Over a Quarter of South Koreans in 20s–50s Now Hold Crypto, Study Finds

More than a quarter of South Koreans aged 20 to 50 now own digital assets, with crypto making up 14% of their total financial portfolios, according to a new report from the Hana Institute of Finance released Sunday. The report , titled 2050 Generation’s Virtual Asset Investment Trends, found that interest in crypto spans age groups, with participation highest among those in their 40s at 31%, followed by those in their 30s at 28%, and in their 50s at 25%. Bitcoin remains the most popular investment, with six in ten investors including it in their holdings, though many diversify into altcoins and stablecoins as they gain experience. Crypto Seen as a Path for Wealth Building and Retirement The study revealed that 78% of respondents in their 50s view crypto as a tool to accumulate wealth, while 53% use it to prepare for retirement . Growth potential, diversification benefits, and structured savings plans are increasingly cited as key reasons for crypto investment across age groups. Interest in expanding crypto holdings is strong, with 70% of respondents indicating plans to increase their investments. Additionally, 42% said they would invest more if traditional financial institutions took a larger role in digital asset markets, while 35% identified stronger legal protections as essential to boosting their confidence. Investment habits are evolving as well. The share of investors making regular purchases rose from 10% to 34%, while mid-term trading increased from 26% to 47%. Short-term trading saw a slight decline, indicating a maturing investment landscape. Reliance on word-of-mouth for information has decreased, while more investors are turning to official exchanges and analytical platforms for insights. Economic Pressures Looms Despite the enthusiasm, the report notes significant concerns about market volatility, with 56% of respondents citing it as a key worry. Many investors also highlighted concerns about exchange reliability and fraud risks. Eli Ilha Yune, chief product officer at Anzaetek, noted last week that South Korea’s crypto boom is driven more by financial desperation than optimism about blockchain technology. Speaking at German Blockchain Week, Yune pointed to high youth unemployment, which stands at 6.6%—more than double the national average—and a stagnating economy as reasons many young Koreans turn to crypto in search of quick profits amid limited traditional investment opportunities. Amid these pressures, cryptocurrency has become a critical avenue for Korea’s younger generation, serving as both a potential lifeline and a tool for wealth-building in an economy where many find themselves priced out of real estate and traditional investment returns. The post Over a Quarter of South Koreans in 20s–50s Now Hold Crypto, Study Finds appeared first on TheCoinrise.com .

Source: The Coin Rise