S. Korean stablecoin search volume jumps over 400% as focus shifts to utility

South Korean consumers are beginning to view stablecoins for their practical utility, moving beyond their role as a mere investment vehicle, according to a Shinhan Card report on customer perception cited by Money Today. The report found that from the second half of last year to the first half of this year, social media mentions of stablecoins increased by approximately 359%. Over the same period, search volume on portals like Google and Naver rose by 403%. The analysis also noted a surge between May and July in online reviews detailing real-world payments made with stablecoins using crypto payment cards available in South Korea, such as the Hong Kong-based RedotPay.