Two-Thirds of South Koreans Plan to Boost Crypto Investments as Won-Based Stablecoin Gains Traction

A recent survey reveals that approximately two-thirds of South Korean investors are planning to increase their cryptocurrency holdings, fueled by growing enthusiasm for a regulated Korean won-pegged stablecoin and a robust crypto market surge. The findings, reported by The Block and Coin Push Crypto Alerts, highlight South Korea’s position as a global leader in cryptocurrency adoption, with the Korean won emerging as the world’s second-most-used fiat currency for crypto trading, trailing only the U.S. dollar.

The survey, conducted by the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and other sources, indicates that 66.7% of South Korean crypto investors are optimistic about increasing their exposure, while 57.9% expressed a bullish outlook on the sector’s future. Only 14.5% plan to reduce their holdings, reflecting widespread confidence across demographics, particularly among investors aged 20-50, who saw a 25% jump in crypto ownership in 2025.

This surge in investor sentiment aligns with legislative efforts to regulate a won-based stablecoin, which has driven first-quarter trading volumes to $41.6 billion, a threefold increase from previous levels. The proposed Digital Asset Framework Act, backed by President Lee Jae-myung and lawmaker Min Byeong-deok, aims to allow private companies with as little as ₩500 million ($367,000 USD) in equity capital to issue won-pegged stablecoins, fostering economic benefits like reduced trade costs and diversified foreign exchange risks.

South Korea’s crypto market has seen explosive growth, with daily trading volumes exceeding $12 billion and a projected annual volume of $663 billion in 2025. Over 16 million South Koreans—32% of the population—now hold crypto accounts, surpassing the number of stock market investors. The market’s momentum is further bolstered by major exchanges like Upbit, which commands 80% of domestic transactions, and Bithumb, alongside improved security protocols that have reduced hacking incidents.

The appointment of Kim Yong-beom, a crypto advocate and former head of Hashed Open Research, as President Yoon Suk-yeol’s economic adviser, has also contributed to regulatory clarity and institutional participation. Fintech stocks, such as Kakao Pay, have nearly doubled in value amid speculation about their role in stablecoin issuance.

However, concerns remain about market volatility, with two-thirds of survey respondents citing it as a primary concern, though only one-third expressed worries about security risks despite many holding funds in exchange hot wallets. Critics, like blockchain expert Paik, warn that won-based stablecoins could expose the financial system to speculative trading risks or inadvertently resemble a central bank digital currency (CBDC). Despite these concerns, the legislation emphasizes private-sector issuance to maintain trust and global standards.

South Korea’s crypto boom is also influencing global markets, with investors pouring $443 million into Circle, the issuer of USDC, making it the top overseas stock for South Koreans. As regulatory frameworks solidify and retail enthusiasm grows, South Korea is poised to set new benchmarks for global crypto adoption, particularly if won-pegged stablecoins gain mainstream traction.