- South Korea’s wealthiest are embracing crypto, with 34% of high-net-worth individuals investing in digital assets amid economic shifts.
- Young affluent investors favor crypto and foreign stocks, highlighting a sharp generational divide in financial strategies and risk appetite.
A growing number of South Korea’s elite are betting on crypto. A fresh 2025 wealth survey shows that one in three individuals with financial assets above 1 billion won—roughly $695,000—are now invested in cryptocurrencies. That’s 34% of the country’s wealthiest, according to the Korea Wealth Report, which gathered data from 3,010 respondents.
The average crypto holding among these high-net-worth individuals clocks in at about 42 million won, or approximately $29,232. It’s a strong signal that digital currencies are gaining solid ground among South Korea’s richest, despite ongoing economic uncertainties.
While profitability is still the number one reason for these investments, only 49% cited it as their top motivation. That’s a dip from 59% in previous years, showing a shift in mindset. Now, ease of access (37%) and faith in the sector’s long-term growth (34%) are stepping in as equally strong drivers.
Young Rich Fuel New Investment Wave
Much of this push into digital assets is coming from the younger slice of the wealthy population. Those in their 40s or below are steering away from bonds and leaning heavily into foreign stocks and crypto. Around 29% of this younger group own digital currencies, while only 10% of the older generation do the same.
Foreign stock ownership is also a dividing line. Nearly 30% of the younger elite’s investment portfolios are in overseas markets—compared to just 20% for older investors. Meanwhile, stock ownership in general sits at 78% for the young rich, against 66.4% for their older peers. The generational contrast is growing sharper by the year.
Backing that momentum is South Korea’s evolving regulatory landscape. In January, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) signaled a turning point. The regulator announced a phased plan to allow institutional investors into the crypto space—a shift from its past stance, where digital assets were largely reserved for retail players.
Diversification, Not Hype
A notable detail from the report is how many wealthy investors are spreading their bets. Around 34% of crypto holders own four or more types of digital assets, and more than 70% have put in at least 10 million won. It’s no longer a novelty act—it’s a strategy.
Despite inflation and market volatility, only 10% said they would pull back from crypto. In contrast, 60% intend to keep investing through 2025, showing consistent confidence. Even more telling, 15.6% of respondents said they would actually increase their crypto investments if the economy worsens—nearly double the 8% planning to reduce exposure.
This marks a notable pivot. As Yoon Seon-young of Hana Financial Research Institute put it:
“The fact that the wealthy expect growth potential in virtual assets means that the field is mature,” adding,
The wealthy tend to study thoroughly before investing and invest in areas they know well.
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