Blockchain sports company Chiliz rolled out non-fungible token (NFT) ticketing at a Korean professional golf event last week, marking the first time such a system was used at a major domestic sporting event.

The technology was deployed during the 2025 NH Investment & Securities Ladies Championship, held from May 9 to May 11 as part of the Korea Ladies Professional Golf Association (KLPGA) Tour. Tickets were issued on the Chiliz Chain and distributed through Naver Pay’s digital wallet platform.

KLPGA, widely considered one of the most competitive women’s golf tours in Asia, has seen rapid growth in recent years. The organization has gained recognition for its strong domestic fanbase, rising broadcast ratings and a pipeline of athletes performing on the international stage.

NFT ticket holders accessed the tournament venue via QR code and participated in on-site events. Digital collectibles were issued for each tournament round, and special rewards were offered to attendees based on ticket ownership. Chiliz also distributed limited-edition digital autographs and video content, presenting new monetization opportunities.

The initiative was carried out in partnership with Naver Pay, one of South Korea’s largest digital payment services. The platform has more than 30 million users, representing approximately 60% of the national population. Naver Pay has expanded significantly in recent years, including overseas QR payment services and cross-platform transactions beyond Naver’s own ecosystem.

“This collaboration allowed for a seamless user experience while introducing Web3-based fan engagement tools,” a Chiliz spokesperson said. “We view South Korea as a strategic market for sports blockchain adoption.”

Chiliz said it plans to expand its presence in the Korean sports industry through partnerships with local leagues and tech companies. Future efforts will include initiatives involving fan tokens, DAOs and broader NFT-based fan experiences.