intermediary steps can be reduced to 1-2, and real-time clearing can be achieved through smart contracts, significantly improving processing speed and costs. Especially if domestic Korean banks take on the central role in bridging, they could emerge as a more competitive alternative to the existing SWIFT system.

Furthermore, the emergence of AI-agent-based payment systems and programmable currencies demonstrates the future landscape of digital payments. AI agents can automatically execute payments and remittances based on user instructions, while programmable currencies with conditional automatic payment functions can, for example, automatically pay when a vehicle arrives at a charging station, becoming the core infrastructure for machine-to-machine IoT economies.

This research also emphasizes the concept of “compliance embedded,” implying that AI-based verification structures can automatically identify recipient identities during remittances, enabling a 24-hour small-amount remittance environment without the need for authentication processes.

At the policy level, it is necessary to reform existing legal frameworks such as the Electronic Financial Transactions Act into a system centered on distributed ledger technology, and to verify the coordination of technology and law through regulatory sandboxes. Financial institutions need to evolve from mere intermediaries to “payment hubs” that connect on-chain and off-chain infrastructure, taking on roles in risk management and trust building. Enterprises can ensure competitiveness through automated fund flows and global transaction optimization, while consumers can enjoy inclusive financial benefits such as real-time payments and cost reductions.

Such analysis indicates that stablecoins, beyond being mere digital assets, could become the core driver of future financial paradigm shifts. The Web 3.0 Industry Activation Policy Research predicts that the introduction of stablecoins will build new financial infrastructure and serve as the foundation for the actual operation of the digital economy system.