Asia Web3 research and consulting firm Tiger Research diagnosed in its '2026 Korea Cryptocurrency Industry Guide' report that "Korea possesses one of the world's highest levels of cryptocurrency investor base, but as of 2026, the Korean cryptocurrency market stands at a turning point where retail (individual) investors are exiting and institutions are entering." The report emphasized, "As of the end of 2025, the number of domestic cryptocurrency investors reached 11.13 million, breaking an all-time high, but the growth rate is slowing down. The average daily transaction volume decreased by 15% to 5.4 trillion KRW compared to the first half of 2025, and exchange operating profit/loss also plummeted by 38% during the same period. Participants increased, but transactions decreased. Frankly, retail interest is waning. However, during the same period, institutional inflows, including KRW stablecoins, are rapidly materializing. The Korean market is still large and fast, but old methods will not work with structural changes."
