South Korean payments processor BC Card has completed a pilot program allowing foreign users to make local merchant payments using stablecoins. The project enabled overseas visitors to convert stablecoins held in foreign wallets into digital prepaid cards accepted across BC Card’s domestic network.
The pilot was conducted in collaboration with blockchain firm Wavebridge, wallet provider Aaron Group, and remittance company Global Money Express. BC Card said the initiative is part of longer-term preparations for a stablecoin-based payment structure rather than a limited trial. The company processes more than 20% of South Korea’s card transactions and serves roughly 3.4 million merchants nationwide.
The development comes as South Korea’s financial sector evaluates the role of stablecoins amid evolving regulatory discussions. Credit card companies have formed industry task forces, while regulators debate issuer requirements and oversight. BC Card’s pilot signals growing institutional readiness to integrate stablecoins into regulated payment systems, particularly for cross-border use cases.
