SK Telecom is rolling out a blockchain-based digital wallet designed to store official national documents as part of a government-led push toward digitalisation.
The largest mobile carrier in South Korea received approval from the Ministry of Public Administration and Security to issue its first digital document wallet.
The wallet uses blockchain technology to securely store a variety of government-issued records, including resident registration cards, health insurance qualification certificates, immigration certificates, and other official documents.
Initially, the service will support 13 types of documents, and SK Telecom plans to expand compatibility to more than 100 document types by the end of the year.
South Korea has accelerated efforts to digitise state-issued records during and after the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure citizens can obtain and maintain up-to-date documents without relying on in-person visits. Blockchain provides an auditable, tamper-resistant foundation that helps establish trust in digital official records.
The government’s digital certificate platform, Government24, issues electronic certificates that can be directly received into SK Telecom’s wallet. Once stored, users can selectively share certificates with institutions such as banks and other service providers as needed.
Se-Hyun Oh, head of SK Telecom’s Blockchain & Certification Business, emphasized that blockchain will play a key role in modern society. The technology enables issuing, submitting, and processing certificates without requiring face-to-face interactions while maintaining security and authenticity.
As blockchain matures, its use is moving beyond cryptocurrency to practical applications that improve public services and business processes by enhancing security, transparency, and convenience.
South Korea aims to be a leader in blockchain adoption; initiatives include designating the city of Busan as a regulatory sandbox to foster innovation. Projects in that zone have included blockchain-based energy systems and city-specific digital assets.
Digital alternatives are already gaining traction: about one million South Koreans have adopted blockchain-powered digital driving licences as a replacement for physical cards.
(Photo by Matthew Lancaster on Unsplash)
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