South Korean Crypto Trading Volume Plummets Amidst Equities Boom

South Korea's cryptocurrency market has seen a significant downturn in trading volume over the past year. According to recent data, the average daily trading volume across the country's five largest crypto exchanges dropped by about 89% from $2.82 billion in July 2025 to just $305 million during the same period. This decline is particularly striking given the strong performance of the local stock market, with the KOSPI gaining a whopping 114.44% over the year.

The shift towards equities is evident, and it's not just individual investors who are taking notice. ZDNet Korea reported that daily trading volume on one major exchange plummeted by 88%, leading to weaker trading revenue for some exchanges. In an effort to stay afloat, Korbit sold off 15 BTC and 60 ETH, raising around KRW 1.6 billion ($1 million) for operational expenses.

The market's struggles are likely to have far-reaching consequences for the industry as a whole. With trading volume at its lowest point in over a year, it remains to be seen how South Korea's crypto exchanges will adapt to this new reality.