Square Tech and GOAT Network to Explore AI-Powered Stablecoin Payments in South Korea

South Korea's Square Tech (KOSDAQ: 148250) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with GOAT Network to explore the development of stablecoin payment services powered by artificial intelligence agents. The collaboration, which also includes GOAT Network's core developer DAC Labs, aims to integrate emerging technologies into South Korea's payment ecosystem as part of Square Tech's Digital Solutions business.

Initial Focus on Tourism

The initial priority for the partnership is to integrate GOAT Network's AI agent technology into a stablecoin payment program for foreign tourists, which Square Tech is currently developing with mobile identity verification firm Lordsystem. According to the announcement, this program would allow visitors to verify their identity via mobile passports and make payments at participating merchants using USD-denominated stablecoins.

Under the agreement, Square Tech will manage domestic business development, merchant acquisition, and regulatory liaison. GOAT Network will provide its AI agent payment technology and infrastructure, with DAC Labs offering technical integration and security support. The partners will also assess expanding into services like digital gift cards, contingent on regulatory review.

Technology and Safeguards

The proposed system is designed with several safeguards to ensure security and user control when AI agents execute transactions. Each AI agent will be assigned a verifiable on-chain identity based on the ERC-8004 standard, a measure intended to enhance transparency and trust.

Key security features will include:

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• User-defined spending limits for AI agents.
• Explicit user authorization mechanisms for transactions.
• Comprehensive on-chain transaction records for transparent monitoring.

"For agentic commerce to scale... consumers need assurance that purchases are authorized, spending stays within defined limits, and payments are secure," said Kevin Liu, Co-Founder and CEO of GOAT Network.

Regulatory and Market Context

This initiative comes as South Korea advances its regulatory framework for new technologies. The country's AI Basic Act took effect in January 2026, and discussions are ongoing for a Digital Asset Basic Act, which could establish rules for digital assets, including Korean won-denominated stablecoins. The companies stated their intent to comply with all applicable laws, including the Electronic Financial Transactions Act and the Virtual Asset User Protection Act.

"The next important step is translating these developments into practical services that consumers and merchants can use," said Kangho Kim, CEO of Square Tech. He added that the collaboration aims to build "a new payment ecosystem that brings AI and stablecoins into everyday transactions." The services will be introduced in phases, subject to legal and regulatory approval.