- One in three wealthy South Koreans now invest in crypto, with younger investors leading the trend toward digital assets and global diversification.
- Despite economic uncertainty, most plan to maintain or grow their crypto holdings as the country opens doors to institutional investment.
A new wave of digital enthusiasm is sweeping through South Korea’s elite. According to the 2025 Korea Wealth Report, a staggering one in three affluent South Koreans—those with financial assets exceeding 1 billion won (roughly $695,000)—are actively investing in cryptocurrencies.
Based on responses from over 3,000 high-net-worth individuals, the report reveals that 34% have either purchased or currently hold digital assets, averaging investments of 42 million won ($29,232). Even more compelling, over 70% of these investors have committed upwards of 10 million won to their crypto portfolios, and about one-third own four or more types of virtual assets, signaling a strategic push toward diversification.
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While profit potential remains the top motivation, it’s no longer the sole driver. Compared to previous years, fewer respondents (49%, down from 59%) cited high returns as the main appeal. Instead, the accessibility of crypto (37%) and confidence in its long-term growth (34%) are gaining favor, hinting at a shift in perception—is no longer seen as just a gamble but as a viable, forward-looking investment.
This optimistic outlook persists even amid economic uncertainty. A solid 60% of current crypto investors say they plan to maintain or increase their holdings in 2025, while only 10% are considering stepping back from the market.
Generational trends further illustrate the momentum. Younger wealthy individuals—those in their 40s or below—are leading the charge, with 29% holding cryptocurrency, compared to just 10% of older high-net-worth individuals. They also allocate a larger portion of their portfolios to foreign stocks, signaling a broader appetite for global and digital diversification.
Adding fuel to the trend, South Korea is beginning to open the door to institutional crypto investment. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) recently announced plans to permit institutional access to digital assets—an unprecedented move in a nation historically cautious about corporate involvement in crypto.
As South Korea’s financial elite continue to embrace virtual assets, crypto is shedding its speculative image and stepping into the mainstream—one blockchain at a time.