Market News

South Korea Dominates Crypto Trading as Bitcoin Prices Soar

South Korea's won has emerged as the second most utilized fiat currency in cryptocurrency trading, following the U.S. dollar, with trades amounting to an impressive $663 billion so far in 2025.

This surge positions South Korea as a powerhouse in the crypto market, reflecting the nation's growing interest and participation in digital assets.

Kaiko Research highlights that while the dollar leads with $832 billion in trades, the won's performance has edged out several other currencies, showcasing its importance in the global crypto landscape.

Despite significant trading volume, challenges remain, such as market fragmentation and limited stablecoin adoption that hinder wide-scale institutional growth in the region.

Currently, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $105,116, with a notable kimchi premium of 2.46%, indicating South Korean prices are higher than the global average.

This premium has persisted for most of 2025, highlighting a unique characteristic of the South Korean crypto market.

In addition to its trading prowess, South Korea boasts a remarkable statistic: nearly one in three South Korean adults holds cryptocurrency, which is double the adoption rate observed in the U.S.

Bitcoin's recent high prices, driven by both local and global sentiments, signal a growing acceptance of digital currencies by mainstream investors and institutions.

As regulations evolve and infrastructure improves, South Korea is well-positioned to continue its leadership role in the global crypto market.

The dynamics in South Korea's vibrant crypto scene underline the significance of national policies and regional market behaviors in shaping the future of cryptocurrencies.