More than one in four South Koreans aged 20 to 50 now own cryptocurrency, according to a new study released Sunday by the Hana Institute of Finance. The report, titled 2050 Generation’s Virtual Asset Investment Trends, highlights how crypto has evolved from a speculative novelty to a key pillar of personal finance.
The research found that, on average, crypto accounts for 14% of investors’ total financial portfolios. Participation was highest among those in their 40s, at 31%, followed by investors in their 30s (28%) and 50s (25%).
For many, crypto has become an integral part of long-term planning. Among respondents in their 50s, 78% said they viewed digital assets as a savings vehicle, while over half cited retirement preparation as their primary motivation.
Interest in expanding holdings remains strong: 70% of all respondents expressed plans to invest more in the future. Notably, 42% said they would feel more comfortable increasing allocations if banks played a greater role in managing crypto, while 35% said clearer legal safeguards would boost their confidence.
Regular Investing on the Rise, Bitcoin Still Dominates
The report also shows that investment habits are maturing. The share of investors who make regular crypto purchases more than tripled over the past year, rising from 10% to 34%. Medium-term trading has also climbed, while short-term speculation has tapered slightly.
Bitcoin remains the cornerstone of most portfolios, with roughly six in ten investors holding BTC. However, the appetite for diversification is growing. As investors gain experience, many are allocating funds to altcoins and stablecoins. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and security tokens (STOs) have yet to achieve mainstream appeal, with nine out of ten respondents sticking exclusively to coins.
Yoon Sun-young, a researcher at Hana Financial Research Institute, said the evolving investment approach reflects a desire for more stability and legitimacy.
“Virtual assets play a major role within investors’ portfolios,” Yoon noted.
“Investors expect legal institutionalization and expansion of the role of the existing financial sector.”
The survey also revealed frustration over regulations that prevent linking multiple bank accounts to crypto exchanges. Nearly 70% of respondents said they would prefer using their main bank if this restriction were lifted.
While optimism remains high, concerns persist. More than half of respondents cited market volatility as their biggest worry, while others pointed to exchange risks and fears of fraud.
Economic Pressure, Not Tech Enthusiasm, Fuels Adoption
Despite the upbeat headline numbers, some industry voices caution that South Korea’s crypto boom is fueled less by excitement over blockchain and more by desperation.
Eli Ilha Yune, chief product officer at Anzaetek, shared this view at German Blockchain Week. Yune argued that soaring crypto adoption among young Koreans is driven primarily by bleak economic prospects rather than faith in Web3’s transformative potential.
Youth unemployment in South Korea currently sits at 6.6%, more than twice the national average. As property prices soar and stock market returns disappoint, many young adults feel locked out of traditional wealth-building avenues.
“South Korea’s once high-growth economy has stalled,” Yune said.
“Crypto has become the only viable investment option for Korea’s younger generation.”
While some investors have studied the technology behind digital assets, Yune warned that most remain unaware of the underlying infrastructure and risks.
Quick Facts
- 27% of Koreans in their 20s–50s own crypto, with Bitcoin dominating portfolios.
- 70% plan to increase their investments, especially if banks and regulators create clearer rules.
- Regular crypto purchases have risen sharply, reflecting a shift toward structured investing.
- Economic stagnation and lack of opportunity are key drivers of adoption among young Koreans.
