A new report from the Hana Institute of Finance reveals that more than a quarter of South Koreans aged 20 to 59 now hold digital assets, showing the country’s growing embrace of cryptocurrencies. The study, released on Sunday, highlights shifting investment habits and rising interest in long-term financial planning through crypto.
Crypto Becoming a Core Part of Financial Portfolios
Digital assets now account for 14% of the financial portfolios of South Koreans in their 20s to 50s. Among these investors, Bitcoin remains the top choice, with 60% favoring it over other cryptocurrencies.
People in their 40s are leading the way, with 31% owning crypto, followed by those in their 30s at 28% and 50s at 25%. Interestingly, the report shows that older investors are increasingly turning to crypto for long-term goals: 78% of those in their 50s use crypto to build funds, and 53% are preparing for retirement.
More Interest, More Caution
Over 70% of respondents expressed a desire to increase their crypto investments. However, nearly half of all surveyed said they would be more likely to invest further if traditional banks were more involved in the crypto space. Additionally, 35% said they want stronger legal protections, indicating a demand for a more secure and regulated environment.
Investment habits are also evolving. Regular crypto purchases have jumped from 10% to 34%, signaling more consistent, disciplined investing behavior. Mid-term trading has increased from 26% to 47%, while short-term trading has slightly declined.
More investors are turning to official exchanges and using market analytics, moving away from relying on word-of-mouth tips. This shift reflects a growing focus on diversification, growth, and financial stability in the crypto market.
