Why is XRP trading volume higher than Bitcoin in South Korea?

XRP surged ahead of Bitcoin in trading volume on major Korean exchanges because retail traders are actively chasing volatility. XRP has historically been one of the most popular trading assets among South Korean crypto investors.

Which Korean exchanges saw XRP outperform Bitcoin?

XRP became the top-traded cryptocurrency on Upbit and also overtook Bitcoin and Ethereum volumes on Bithumb. On Upbit alone, XRP/KRW trading volume reached approximately $110.9 million in 24 hours.

Why do Korean traders prefer XRP over Bitcoin?

South Korean regulations prevent local exchanges from offering futures, leverage and derivatives trading. Analysts said many retail traders therefore prefer volatile spot assets like XRP because they provide larger short-term price swings without leverage.

Why is XRP especially popular in South Korea?

XRP has been deeply embedded in Korean retail crypto culture since the 2017 and 2018 bull markets. Many traders already recognise the token, liquidity is strong on Korean exchanges and the asset remains highly active during speculative trading cycles.

Who is driving the latest XRP buying wave in Korea?

Ryan Yoon from Tiger Research said much of the current demand is coming from Korean investors in their 40s and 50s. Many are reportedly rotating money out of weak local stock markets and back into crypto.

Why has XRP price remained stuck near $1.45 despite heavy trading volume?

Although trading activity is strong, XRP faces heavy selling pressure near the $1.44-$1.45 range. Many investors who bought during previous rallies appear to be selling near break-even levels whenever the token approaches $1.50.

What is the significance of the $1.50 XRP resistance level?

The $1.49-$1.50 zone has rejected several XRP rallies since February. Traders view it as a major technical resistance area that must be broken convincingly before the token can target higher prices.

How much XRP supply is creating selling pressure?

The report said approximately 36.8 billion XRP, or about 60% of circulating supply, is concentrated near the current trading range. That large supply overhang creates strong resistance as holders attempt to exit positions.

XRP trading volumes surpass Bitcoin on Korean exchanges

Written by Mahathir BayenaPublished May. 14 2026

XRP became the most-traded cryptocurrency on South Korea’s largest exchange, Upbit, after the XRP/KRW pair recorded approximately $110.9 million in 24-hour trading volume, surpassing Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Similar trading patterns were also recorded on Bithumb, where XRP trading volumes exceeded both Bitcoin and Ethereum during the same period.

Market analysts said South Korea’s crypto regulations, which restrict domestic exchanges to spot trading and prohibit leverage and derivatives products, have contributed to continued retail interest in higher-volatility digital assets such as XRP.

Ryan Yoon, a research analyst at Tiger Research, said the latest increase in XRP activity appeared to be driven partly by South Korean retail investors reallocating capital away from weaker domestic equity markets.

Despite the increase in trading volume, XRP continued trading near $1.45 and remained below resistance levels around the $1.49-$1.50 range, which have limited upward price movement in recent months.

The report said approximately 36.8 billion XRP, representing around 60% of the token’s circulating supply, is concentrated near the current trading range, contributing to continued selling pressure as some holders seek to exit positions near break-even levels.

Market participants are also monitoring developments surrounding the proposed CLARITY Act in the United States, which could influence broader sentiment toward digital asset regulation and cryptocurrency markets.

At the time of reporting, XRP price was $1.43.