South Korea is reported to account for around 30% of total global cryptocurrency trading volume, with altcoins dominating up to 85% of all activity. Meanwhile, Bitcoin contributes only 9% and Ethereum 6%. This data highlights a significant difference in asset preferences and market structure compared to global trends.

Altcoin Dominance and High Trading Activity

According to data shared by Cointelegraph, South Korea’s crypto market shows a strong inclination toward altcoin trading.
Of the total trading activity, approximately 85% comes from altcoins, while Bitcoin accounts for just 9% and Ethereum 6%. This indicates that Korean investors are more actively pursuing high-volatility assets rather than major cryptocurrencies.

In terms of volume, trading activity in Korea reaches an average of around $26 billion per week, equivalent to approximately IDR 442 trillion. This reflects the high participation of retail investors and a very dynamic market environment.

Comparison with Japan: Lower Volume, Deeper Liquidity

On the other hand, crypto trading denominated in Japanese Yen records a relatively stable monthly volume of around $2 billion to $3 billion, or about IDR 34 trillion to IDR 51 trillion.
This is significantly smaller than South Korea’s weekly volume. However, Japan’s market has an advantage in terms of liquidity depth, particularly for Bitcoin.

It is reported that Bitcoin market depth in Japan is 3 to 5 times deeper than in Korea. This means that large transactions can be executed with less impact on price, reflecting a more mature market structure.

Differences in Investor Profiles and Regulation

These stark differences reflect the characteristics of investors in each country. Korean investors tend to be more aggressive and speculative, focusing on altcoins that offer high short-term profit potential.

In contrast, Japan’s market is more conservative and structured. Stricter regulations help shape an ecosystem with deeper and more stable liquidity, especially for major assets like Bitcoin.

Impact on the Global Market

South Korea’s dominance in global trading volume, especially in altcoins, has the potential to influence price movements of small- to mid-cap cryptocurrencies.
Surges in trading volume from Korea often serve as an early indicator of rising speculative interest in the global market. Meanwhile, Japan’s deeper market plays a role in maintaining Bitcoin price stability, particularly during large transactions.

Conclusion

This data confirms fundamental differences in the crypto market structures across Asia. South Korea stands out as a high-volume altcoin trading hub, while Japan offers deeper liquidity for Bitcoin.

The combination of both plays an important role in shaping global crypto market dynamics, influencing both volatility and price stability.