South Korea crypto market shrinks in first half
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- South Korea’s registered virtual asset market saw trading volume fall 44% in H1 2026.
- Market capitalisation fell 33% to KRW58.9 trillion during the period.
- Exchange providers also recorded lower sales and operating profits.
South Korea’s virtual asset market saw trading volume fall 44% in the first half of 2026.
The Korea Financial Intelligence Unit surveyed 26 registered virtual asset service providers between January and June.
Market capitalisation fell KRW28.3 trillion, or 33%, during the six-month period.
Average daily trading volume dropped KRW2.3 trillion, while deposits fell KRW2.9 trillion.
The market’s maximum drawdown reached 69%, compared with 55.1% for KOSPI.
There were 673 virtual assets in circulation, down 5% from 712 at end-2025.
Domestic exchanges recorded sales down 41% and operating profits down 78%.
The survey indicates weaker trading activity across South Korea’s regulated virtual asset market during H1 2026.
