Solana Foundation Partners With Hanwha to Expand Korea Crypto Push

Hanwha Asset Management has struck a new partnership with the Solana Foundation as it accelerates its digital asset strategy in South Korea. The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen Solana’s local ecosystem and expand institutional-ready products tied to the blockchain network. Consequently, the deal signals growing interest from major Korean financial firms as crypto adoption rises and regulators sharpen their approach to oversight.

Hanwha Targets Solana Education and Product Growth

Under the agreement, Hanwha will support training efforts around Solana’s development tools and broader ecosystem. Additionally, the firm plans to explore Solana-based exchange-traded products as it builds regulated options for investors. 

Hanwha also intends to publish custody guidelines designed for Solana-linked assets. Hence, the partnership aims to improve operational standards as institutions seek safer entry points.

The company framed the collaboration as a step toward building a stronger digital asset foundation inside Korea’s fast-moving market. Moreover, the Solana Foundation plans to support adoption efforts through deeper ties with local financial infrastructure.

Solana Foundation Flags Korea as a Priority Market

Solana Foundation President Lily Liu described South Korea as a strategic market for global crypto growth. She said, “Korea is emerging as a key market for global crypto adoption, where regulatory clarity, institutional infrastructure and world-class developer talent converge.”

Liu also explained the role the partnership could play in expanding the network’s reach. She said, “This MOU bridges the trusted infrastructure of a leading conglomerate with the innovation of the Solana ecosystem, enabling digital asset innovation to scale globally through Hanwha’s international network.” Significantly, her comments show how Solana views institutional partnerships as a pathway to larger adoption.

ETFs and Local Momentum Build the Case

Solana’s growth in the exchange-traded market has added momentum to the project’s institutional push. In the United States, Solana exchange-traded funds began trading in late 2025. 

This rollout started with the Bitwise Solana Staking ETF in October. Eight Solana-linked ETFs now trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Their combined assets under management have surpassed $1 billion in just over two months.

Meanwhile, Hanwha has positioned itself as an early mover in Korea’s asset management space for digital assets. Between 2020 and 2021, it formed a dedicated digital asset team and published research. Additionally, the firm created a Digital Asset Business Team last year under its chief marketing officer.

Hanwha’s chief marketing officer, Choi Young-jin, said the talks with Liu shaped the agreement. He also said the firm plans to build digital income-focused business models around Solana. Consequently, both sides appear to be aligning for a longer-term expansion in Korea.