Bitcoin

Korean Crypto Holdings Reach 27 Percent Among Adults as Investment Interest Surges

Albert Morgan

Jun 29, 2025 — 3 min read

According to Cointelegraph, 27 percent of South Koreans aged 20 to 50 now own digital assets, with cryptocurrency investments comprising 14 percent of their total financial portfolios. The Hana Institute of Finance released the study on Sunday, titled "2050 Generation's Virtual Asset Investment Trends."

The research reveals that participation spans across age groups, with those in their 40s leading at 31 percent ownership, followed by people in their 30s at 28 percent and those in their 50s at 25 percent. Investment patterns show growing maturity, as regular crypto purchases increased from 10 percent to 34 percent, while mid-term trading rose from 26 percent to 47 percent. Short-term trading declined slightly during this period.

Bitcoin remains the primary choice, with six in ten investors including BTC in their holdings. As experience grows, many diversify into altcoins or stablecoins, while non-fungible tokens and security tokens remain niche with nine in ten investors sticking exclusively to coins. Information sources have also evolved, with reliance on word-of-mouth declining while use of official exchanges and analytical platforms has increased.

Looking ahead, 70 percent of respondents expressed interest in expanding their crypto investments. Nearly half said they would invest more if traditional financial institutions played a larger role in crypto markets, while 35 percent cited stronger legal protections as essential for boosting confidence.

Why This Development Matters for Korean Investors

The surge in Korean crypto adoption reflects broader economic pressures facing the population. KED Global reports that South Korea's cryptocurrency market nearly doubled to 108 trillion won ($77.5 billion) in the second half of 2024, with 20 percent of the country's population now trading digital assets. The number of verified users eligible to trade digital assets reached 9.7 million, representing a 25 percent increase from mid-year.

Economic factors drive this trend. Youth unemployment stands at 6.6 percent, more than double the national average, while stalled economic growth leaves many unable to afford real estate or see meaningful returns from traditional investments. For many Korean investors, crypto represents the only viable investment option for potential wealth building. As one industry expert noted, many young Koreans turn to crypto out of financial desperation rather than optimism about blockchain technology.

The demographic breakdown shows investors in their 30s represent the largest group at 29 percent, followed by those in their 40s at 27 percent. Statista data shows user penetration reached 24.01 percent by 2025, with 12.41 million users projected in the Korean market. Most investors hold relatively small positions, with 66 percent of users holding less than 500,000 won in crypto assets.

Investment motivations have evolved beyond speculation. The Hana Institute study found that 78 percent of respondents in their 50s use crypto to accumulate funds, while 53 percent prepare for retirement through digital asset investments. Growth potential, diversification, and structured savings plans now rank as primary motivations, replacing earlier speculative behavior.

Industry Implications for Asian Markets

South Korea's crypto market developments reflect broader Asian trends in digital asset adoption. Chainalysis reports that Central and Southern Asia and Oceania lead global crypto adoption, with seven of the top 20 countries located in the region. The region received more than $750 billion in crypto asset inflows between July 2023 and June 2024, representing 16.6 percent of global value received.

The Korean market's expansion comes amid regulatory evolution. The Block reports that South Korea's Financial Services Commission began discussions for a second phase of crypto regulations, focusing on stablecoins, exchange transparency, and user protection measures. The government plans to draft comprehensive legislation by the second half of 2025, covering areas such as business entry regulations and disclosure requirements.

Market infrastructure continues expanding rapidly. Grand View Research projects South Korea's cryptocurrency exchange platform market will reach $13.84 billion by 2030, growing at a 30.6 percent annual rate from 2024. Major exchanges like Upbit, which holds 80 percent market share, and Bithumb dominate trading volumes and contribute to global crypto activity.

However, challenges persist. Current regulations restrict linking multiple bank accounts with crypto exchanges, which 70 percent of investors identified as a major pain point. Market volatility concerns affect 56 percent of current holders, while exchange and fraud risks worry potential new investors. Traditional financial institutions remain cautious about expanding crypto services without clearer regulatory frameworks.

Regional competition intensifies as neighboring markets advance. FinTech Magazine notes that Asia Pacific crypto adoption reached 22 percent in 2024, nearly three times the global average of 7.8 percent, with countries like Thailand achieving 43 percent adoption rates. Indonesia leads the region with approximately $157.1 billion in cryptocurrency value received.

For comprehensive analysis of global Bitcoin policy developments and regulatory frameworks affecting cryptocurrency adoption across different jurisdictions, readers can explore detailed research and insights at BTC Peers Global Bitcoin Policy Index. This resource provides valuable context for understanding how policy decisions in markets like South Korea compare to international regulatory approaches and their impact on digital asset adoption trends worldwide.