How to Buy Bitcoin on Upbit
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Upbit is one of South Korea’s leading cryptocurrency exchanges, known for its wide range of digital assets and trading pairs. Many beginners use the platform to buy Bitcoin (BTC), the world’s first and most widely adopted cryptocurrency. This guide explains, step by step, how to purchase Bitcoin on Upbit, while also covering account setup, funding, fees, and security tips.
For more insights and updates on the latest trends in cryptocurrency, be sure to check out our Nifty Finances platform, which serves as your gateway to smarter financial decisions in the digital economy.

What Is Upbit?
Launched in 2017, Upbit quickly became a dominant exchange in South Korea’s crypto market. The platform is operated by Dunamu Inc. and is regulated under South Korean financial laws. It provides users with access to hundreds of trading pairs, including BTC/KRW (Bitcoin against Korean won). Upbit can be accessed through its website or mobile app, making it convenient for both new and experienced traders.
How to Buy Bitcoin on Upbit
Buying Bitcoin on Upbit involves a few straightforward steps:
- Register and verify your account.
- Deposit Korean won (KRW) or another cryptocurrency into your Upbit wallet.
- Use the exchange’s trading interface to buy Bitcoin.
The following sections explain each step in more detail.
Why Buy Bitcoin on Upbit?
- Reputation and scale: Upbit is one of the largest exchanges in South Korea, handling significant trading volume.
- KRW trading pairs: Local users can directly trade Korean won for Bitcoin without needing a foreign currency.
- Security standards: The platform emphasizes regulatory compliance and offers features like two-factor authentication.
Creating and Verifying Your Upbit Account
To start, you need an Upbit account:
- Sign up on the official Upbit website or app using your email and phone number.
- Verify your identity through Know Your Customer (KYC) checks. South Korean residents usually link a verified bank account, phone number, and ID.
- Set up security features, especially two-factor authentication (2FA). With 2FA, you confirm actions with a one-time code generated by an app or sent to your phone, adding extra protection against unauthorized access.
Depositing Funds into Your Upbit Wallet
You can fund your account in two main ways:
- KRW deposit: South Korean users can transfer Korean won from their verified bank accounts.
- Cryptocurrency deposit: If you already own crypto (like Ethereum or USDT), you can transfer it into your Upbit wallet and then trade it for Bitcoin.
Deposits are usually processed quickly, though bank transfers may depend on working hours.
Steps to Purchase Bitcoin on Upbit
- Log in to your verified Upbit account.
- Navigate to the trading section and select BTC/KRW or another pair that suits your deposit currency.
- Choose an order type (see below for explanation).
- Enter the amount of Bitcoin you want to purchase, or the amount of KRW you want to spend.
- Review the order and confirm. Once the order is matched, your BTC will appear in your Upbit wallet.
Understanding Fees and Order Types
- Trading fees: Upbit charges around 0.05% per trade, which is relatively low compared to many exchanges.
- Withdrawal fees: If you move Bitcoin off the platform, you pay a small network fee (e.g., 0.0005 BTC for BTC withdrawals).
Order types available include:
- Market order: Buys BTC instantly at the best available price.
- Limit order: Lets you set a specific price at which you want to buy BTC. The order executes only if the market reaches that price.
How to Store Your Bitcoin Safely
After buying Bitcoin, you can:
- Keep it in your Upbit wallet for convenience if you plan to trade often.
- Transfer it to an external wallet for added control and security. External options include software wallets (apps) and hardware wallets (physical devices designed for long-term storage).
For large amounts, hardware wallets are generally considered safer because they are less exposed to online risks.
Buying Bitcoin on Upbit is a straightforward process once you understand the basics of account setup, funding, and order types. By following security best practices and carefully reviewing transactions, users can confidently purchase and manage Bitcoin on the platform. For beginners, the key is to take things step by step and focus on secure habits when entering the cryptocurrency market.