27% of Koreans Aged 20–50 Hold Crypto, 70% Plan More Investments

Investment patterns are also maturing. The proportion of investors making regular purchases rose from 10% to 34%, and mid-term trading increased from 26% to 47%, while short-term trading fell slightly.

The way investors get information is also changing. Per the report, reliance on word-of-mouth has declined, while the use of official exchanges and analytical platforms has risen.

Bitcoin (BTC) remains the primary choice, with six in ten investors including BTC in their holdings. As experience grows, however, many diversify into altcoins or stablecoins. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and security tokens (STOs) remain niche, with nine in ten investors sticking exclusively to coins.

“Virtual assets play a major role within investors portfolios,” said Yoon Sun-young, a researcher at Hana Financial Research Institute. “Investors expect legal institutionalization and expansion of the role of the existing financial sector.”

A major pain point highlighted was the restriction preventing linking multiple bank accounts with crypto exchanges. Seven in ten investors said they would favor their primary bank if this rule were relaxed.

Concerns about market volatility remain widespread (56%), while worries over exchange or fraud risks were more pronounced among those hesitant to invest further.

Koreas crypto boom fueled by desperation

Last week, Eli Ilha Yune, chief product officer at Anzaetek, said the surge in crypto South Koreas crypto adoption isnt driven by optimism about blockchain technology.

Speaking at German Blockchain Week, Yune argued that many young Koreans are turning to crypto out of financial desperation, seeking quick profits rather than supporting Web3 ideals.

Youth unemployment in South Korea is a key factor, standing at 6.6%, more than double the national average. Yune explained that South Koreas once high-growth economy has stalled, leaving many young people jobless and unable to afford real estate or see meaningful returns from traditional investments like stocks.

Amid this economic pressure, crypto has become the only viable investment option for Korea‘s younger generation, according to Yune. He noted that while some young investors understand crypto’s technology, many are unaware of its infrastructure.