Young investors in South Korea hold on average 14% of their financial assets in cryptocurrencies, favoring direct investments and actively expanding their portfolios despite regulatory hurdles and market volatility.
A study conducted by Hana Bank in spring 2025 among 700 financial consumers and 300 investors aged 20 to 50 showed that digital assets became an integral part of the new generation’s portfolios. Crypto accounts for 14% of their total financial assets, surpassing instruments such as mutual funds and financial insurance products.
Among crypto investors, men dominate (67%), mostly aged 30–40 (59%), working predominantly in white-collar sectors (52%). The average total financial assets of these investors amount to approximately 97 million won (about $70,000), of which 27% are held in cryptocurrencies.
Key findings of the study include:
- 61% of respondents began investing in crypto between 2019 and 2023. Of these, 80% started with less than 3 million won (about $2,200), but later increased their investments. The main motivators were high returns (44%) and a desire for portfolio diversification (34%).
- About 89% of digital asset holders limit themselves to cryptocurrencies, without NFTs or tokenized assets. 60% of investors own BTC, 47% own ETH. On average, each investor holds two different cryptocurrencies. Most investments are made through regular contributions rather than speculation. Profits are reinvested in 57% of cases.
- 76% of investors faced difficulties during their first experience using crypto exchanges. The main barriers were complex registration and verification procedures. Investors use an average of 1.5 platforms, with 91% preferring local exchanges. Upbit remains the most popular.
- 78% of investors opened bank accounts specifically for crypto transactions, and 43% wish to see integration between crypto exchanges and brokerage accounts. Over 80% expressed willingness to shift deposits to digital assets. Primary expectations relate to returns (64%) and regulatory improvements (48%).
Hana Bank analysts concluded that with expanded institutional infrastructure and removal of legal barriers, interest in and the share of digital assets in investment portfolios will continue to grow, as cryptocurrency remains a key investment priority for young South Korean investors.
South Korean authorities recently began a digital transformation process for the financial sector, including measures to develop the crypto market. Plans include launching crypto ETFs, legalizing stablecoins, and regulating trading platform fees.
Сообщение Young Investors in South Korea Hold 14% of Their Financial Assets in Crypto появились сначала на CoinsPaid Media.
