INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
More than a quarter of South Koreans in their 20s to 50s now own digital assets, with their crypto investments making up 14% of their total
Those in their 40s led participation at 31%, followed by people in their 30s at 28% and 50s at 25%.Of respondents in their 50s, 78% said
they use crypto as a way to amass funds, while 53% said they were preparing for retirement through crypto investments
More respondents now cite growth potential, diversification and structured savings plans as key motivations for investing.Meanwhile, 70% of
respondents expressed interest in expanding crypto investments in the future, and 42% said they would invest more if traditional financial
institutions took a larger role in crypto markets
Only 35% cited stronger legal protections as a key factor in boosting confidence.Demographic breakdown of Korean crypto investors by age,
gender, and occupation, showing dominance of men in their 30s-40s and white-collar workers
Source: Hana Institute of FinanceRelated: South Korean banks plan won-pegged stablecoin launch by 2026Korean investors make regular crypto
purchasesInvestment 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 10 investors including BTC in their holdings
As experience grows, however, many diversify into altcoins or stablecoins
the restriction preventing linking multiple bank accounts with crypto exchanges
Seven in 10 investors said they would favor their primary bank if this rule were relaxed.Concerns about market volatility remain widespread
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
or see meaningful returns from traditional investments like stocks.Amid this economic pressure, crypto has become the only viable investment
