Subsidiaries of Naver and Kakao are reported to have submitted proposals to run the 10-month blockchain pilot program, which will aim to test the feasibility of a central bank digital currency in a simulation.
Bank of Korea has opened an open bidding process as it seeks to team up with a technology supplier as it attempts to explore the feasibility of digital won.
Shinhan Bank is hoping to collaborate with the central bank with the blockchain-powered platform, in order to assist with the development and rollout of a central bank digital currency in South Korea.
The Bank of Korea has said central bank digital currencies are not virtual assets, but an alternative form of fiat currency, requiring some legal changes ahead of any future national rollout.
Bank of Korea is looking for a firm to partner with on the CBDC’s second phase which involves building the infrastructure.
The panel will decide which laws may need to be amended to guarantee a smooth launch of a South Korean CBDC.
