XION Lands Bithumb Listing as APAC Expansion Accelerates

XION is now listed on Bithumb, one of South Korea’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges. This gives more than 8 million Bithumb users regulated access to the XION network through the Korean won market. The listing also strengthens the project’s broader expansion into Asia, a region that continues to play a key role in blockchain adoption.

Bithumb confirmed that trading support for XION is live in the KRW market with mainnet deposits and withdrawals. Deposits through other networks are not supported. Trading was scheduled to begin on November 26, 2025, with a standard listing price of 490 won to 1,072 won based on the exchange’s announcement. Bithumb also introduced a temporary fee-free period for XION trading, which would run until November 28, 2025.

The listing aligns with XION’s multi-month APAC initiative, which includes outreach to developers, founders, and institutions across Korea, China Mainland, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and India. The exchange listing now gives XION a regulated distribution channel in one of the world’s most active and highly scrutinized crypto markets.

What is XION?

XION is a Layer 1 blockchain designed to make blockchain usage simpler for both developers and users. It focuses on generalized abstraction, a method that hides complex blockchain functions behind easy-to-use interfaces. Many new users find blockchain tools difficult because they must manage keys, signatures, gas fees, and network settings. XION moves these functions to the protocol level so applications can feel more like traditional mobile apps.

Builders in the XION ecosystem aim to reduce onboarding friction by integrating:

• Abstraction of account management
• Signature automation
• Fee abstraction options
• Native cross-chain interoperability
• Simple mobile-focused toolkits

A key example of this effort is Dave, XION’s mobile development kit. Dave is designed for nearly 20 million global mobile developers who may not have blockchain experience. Instead of learning Solidity or Rust, developers can use mobile-native tools to build applications on XION.

This design places XION within the broader category of user-friendly smart-contract platforms such as NEAR Protocol and Aptos, which also prioritize simplified onboarding. 

Why Does the Bithumb Listing Matter?

Bithumb is a major exchange in South Korea and plays a large role in the country’s crypto market. The exchange has operated since 2014 and offers trading for more than 170 cryptocurrencies. Its user base is primarily domestic due to strict real-name verification rules set by Korean regulators.

For overseas projects, a listing on Bithumb is considered an important step because:

• South Korea has one of the world’s highest crypto usage rates per capita.
• Domestic users often trade through regulated KRW markets instead of global exchanges.
• The Financial Intelligence Unit and other regulators closely monitor exchange compliance.
• Listings typically require strict reviews of technical infrastructure and documentation.

The exchange also requires 30 deposit confirmations before funds become available for trading, which helps reduce security risks.

Key listing details from Bithumb

• Market: KRW Market
• Network support: XION mainnet only
• Deposit initiation: Within 3 hours of notice
• Withdrawals: Enabled through mainnet
• Trading go-live: November 26, 2025
• Deposit confirmation requirement: 30 blocks
• Fee-free trading window: Until 5:35 PM on November 28, 2025

During the fee-free window, users could trade XION without paying standard fees. However, Bithumb clarified that trading points, maker rewards, and premium benefits do not apply during the free-fee period.

The listing shows a broader trend in Korea, where exchanges are backing Layer 1 networks built for mobile users, easier development, and cross-chain support. With more than 18 million users relying on Upbit and Bithumb combined, Korea remains one of the world’s most active hubs for crypto trading.

XION’s Strategic Expansion into the Asia-Pacific Region

XION’s listing on Bithumb is part of a wider APAC strategy led by its founder, Anthony Anzalone (also known as Burnt Banksy). The expansion has received significant local coverage, including Anzalone’s interview on Maeil Business News TV, one of the country’s leading financial news channels.

The APAC initiative includes several on-the-ground programs intended to build brand presence and attract developers. Many blockchain companies have historically grown quickly in Asia due to strong interest from retail users and early adoption by developer communities.

XION’s major APAC initiatives

• A founder-focused program for APAC entrepreneurs
• Multiple “XION Houses” across key regional cities
• Hacker houses in Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Shenzhen
• A large Asia roadshow to present XION to builders and investors
• Participation as a sponsor and guest speaker at Korea Blockchain Week 2025
• A dedicated Kaito research and media campaign

Regional events like hacker houses have proven effective for other ecosystems. Solana, for example, saw major developer growth in Asia through similar initiatives. By running hands-on programs, XION aims to strengthen its presence among developers who want to build on platforms that prioritize usability.

The Asia-Pacific region has long been a center of crypto activity. Markets like Korea and Singapore have strict regulatory oversight, while others such as Hong Kong and Japan are reopening to digital assets in more structured ways. India remains a large user base despite tax setbacks, and China’s developers continue to contribute to blockchain infrastructure even while direct trading remains restricted.

How Does the XION Listing Fit Into Its Layer 1 Vision?

XION’s design is focused on streamlined onboarding and everyday usability. The listing on Bithumb strengthens this vision in several ways:

• It gives Korean users regulated access to XION’s native token.
• It allows developers in the region to test tools directly on mainnet.
• It aligns with APAC outreach efforts targeting builders and institutions.
• It positions XION among other Layer 1 networks commonly traded in Korea.

Korean exchanges list a mix of global Layer 1 networks such as Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and Aptos. This environment encourages competition based on network speed, tooling, and developer accessibility. For XION, entering this market means the project is now visible to a retail audience known for early adoption and high trading volumes.

From a network design perspective, abstraction can benefit users who want easy access to applications without dealing with complex signatures or fee management. This mirrors real-world examples found in mobile banking apps, where users rarely think about transaction routing or the infrastructure behind payments.

Conclusion

The listing of XION on Bithumb marks a significant stage in the project’s expansion into Asia. It gives millions of regulated users access to XION’s mainnet and aligns with the platform’s broader APAC strategy. XION’s focus on abstraction, mobile development, and simplified onboarding positions it well within a market known for high participation and a strong appetite for innovative blockchain tools.

By entering South Korea through a top-tier exchange, XION strengthens its visibility among both retail users and developers. The listing supports the project’s ongoing efforts to build a developer-friendly Layer 1 network and to expand its reach across major markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

Resources 

1. Bithumb announcement: Zion (XION) KRW Market Added (No Transaction Fees) (Trading Opens at 5:35 PM)

2. XION documentation: About XION

3. XION on X: Announcement on Nov. 26

4. Report by Bloomberg: Bithumb Claims Larger Slice of Korea’s Crypto Space Ahead of IPO

5. Report by CoinTelegraph: XION expands access to 18M new developers with launch of Dave, the premier blockchain mobile development kit