27% of South Koreans under 50 have Crypto Assets, and 70% plan to increase their investment: retirement planning relies on crypto.

In South Korea, nearly 30% of those aged 20 to 50 already hold crypto assets, with motivations varying from retirement preparation to combating housing prices, as regulatory loosening and financial intervention are driving the maturation of investment behavior. (Background: South Korea submitted the "Stablecoin Bill", allowing domestic companies to issue stablecoins, requiring sufficient reserve assets.) (Context: Wall Street prophets warn: nearly half of the baby boomer generation cannot afford "retirement costs", with the mortgage tide placing heavy pressure on the housing market.) In recent years, cryptocurrency has officially penetrated age barriers in South Korea, with nearly 30% of the population aged 20 to 50 incorporating Bitcoin (BTC) into their asset allocation; middle-aged individuals see it as a backup for retirement funds, while young people pin their hopes on on-chain recovery, leading to the formation of "universal crypto adoption". Holder profile: 27% have entered the market, and 70% plan to increase their holdings. According to a 2023 survey by Hana Financial Research Institute, 27% of the 20 to 50 age group in South Korea already hold crypto assets, averaging 14% of personal financial assets. The participation rate peaks at 31% for those aged 40, 28% for those aged 30, 25% for those aged 50, and over 20% for those aged 20. Respondents are primarily male white-collar workers, with trading concentrated in large exchanges. In addition, 70% plan to expand their positions in the coming year, indicating a continued high risk appetite. Motivation comparison: filling retirement gaps vs. escaping low wages - generational differences are stark. Among those aged 50, 78% aim for "asset accumulation", and 53% view cryptocurrency as a retirement preparation tool, with Bitcoin seen as "digital gold". Young people, on the other hand, are caught between a 6.6% unemployment rate and housing prices that can easily exceed 100 million Korean won, with a price-to-income ratio reaching 15.2. With weak stock market returns, they turn to the more volatile crypto market, hoping to achieve high returns with small capital. Investment behavior shift: from short trading to Auto-Invest. The survey shows that the proportion of regular buyers increased from 10% to 34%, and the medium-term holding period of (1-6 months) also rose from 26% to 47%, with investment mindsets stabilizing. About 60% of holders still focus on Bitcoin, and as familiarity increases, funds gradually flow into alts and stablecoins; NFTs and tokenized securities (STO) remain niche. Information channels are also being upgraded, with over half of investors turning to professional analysis platforms and exchange reports, while only 19% still rely on word-of-mouth from friends and family. Regulatory acceleration and integration: Stablecoins and ETFs paving the way. The "Digital Asset Basic Law" will be implemented in 2025, granting legal status to Korean won-denominated stablecoins and Spot BTC ETFs, while simultaneously strengthening KYC and investor protection. The survey indicates that 42% of investors would further increase their holdings if they see traditional financial institutions deepening their involvement. Although the "one person, one bank account" restriction remains, 70% of investors hope for loosening. Yoon Sun-young, a researcher at Hana Financial Research Institute, states: "Crypto assets are no longer fringe products; for investors aged 40 to 50, this is a viable option to fill retirement funding gaps." Crypto and mainstream finance are converging, and trust levels are rising accordingly. Conclusion: Cryptocurrency in South Korea has transformed from a phenomenon exclusive to the youth into a nationwide trend. Friendly regulations and participation from banks and ETFs add a layer of protection for investors; young people are still forced to chase high risks, while middle-aged individuals welcome new retirement options. The next step hinges on whether regulations can strike a balance between protection and innovation, allowing this nationwide experiment to progress further. Related reports: Retirement funds can now buy Bitcoin! The U.S. Department of Labor rescinds 401(k) cryptocurrency guidelines, unlocking billions of dollars in funds. Delivery doctor and crypto-trading youth: Who is stealing the young people's compound interest life? Love-struck brain must also take care of the wallet! A Korean woman transferred 680 million Korean won while her boyfriend was unaware and was sentenced to two years in prison. <27% of those under 50 in South Korea hold cryptocurrency, and 70% plan to increase holdings: Retirement planning relies on crypto> This article was first published in BlockTempo, the most influential blockchain news media.