South Korea Embraces Crypto as Serious Financial Asset, Reveals 2050 Generation Investment Trends Report
- Antwan Koss
- June 30, 2025
- Finance
- 0 Comments
Crypto in South Korea: Not Just Speculation Anymore
A new report from Hana Financial Research Institute suggests virtual assets in South Korea are shifting from risky bets to something closer to mainstream finance. The “2050 Generation Virtual Asset Investment Trends Report” paints a picture where crypto isn’t just for quick profits—it’s becoming part of how people plan their futures.
About 27% of people aged 20 to 50 are investing in cryptocurrencies, and on average, those holdings make up 14% of their total financial assets. That’s not pocket change. The survey, which covered 1,000 people, found the highest ownership rate among those in their 40s—31%. And here’s the thing: 70% of investors said they’re planning to put even more into crypto down the line.
Retirement Plans and Long-Term Holds
One of the more surprising details? People in their 50s aren’t just dabbling. Over half are using crypto to prepare for retirement. A full 78% said they’re in it to build savings, and 53% outright called it old-age planning. That’s a far cry from the old stereotype of crypto as a gamble.
Most investors—79%—admit they’re in it to grow their money. Only about a quarter see it as a trend or something to do for fun, and even fewer (22%) rely on it for daily expenses. The takeaway? It’s being treated more like a real asset these days, not a lottery ticket.
Investors Are Playing the Long Game
Behavior seems to be shifting, too. Regular, consistent investing jumped from 10% to 34%, while medium-term holds rose from 26% to 47%. Short-term trading dipped slightly, from 48% to 45%. Maybe people are learning patience pays off.
That said, the market’s still pretty Bitcoin-heavy. Around 60% of investors stick to an average of two coins, and Bitcoin’s almost always one of them. Altcoins and stablecoins have gained some ground, but newer options like NFTs and security tokens? Not much traction yet—90% of investors still focus solely on coins.
The Hurdles That Won’t Go Away
There are frustrations, though. A big one? Banking links. Right now, exchanges can only tie to a single bank account, and 70% of respondents said they’d switch to their main bank if that rule changed.
And of course, risks haven’t vanished. Volatility worries 56% of investors, while 61% fret about market risks and fraud. Still, many see promise in traditional banks stepping in (42%) and tighter regulations (35%). Maybe that’s the trade-off—less wild west, more stability.
*This isn’t investment advice. Just a look at how things are changing.
