The crypto economy has seen substantial growth in the past month, particularly driven by notable trading activity in South Korea. Recent data from Cryptocompare.com reveals that on Saturday, November 18, 2023, the Korean won accounted for 3.53% of all bitcoin (BTC) trades in the previous 24 hours. Bitcoin trades involving the Korean won constituted 3.53% of the total, while Ethereum (ETH) trades paired with the won represented about 1.65%.
Driving forces and dynamics of the South Korean market
Additionally, a significant 8.78% of Solana (SOL) trades were conducted with the Korean won. This surge in trading volumes highlights South Korea’s emergence as a significant force in the crypto market. Upbit, one of South Korea’s major exchanges, alone processed $2.62 billion in trades in the last 24 hours, making it the 11th largest crypto exchange by volume over the weekend. Notably, Dogecoin trades with the Korean won comprised 3.06%, and the won also made up 19.77% of avalanche trades on Saturday.
The major South Korean exchanges, especially Upbit and Bithumb, are experiencing noticeable price premiums. For instance, at 1:50 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, bitcoin’s trading price on Upbit was $37,985 per unit, compared to the global average of $36,700, indicating a nearly $1,300 premium in South Korea. Bithumb’s BTC rates were similarly elevated, with bitcoin priced at $37,978 per coin. Ethereum’s global rate stands at $1,966, but on Upbit and Bithumb, it’s trading higher at $2,031 and $2,032, respectively.
Bithumb, ranking as the 15th largest exchange by volume, handled over $1 billion in trades over the past 24 hours. The trend continues on Coinone, where bitcoin is trading at $38K per unit, and ether is valued at $2,034 per unit, surpassing the global average of $1,966. While most other cryptocurrencies on these platforms align closely with global averages, Solana’s price is roughly $2 higher. These high trading volumes and premiums in South Korea underscore the robust demand for cryptocurrencies in the region.
Opportunities and challenges for traders in the market
These pricing discrepancies present significant arbitrage opportunities for astute traders. The data suggests that South Korea’s crypto market is a key player in the global landscape, with its trading activity influencing both prices and volumes. The substantial premiums observed on major exchanges in the country indicate a strong demand for digital assets, potentially driven by factors unique to the region. This surge in demand and trading activity may be attributed to various factors, including regulatory developments, local market sentiment, and broader economic conditions in South Korea.
The fact that Upbit alone processed over $2.6 billion in trades within 24 hours highlights the scale at which these exchanges are operating. One notable aspect is the prevalence of specific cryptocurrencies in South Korean trades. Dogecoin and Avalanche, for example, had a significant share of their trades conducted with the Korean won. This preference for certain digital assets could be influenced by factors such as community enthusiasm, marketing efforts, or specific use cases that resonate with South Korean investors.
The price premiums on major exchanges in South Korea compared to global averages indicate potential arbitrage opportunities. Traders could take advantage of the price differentials between South Korean exchanges and global platforms, aiming to profit from the inefficiencies in the market. The elevated prices on South Korean exchanges could also be indicative of a higher willingness among local investors to pay a premium for the convenience of trading on domestic platforms. This preference might be driven by factors such as ease of access, familiarity with local exchanges, or a sense of security in dealing with platforms based in the same country.
The recent data highlights South Korea’s growing influence in the crypto economy, with substantial trading volumes and noticeable price premiums on major exchanges. The unique dynamics of the South Korean market, coupled with the demand for specific cryptocurrencies, present both challenges and opportunities for market participants. As the crypto landscape continues to evolve, monitoring and understanding these regional trends will be crucial for investors and traders looking to navigate the dynamic world of digital assets.
