South Korean Crypto Market now has 7.78M User Growing- FIU

South Korea's Cryptocurrency Market Flourishes

The cryptocurrency market in South Korea continues to expand at a significant pace. According to the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU SK), the number of users reached 7.78 million in the first quarter of 2024, a substantial increase from 6.45 million in the third quarter of 2023.

The FIU's report, titled "Virtual Asset Business Survey," also notes a remarkable 67% growth in trading volume, reaching $6 trillion by the end of Q1 2024. The market capitalization of cryptocurrencies in South Korea has also surged to 53 trillion won. Experts predict that the digital asset market in the country could reach 100 trillion won in the coming years.

Bitcoin: The Dominant Cryptocurrency

Bitcoin remains the most widely adopted cryptocurrency in South Korea, followed by Ethereum and Ripple. The nation also has a sizable population of memecoin enthusiasts, with Dogecoin being a popular choice.

Bitcoin's dominance is not limited to South Korea; it is the most adopted crypto globally, accounting for over 60% of the market share. This growth is attributed to factors such as the entry of traditional financial institutions, mainstream asset managers, and the favorable price performance of Bitcoin, which has recently climbed to $72,000.

El Salvador's Bitcoin Adoption

El Salvador has emerged as a notable example of Bitcoin adoption, having legalized it as a legal tender. The country's young president, Nayib Bukele, has announced plans to introduce an external debt-free budget, a move supported by citizens with substantial Bitcoin holdings.

Kimchi Premium

Market conditions and policy changes have influenced the Kimchi Premium, an indicator of the price difference between Bitcoin prices in South Korea and global exchanges. Chainalysis, a blockchain analysis firm, notes that the premium reached a peak when Bitcoin hit an all-time high in March.