South Korea to modify 76-year-old law to classify cryptocurrencies as national assets
South Korea is moving to amend a 76-year-old law in order to formally classify cryptocurrencies as national assets, according to a report from CoinDesk published on July 15, 2026. The legislative revision would mark a significant shift in how the country legally recognizes digital assets within its existing financial and property frameworks.
The law in question has governed the classification of national property and assets since its original passage in the post-war era. South Korea has been gradually expanding its regulatory approach to digital assets in recent years, having previously introduced frameworks around crypto exchanges and investor protections. This latest move signals an effort to bring cryptocurrency holdings into a more formal legal category alongside traditional asset classes.
The reclassification carries notable implications for the broader crypto industry, particularly for institutional investors and foreign entities operating within South Korea's market. Formally recognizing cryptocurrencies as national assets could open new pathways for government-level engagement with digital assets, including potential inclusion in public reserve considerations or state-managed financial instruments.
Observers will be watching closely to see how the amended legislation defines the scope of qualifying assets, which cryptocurrencies may fall under the new classification, and what regulatory obligations may accompany the designation. The timeline for the law's passage and implementation has not yet been confirmed.
Source: CoinDesk
