South Korea’s Crypto Investors Top 15 Million, 30% of the Population, as Trading Volumes Surge

• South Korea’s crypto investors exceeded 15.59 million in November, up by 610,000 from October.
• Daily trading volumes on top exchanges reached 15 trillion won, rivaling stock market activity.
• Lawmakers urge regulation to stabilize the market and protect consumers.

Crypto investors in South Korea grew to 15.59 million in November, with 610,000 new participants joining in just one month. Trading volumes on the nation’s top crypto exchanges soared to 15 trillion won ($10.13 billion), rivaling daily stock market activity.

Crypto Holdings and Trading Soar

South Korea’s cryptocurrency market has experienced unprecedented growth in recent months. Total crypto holdings rose to 102.6 trillion won ($69.77 billion) in November, a leap from 58.6 trillion won ($39 billion) in July.

Daily trading volumes mirrored this trend, climbing from 2.9 trillion won ($1.97 billion) in July to nearly 15 trillion won ($10.13 billion) on the top five crypto exchanges— Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, and GoPax— by November. This surge in activity highlights the growing influence of digital assets within South Korea’s financial ecosystem.

Investor Optimism Linked to Global Trends

The sharp rise in crypto investors coincided with the victory of the U.S. President-elect Donald Trump in early November. His pro-business rhetoric has sparked optimism within the global crypto community, with many anticipating more favorable regulations under his administration.

South Korea’s investor base expanded rapidly throughout the year, growing steadily from 14.74 million in July to 15.59 million in November, according to Yonhap News. This consistent growth highlights the rising appeal of digital assets in a country known for its tech-savvy population.

Regulations Strengthen Investor Confidence

The introduction of the Virtual Asset User Protection Act by South Korea’s Financial Services Commission has further bolstered investor confidence. The new regulations require crypto exchanges to prioritize the security of users’ assets, marking a milestone in the country’s regulatory environment.

Still, concerns persist about potential risks in the rapidly expanding market. Lawmaker Lim Kwang-hyun has urged the government to implement measures to ensure stability and protect consumers. However, it remains uncertain what specific actions may follow.

With over 30% of South Korea’s 51.23 million population now involved in cryptocurrency and daily trading volumes nearing those of the stock market, the nation’s crypto boom shows no signs of slowing.