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Fred CowerCrypto Exchange AnalystLast updated: 2026-02-26
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How to Register on MEXC from South Korea (Without the App) 2026

MEXC's app was removed from South Korean app stores in April 2025, but Korean users can still access the full platform via web browser. This guide covers web registration, deposits from Korean exchanges, and fee comparisons versus Upbit and Bithumb.

10 min read Read timeLast updated: 2026-02-26

MEXC's Current Status in South Korea

As of April 2025, MEXC's mobile application was removed from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store in South Korea. This followed the Korean financial regulator's (FSC/FSS) enforcement actions against exchanges that had not completed VASP (Virtual Asset Service Provider) registration under the Act on Reporting and Using Specified Financial Transaction Information.

Crucially, this app removal does not mean MEXC itself is banned in South Korea. Individual Korean users can still access MEXC through a standard web browser at mexc.com, and the platform's full suite of features β€” spot trading, futures, copy trading, and earn products β€” remains available. Many Korean traders continue to use MEXC for its 0% maker fee structure and access to thousands of altcoins not listed on domestic exchanges like Upbit or Bithumb.

The regulatory situation is a gray area: using a foreign exchange not registered as a VASP in Korea is not explicitly criminalized for individual retail users, but it does carry some regulatory risk. We recommend consulting a legal professional familiar with Korean financial regulations if you have concerns. This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or legal advice.

How to Register on MEXC via Web Browser (Step-by-Step)

Registering on MEXC through the web browser is straightforward and takes less than five minutes. Follow these steps carefully:

**Step 1 β€” Go to the official MEXC website.** Open your browser and navigate to mexc.com. Make sure you are on the official domain to avoid phishing sites.

**Step 2 β€” Click "Sign Up".** The button is prominently displayed in the top-right corner of the homepage.

**Step 3 β€” Enter your email address.** Use an email you have regular access to, as you will need it for verification and account recovery.

**Step 4 β€” Enter the referral code.** Before setting your password, look for the "Referral/Invitation Code" field. Enter **mexc-bonus20** here. This qualifies you for up to $8,000 USDT in welcome bonuses. Do not skip this step β€” the code cannot be added after registration.

**Step 5 β€” Create a strong password.** Use at least 12 characters combining uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

**Step 6 β€” Verify your email.** MEXC will send a 6-digit verification code to your email. Enter it on the next screen to complete registration.

**Step 7 β€” Complete basic KYC.** While MEXC allows some activity without KYC, completing identity verification unlocks higher withdrawal limits and reduces the risk of account freezes. Go to your profile β†’ Identity Verification and follow the prompts.

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mexc-bonus20

Deposit Methods for Korean Users

Korean users cannot make direct KRW (Korean Won) deposits to MEXC. MEXC does not support Korean bank transfers or domestic payment rails. However, there are two practical methods for funding your account:

**Method 1 β€” Crypto transfer from a Korean exchange (recommended).** This is the most reliable route. Purchase crypto on a Korean exchange such as Upbit or Bithumb, then withdraw it to your MEXC deposit address.

- On Upbit or Bithumb: Buy USDT, BTC, ETH, or another major asset available domestically. - Copy your MEXC deposit address: In MEXC, go to Wallets β†’ Spot β†’ Deposit, search for the asset, select the correct network (e.g., TRC20 for USDT), and copy the deposit address. - Send from the Korean exchange: Paste the MEXC deposit address as the destination. Double-check the network matches (sending TRC20 USDT to a TRC20 address, etc.). - Wait for confirmation: Most transfers arrive within 10-30 minutes depending on network congestion.

**Method 2 β€” P2P trading.** MEXC offers a peer-to-peer marketplace where you can buy USDT directly from other users using various payment methods. The availability of Korean payment methods may vary, so check the P2P section of MEXC for current options.

**Important:** There is no direct KRW deposit method. Avoid any third-party services claiming to offer KRW deposits to MEXC, as these are not official and carry fraud risk.

MEXC vs Korean Exchanges: Fee Comparison

One of the strongest reasons Korean traders use MEXC alongside domestic exchanges is the dramatic fee difference.

