April 24, 2025

By Anjali Kochhar

South Korea is witnessing a financial revolution. For the first time in its market history, daily cryptocurrency trading volume has overtaken that of its traditional stock exchanges a striking signal of the growing dominance of digital assets and shifting investor behaviour in one of Asia’s most tech-forward economies.

According to market data, daily crypto transactions in South Korea recently exceeded $18 billion, outpacing the combined volume of the nation’s two major stock markets KOSPI and KOSDAQ by over 22%. This dramatic surge in crypto activity highlights a deepening interest in digital currencies, particularly among retail investors.

Unlike previous booms driven mainly by Bitcoin and Ethereum, this surge was led by altcoins. Digital assets such as XRP, Dogecoin (DOGE), Stellar (XLM), Ethereum Name Service (ENS), and Hedera (HBAR) recorded high-volume trades. XRP alone saw over $6.3 billion in trading volume, reflecting the growing appetite for fast-moving, high-return tokens.

Analysts suggest this trend marks the beginning of another “altseason” a phase where alternative cryptocurrencies outperform the market’s leading coins. With Bitcoin funding rates remaining modest, many traders are turning to altcoins for greater potential gains.

South Korea’s unique investor environment contributes significantly to this shift. The country boasts a highly digital-savvy population and a vibrant online trading culture. Combined with increasing trust in the market supported by regulatory measures like the upcoming Virtual Asset User Protection Act investors are more confident than ever in engaging with crypto assets.

The implications extend beyond South Korea. As digital currencies capture more attention and capital, traditional financial institutions worldwide may need to accelerate their adaptation to this evolving financial landscape.

What’s happening in South Korea isn’t just a market anomaly it’s a glimpse into the future of global investing. With crypto trading now leading the charge, the lines between traditional finance and digital innovation continue to blur.

About the author

Anjali Kochhar covers cryptocurrency and blockchain stories in India as well as globally. Having been in the field of media and journalism for over four years now, she has developed a sharp news sense and works hard to present information that goes beyond the obvious. She is an avid reader and loves writing on a wide range of subjects.