Bitcoin Price Trades at a Higher Level in South Korea: How Did This Happen?

• On Sunday, November 19, 2023, the South Korean won constituted 3.68% of all Bitcoin (BTC) transactions that occurred in the previous 24 hours.
• While Dogecoin transactions with the South Korean won made up 12.03%, the won also accounted for 18.60% of AVAX transactions on Saturday.
• The high trading volume and premiums in South Korea highlight strong demand for cryptocurrencies in the region. Additionally, these price differences are thought to potentially offer significant arbitrage opportunities for careful traders.

The significant increase in crypto volumes in South Korea in recent days causes prices to trade at a premium: How many dollars is Bitcoin in South Korea?

Significant Increase in Crypto Volumes in South Korea

Recent data reveals a notable growth in the crypto economy over the past month, with a significant portion of this growth attributed to trading activities originating from South Korea. For instance, on Sunday, November 19, 2023, the South Korean won constituted 3.68% of all Bitcoin (BTC) transactions that occurred in the previous 24 hours.

According to the data, Ethereum (ETH) transactions represented approximately 1.43% when paired with won, and a significant portion of Solana (SOL) transactions, about 9.66%, was also conducted with won. South Korea’s trading volume has become a significant force, with Upbit processing $1.41 billion in transactions in the last 24 hours alone, making it the 11th largest cryptocurrency exchange by volume for the weekend.

While Dogecoin transactions with the South Korean won made up 12.03%, the won also accounted for 18.60% of AVAX transactions on Saturday. Leading exchanges in South Korea, especially Upbit and Bithumb, are experiencing notable price premiums. As of writing on Sunday, Bitcoin’s unit price on Upbit was set at $37,950, indicating an almost $1,300 premium over the global average of $36,700. Bithumb’s BTC prices are similarly high, with Bitcoin priced at $37,978 per unit.

Ethereum Also Trades at a Premium

While the global price of Ethereum is $1,966, it is traded at $2,031 and $2,032 on Upbit and Bithumb, respectively. Bithumb ranks as the 15th largest exchange by volume and has conducted transactions exceeding $1 billion in the last 24 hours. This trend continues on Coinone, where Bitcoin is traded at $38,000 per unit, and Ethereum is traded at $2,034 per unit, exceeding the global average of $1,966.

While most other cryptocurrencies on these platforms closely align with global averages, Solana’s price is approximately $2 higher. The high trading volume and premiums in South Korea underscore strong demand for cryptocurrencies in the region. Additionally, these price differences are thought to potentially offer significant arbitrage opportunities for careful traders.