**Spot trading fee comparison:**

| Exchange | Maker Fee | Taker Fee | |----------|-----------|----------| | Upbit | 0.05–0.25% | 0.05–0.25% | | Bithumb | 0.15% | 0.15% | | MEXC | **0%** | **0.01%** |

**Real-world savings example:** If you trade $10,000 per month in spot volume: - Upbit (at 0.25%): $25/month in fees - Bithumb (at 0.15%): $15/month in fees - MEXC (at 0% maker / 0.01% taker): $0–$1/month in fees

Over a full year, a trader with $10K monthly volume would save approximately $180–$300 compared to using domestic Korean exchanges exclusively.

**Futures comparison:** - Upbit: Does not offer futures trading - Bithumb: Limited futures products - MEXC: 0% maker / 0.01% taker on USDT-M futures, access to 200+ pairs

**Coin selection:** Upbit lists approximately 200 coins. MEXC lists over 2,000 trading pairs, giving Korean traders access to early-stage projects and tokens unavailable domestically. This breadth is why many traders use MEXC to complement rather than replace their domestic exchange account.

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Essential Security Settings

Once registered, securing your account should be your top priority before depositing any funds. MEXC offers several layers of protection:

**Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):** Go to your profile β†’ Security Center β†’ Google Authenticator. Download Google Authenticator or Authy on your phone, scan the QR code, and save the backup seed phrase offline. 2FA is essential β€” it prevents account access even if your password is stolen.

**Withdrawal Address Whitelist:** In the Security Center, enable withdrawal whitelisting. This means withdrawals can only be sent to pre-approved addresses. Adding a new address requires email or 2FA confirmation and a 24-hour waiting period. This protects you if someone gains access to your account.

**Anti-Phishing Code:** Set a personal anti-phishing code in the Security Center. MEXC will include this code in all official emails. Any email claiming to be from MEXC without your anti-phishing code should be treated as a phishing attempt.

**Login Notifications:** Enable email alerts for every login. If you receive a notification for a login you did not initiate, change your password and contact MEXC support immediately.

**Strong, Unique Password:** Never reuse a password from another service. Use a password manager (such as Bitwarden or 1Password) to generate and store a unique, complex password for your MEXC account.

Withdrawing Back to Korea

When you are ready to convert your crypto back to Korean Won, the process is the reverse of the deposit flow:

**Step 1 β€” Withdraw crypto from MEXC to a Korean exchange.** - In MEXC, go to Wallets β†’ Spot β†’ Withdraw. - Select the asset you want to withdraw (e.g., USDT). - Choose the cheapest network compatible with the receiving Korean exchange (TRC20 is often cheapest for USDT; always confirm which networks Upbit or Bithumb supports for the specific asset). - Enter your Upbit or Bithumb deposit address. - Confirm the transaction with your 2FA code.

**Step 2 β€” Sell on the Korean exchange.** Once the crypto arrives at Upbit or Bithumb (typically 10-30 minutes), sell it for KRW through their standard spot market.

**Step 3 β€” Withdraw KRW to your bank.** Use the Korean exchange's standard KRW withdrawal to your linked bank account. Domestic exchanges handle KRW banking relationships.

**Tax note:** Korean residents are subject to domestic tax regulations on cryptocurrency gains. Consult a tax professional regarding your obligations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is using MEXC legal in South Korea?

The app has been removed from Korean app stores due to VASP registration requirements, but using MEXC via web browser is a legal gray area for individual users. It is not explicitly criminalized for retail users, but regulatory risk exists. Consult a legal professional if you have concerns. This guide is for educational purposes only.

Can I deposit Korean Won (KRW) directly to MEXC?

No. MEXC does not support direct KRW deposits. You must first purchase crypto on a Korean exchange like Upbit or Bithumb, then transfer that crypto to your MEXC account. This is the standard method for Korean users.

Where do I enter the MEXC referral code?

During registration at mexc.com, look for the "Referral Code" or "Invitation Code" field on the sign-up form. Enter mexc-bonus20 before submitting. This code must be entered during registration β€” it cannot be applied to an existing account.

Can I trade futures without the app?

Yes. MEXC's full futures trading platform β€” including USDT-M perpetual contracts, leverage up to 200x, and 200+ trading pairs β€” is completely accessible via the web browser. There is no feature difference between the web platform and the mobile app for futures trading.

How do I withdraw from MEXC back to Korea?

Withdraw your crypto from MEXC to your Upbit or Bithumb deposit address. Once received on the Korean exchange, sell it for KRW and withdraw to your bank account. Always choose a network that the receiving Korean exchange supports (check Upbit/Bithumb deposit network options before withdrawing).

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