Upbit Giwa is an Ethereum layer 2 launched by Upbit on testnet (Giwa Sepolia) using the OP Stack to deliver near-real-time, one-second block times while inheriting Ethereum security. The Giwa testnet includes developer tools and a block explorer to migrate EVM-compatible contracts.
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Upbit Giwa testnet delivers one-second block times for near-real-time transactions.
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Giwa uses the Optimism OP Stack and supports EVM-compatible contract migration.
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Giwa Sepolia shows over 4 million blocks and built-in developer tooling on testnet.
Upbit Giwa testnet: Ethereum layer 2 from Upbit with one-second blocks and OP Stack compatibility. Test Giwa Sepolia today — learn how to connect and test contracts.
What is Upbit Giwa?
Upbit Giwa is an Ethereum layer 2 testnet launched by South Korean exchange Upbit that aims to deliver one-second block times while relying on Ethereum for settlement and security. Giwa uses the Optimism Foundation’s OP Stack and provides developer tools to migrate EVM-compatible contracts to Giwa Sepolia.
How does Giwa achieve one-second block times?
Giwa leverages the OP Stack’s modular rollup framework and optimized block production parameters to target one-second block intervals. Giwa Sepolia’s public metrics show over 4 million blocks added on the testnet, indicating sustained, high-frequency block production. Official Giwa documentation and Giwa Sepolia GitHub repositories provide technical details and configuration settings.
South Korean crypto exchange Upbit confirmed the Giwa testnet launch at the Upbit D Conference 2025. The initiative positions Upbit beyond exchange services toward infrastructure for Web3 access. Giwa stands for Global Infrastructure for Web3 Access and emphasizes usability and customization.
Source: Cointelegraph
Giwa’s architecture inherits Ethereum’s security model for final settlement while using optimistic rollup principles to increase throughput. The testnet includes an explorer tracking transactions and blocks, and integrated development tooling to simplify migration of EVM-compatible smart contracts.
When will Giwa move from testnet to mainnet?
Upbit has not announced a mainnet launch date for Giwa. Current activity on Giwa Sepolia focuses on testing, developer migration, and block production verification. The company has prioritized tooling and observability on testnet before committing to a production launch.
The Giwa name draws from traditional Korean curved roof tiles, symbolizing protection and heritage. Giwa’s design emphasizes flexibility so teams can customize components as the OP Stack evolves.
Key transaction activity metrics from the Giwa Sepolia testnet. Source: Giwa Sepolia
Why does Giwa matter for developers and the South Korean market?
Giwa creates a new DevOps path for EVM-compatible apps, offering lower latency and faster confirmations. For South Korea — where Upbit controls a significant portion of trading volume — Giwa could expand developer activity and Web3 services locally. Public data shows Upbit accounts for roughly 73% of South Korean crypto trading volume and remains a major market gateway.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can developers test on Giwa Sepolia?
Connect a Web3 wallet to Giwa Sepolia testnet RPC, import or redeploy EVM-compatible contracts, and monitor transactions via the Giwa Sepolia block explorer. Use Giwa documentation and GitHub for migration scripts and toolchain setup.
Does Giwa rely on Ethereum for security?
Yes. Giwa is designed as an optimistic rollup built on the OP Stack that settles transactions to Ethereum, inheriting Ethereum’s security guarantees for finality.
Key Takeaways
- Giwa testnet launched: Upbit released Giwa Sepolia with one-second block targets and developer tooling.
- OP Stack-based: Giwa leverages the Optimism OP Stack for rollup architecture and EVM compatibility.
- Market impact: Giwa could broaden Upbit’s role from exchange to infrastructure provider in South Korea’s leading crypto market.
Conclusion
Upbit Giwa testnet marks a strategic step for the exchange into blockchain infrastructure, combining the OP Stack with aggressive block production targets and EVM tooling. Watch for deployment milestones and developer adoption as Giwa moves from testnet validation toward potential mainnet plans. For updates, consult Giwa documentation and Giwa Sepolia GitHub for technical releases.
