Crypto Trading Surges in South Korea: Over Half of Adults Have Invested in Digital Assets

A new survey reveals that more than half of South Koreans aged 20 to 59 have engaged in cryptocurrency trading, with one in four currently holding digital assets.The findings underscore the growing normalization of crypto investing in one of Asia’s most technologically advanced nations.

Key Findings: Crypto Becomes a Core Asset Class

The nationwide survey, conducted in April by the Hana Financial Group Research Institute, polled 1,000 adults and uncovered a significant shift in financial behavior:

• 51% of respondents said they had invested in crypto at least once
• 27% are currently holding digital assets
• Current holders own an average of ₩13 million (≈$9,547) in crypto
• On average, crypto assets make up 14% of investors’ total financial portfolios

The research points to a maturing investor base where crypto is increasingly treated as a legitimate asset class.

Investor Profiles: Who's Driving the Crypto Boom?

The data paints a clear demographic picture of South Korea’s crypto investors:

• Majority male (67%), with only 33% of women reporting crypto investments
• Most are white-collar office workers; only 12% are in manual labor sectors
• The largest age group of investors falls between 40–49 years old

More tellingly, over 60% of participants began investing in crypto during the 2020 Bitcoin bull run, suggesting long-term exposure and continued interest in digital assets.

From Bitcoin to Altcoins: Investor Behavior Evolves

While early-stage investors tend to start with Bitcoin, seasoned participants often branch out into altcoins and stablecoins:

"As traders gain experience, their portfolios diversify beyond BTC, with many showing increased interest in stablecoin assets like USDT," the report noted.

This aligns with the growing number of South Koreans using multiple domestic exchanges to compare prices and find optimal trade conditions. Over 50% of survey participants reported holding wallets across multiple platforms, and 70% said they had used Upbit, the country’s largest crypto exchange.

Appetite for Risk Rising Among Crypto-Involved Investors

The survey also revealed a correlation between crypto exposure and risk tolerance. Among current or past crypto investors:

• 38% showed signs of aggressive or active investment behavior
• That’s nearly double the national average of 20%

The data implies that crypto adoption may be cultivating a new generation of high-risk, high-reward investors in the broader financial markets.

Stablecoins in the Spotlight

These behavioral trends coincide with a sharp rise in stablecoin trading in South Korea—particularly in USD-pegged assets like USDT, as well as locally themed “kimchi coins.”

Following the June 3 election of President Lee Jae-myung, interest in stablecoin-related tokens has spiked. Lee has pledged to:

• Launch a won-pegged stablecoin
• Allow domestic firms to develop stablecoin-based payment platforms

These policies could dramatically reshape South Korea's crypto landscape, reinforcing both retail participation and innovation in digital finance.

Conclusion: A Nation on the Crypto Frontier

South Korea’s growing engagement with digital assets signals more than just a retail trend—it reflects a shift in the national investment psyche. With regulatory support on the horizon and stablecoin usage expanding, the country may be positioning itself as a future hub for digital finance innovation.

As more investors move from initial Bitcoin purchases to diversified, multi-exchange portfolios and stablecoins, South Korea continues to lead as a model for crypto adoption in Asia.

June 2025, Cryptoniteuae