🇰🇷 The number of cryptocurrency investors in South Korea has surged, and market volatility has intensified!
The latest report from the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of South Korea shows that the number of cryptocurrency investors in the first half of 2024 surged by 21%, with the total number of domestic investors reaching 7.78 million. This growth is largely attributed to the explosive increase in Bitcoin's value.
Meanwhile, the average daily trading volume in South Korea's virtual asset market also grew by 67%, reaching a record 60 trillion won (4.3 billion USD). In the first half of 2024 alone, the total valuation of this market increased by 27%, reaching 55.3 trillion won (about 40 billion USD).
Male investors account for 68% of the country's cryptocurrency users, particularly men in their thirties who are especially active in the market. Although women make up a smaller proportion of the investor group, their contribution to market growth is gradually increasing.
While most investors in South Korea (about 67% of them) hold cryptocurrencies worth less than 500,000 won (362 USD), there are also 1.3% of investors holding over 100 million won, and 0.03% of high-net-worth individuals holding over 1 billion won in crypto assets.
The report shows that Bitcoin investors in South Korea rank first, followed by ETH, XRP, DOGE, and ETC. At the same time, South Korea plays a key role in global cryptocurrency trading, with its active trading driving global trading volumes to new highs.
The South Korean stock market, on the other hand, has shown high price volatility. The maximum drawdown (MDD) of the South Korean stock market (i.e., the magnitude of price drop from its peak) has increased from 62% in the same period last year to the current 70%.
In contrast, the MDD of the main South Korean index KOSPI during the same period was only 14%. This increase in volatility also highlights the fragility of the South Korean stock market, prompting investors to remain vigilant regarding market dynamics.
The FIU points out that the inflow of funds into U.S. Bitcoin ETFs and presidential candidates' policy positions on digital assets are key factors influencing price fluctuations, and reminds investors to act cautiously amid market volatility.
In summary, although South Korea's cryptocurrency market achieved significant growth in the first half of 2024, this prosperity is also accompanied by high risks and high volatility, requiring investors to manage risks effectively while selecting investment targets and pursuing profits.
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