South Korea’s Crypto Users Surpass Stock Market Investors

• South Korea has 16.29M crypto users, 32% of the population.
• Crypto users now exceed the 14.1M stock market investors.
• Data includes duplicated accounts from five major exchanges.

Crypto Boom in South Korea: 32% of Population Engaged

South Korea’s crypto market has reached a significant milestone. According to SBS, as of the end of February 2025, the number of users on the country’s virtual asset exchanges hit 16.29 million. This figure accounts for approximately 32% of the population, signaling the increasing popularity of cryptocurrencies.

In comparison, the number of traditional stock market investors stands at 14.1 million. This shift highlights the growing influence of digital assets in South Korea’s financial landscape.

Major Exchanges See Massive Participation

The data includes users from the five leading cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea, including platforms like Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, and GOPAX. Notably, these figures reflect duplicated accounts, as many users tend to hold multiple accounts across different exchanges to maximize trading opportunities and benefits.

Factors Behind the Crypto Surge

Several factors have contributed to this remarkable growth in crypto adoption :

• Increased Accessibility: User-friendly platforms and mobile applications have made crypto trading more accessible to retail investors.
• Speculative Appeal: Cryptocurrencies offer opportunities for higher returns compared to traditional markets, drawing interest from younger generations.
• Regulatory Framework: South Korea’s structured regulatory environment has enhanced investor confidence and boosted exchange reliability.

As the South Korean government continues monitoring and regulating the crypto space, further growth and mainstream adoption are expected.