GWDC 2026 KOREA Establishes AWPA Alliance, Emphasizes AI Agents and Stablecoin Infrastructure

The GWDC 2026 KOREA conference, held in Seoul, South Korea, from September 29-30, 2026, announced the formation of the Hong Kong-Korea Web3 Policy Promotion Alliance (AWPA). The event, which drew over 2,000 participants, focused on the practical integration of AI agents, stablecoins, and Real World Asset (RWA) innovation within the Web3 ecosystem.

Strategic Collaboration: The AWPA Alliance
The newly formed AWPA alliance aims to foster closer policy and technical collaboration between Hong Kong and South Korea in the Web3 space. According to Web3Labs CEO Caspar Wong, the objective is for both regions to serve as dual engines for the global Web3 revolution. The alliance is set to concentrate on asset compliance, stablecoin mechanisms, and cross-border data flow, signaling a strategic effort to harmonize regulatory and operational frameworks.

AI Agents and Stablecoins: Shaping the On-Chain Economy
A significant theme throughout the conference was the convergence of Web3 and Artificial Intelligence. Consensus emerged that AI agents are emerging as new subjects within the on-chain economy. Discussions highlighted that AI agents equipped with crypto wallets can access open financial services and value transfer channels, suggesting a future where AI plays a more active role in decentralized finance. This integration is viewed as a natural progression, with AI agents potentially leveraging blockchain infrastructure for autonomous operations and transactions.

Furthermore, the conference addressed the evolving role of stablecoins. They are transitioning from primarily being exchange trading tools to becoming foundational infrastructure for AI-driven economies and borderless payments. This shift indicates a growing reliance on stablecoins for facilitating everyday cross-border transfers, merchant collections, and micro-settlements, particularly between AI agents.

Maturing RWA Market and User Retention
The approach to RWA tokenization also showed signs of maturation. The focus is reportedly shifting from the initial issuance of tokenized assets to addressing the critical aspects of liquidity and compliant distribution channels. This evolution suggests that the industry is moving beyond the technical challenges of tokenization itself to concentrate on market adoption and the practical flow of assets.

This strategic shift extends to product validation standards. There is an increasing emphasis on distribution capabilities and real user retention, with these factors now considered more crucial for product success than purely technological advancements. This perspective acknowledges that while AI tools may lower development thresholds, sustained competitiveness will depend on clear profit models and effective user engagement strategies.

Developer Ecosystem and Future Outlook
The GWDC 2026 KOREA also featured a hackathon that drew over 120 teams from more than 8 countries and regions, underscoring global participation and developer interest in the Web3 and AI space. Initiatives like the University Alliance were established to provide long-term incubation and funding support for student teams, aiming to nurture future talent. Bitrise Korea head Alex Chung-hyun highlighted support for young developers, mentioning a $100,000 prize pool for the hackathon.

The conference brought together over 100 speakers and hundreds of companies, with registration numbers reaching 12,706. Notable figures included South Korean Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun-cheol, who delivered a video message, and Hong Kong Legislative Council member Dr. Wu Jieh-jong, who spoke on Hong Kong’s advantages. Korean National Assembly member Min Byung-deok emphasized the need for Asian countries to cooperate in creating a sound market that protects innovation and investors.

While the conference reached several consensus points on Web3 and AI integration, specific details regarding the ‘four core consensus points’ and the exact operational mechanisms of the AWPA alliance remain areas for future clarification. The event underscored a broader industry trend towards practical application, cross-border collaboration, and user-centric development in the evolving Web3 and AI landscape.

Why This Matters

The materials describe a narrow update: The GWDC 2026 KOREA conference took place in Seoul, South Korea, attracting over 2,000 participants and focusing on AI agents, stablecoins, and RWA innovation. The specific details of the ‘four core consensus points’ beyond the general themes.

Broader Context

Source materials place the factual news in this context: GWDC 2026 KOREA was hosted by Web3Labs.