Cryptocurrency trading on South Korea’s licensed exchanges fell to 8% of KOSPI stock volumes in May, down from 323% in December 2024.
South Korea’s cryptocurrency trading volumes have collapsed to just 8% of KOSPI stock market levels in May, according to exchange data. The decline follows a sharp drop in digital asset prices in October 2025 and sustained strength in the KOSPI index.
In December 2024, crypto trading volumes had surged to 323% of KOSPI levels amid a bull market triggered by U.S. election developments. The five licensed exchanges—Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, and Gopax—now report significantly reduced activity.
The shift reflects broader market sentiment and regulatory conditions impacting digital asset demand in the region.