South Korea recorded more than 10,000 individuals holding cryptocurrency assets worth over 1 billion won. Financial regulators revealed that 10,810 investors surpassed this level, highlighting how cryptocurrency wealth in the country has reached new heights. The report also showed that one-fifth of South Koreans now maintain accounts at the five largest exchanges.
Data confirmed that these wealthy investors hold an average of 2.23 billion won in digital assets. That figure is over 200 times larger than the average across all users, which stands near 10 million won. Therefore, South Korea’s cryptocurrency wealth has created a growing gap between the richest investors and typical market participants.
The breakdown by age revealed further insights. Most large holders were in their 40s and 50s. However, investors in their 20s, though few in number, had the highest average holdings at 2.69 billion won each. In contrast, the largest user group overall consisted of people in their 30s, followed by those in their 40s and 50s.
The five exchanges—Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, and GOPAX—serve 10.86 million users in total. Of the group holding over 1 billion won, 76 percent used Upbit, well above its general 52 percent market share. This dominance shows how the platform has become the preferred choice for South Korea cryptocurrency wealth management.
Asset averages also differed by age group. Among people in their 20s, average holdings reached 2.06 million won, while seniors over 60 averaged 23.4 million won. The differences reflect both generational wealth and investment strategies.
The figures exclude cash deposits held at each exchange. Deposits often earn about 2 percent annual interest, meaning the total scale of holdings could be higher.
Meanwhile, South Korea delayed plans to tax crypto profits. The government originally intended to implement taxation this year, but it postponed the measure until 2027. Lawmakers pushed back the tax following strong political and investor resistance. The plan, once enacted, will impose a 22 percent tax on annual gains above 2.5 million won.
Currently, the total value of digital assets across the five exchanges stands at 111.65 trillion won. For comparison, South Korea’s nominal GDP is estimated at 2,590 trillion won. The size of crypto holdings therefore reflects a significant share of financial activity within the country.
Ultimately, South Korea’s cryptocurrency wealth continues to reshape the nation’s financial landscape. With taxation delayed, investors remain eager to expand portfolios while regulators prepare for eventual oversight.
