Jakarta, Pintu News – Since late May 2025, the prices of cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin , Ethereum , Ripple , and Solana in South Korea have been above the global average. For example, on May 30, the BTC premium reached 3.09%, with a difference of more than $1,500 above the global price. This phenomenon sparked widespread attention as it showed an imbalance of supply and demand between markets.
Since mid-May, the local crypto market has experienced a wave of high prices. For example, Bitcoin surpassed a 3% margin premium late last month, while Ethereum and Solana also recorded prices higher than the global standard.
This price difference is due to differences in regulation, liquidity, and domestic investor interest in South Korea. Local traders sometimes buy in bulk, boost local prices, and then export the profits. In addition, speculative capital inflows significantly affect market dynamics.
Investors also note that when global crypto stagnates or corrects, prices in the midst of a local correction can remain high. This creates profit potential, but also increases the risk of a sharp correction if conditions suddenly change.
Also Read: Ripple (XRP) Shakes Dollar’s Dominance in Global Markets, Will XRP Price Rise in the Near Future?
For example, the difference in Bitcoin price reaching $1,500 is used as a benchmark. With an exchange rate of 1 USD = IDR 16,258, this means that the difference is equivalent to IDR 24,387,000 per BTC. If someone buys 1 BTC at a global price of $105,000 (≈ IDR 1.71 billion), in South Korea the price can go as high as $106,500 (≈ IDR 1.73 billion), giving a profit margin of around IDR 24 million. However, this margin is not risk-free: transaction fees, transfer times, and regulations can reduce potential profits.
Moreover, global price corrections can be followed by greater local volatility. Investors need to understand factors such as governance, differences in transaction timing, and crypto export regulations by the Korean government.
Regulation in South Korea is very strict. The government imposes KYC (Know Your Customer) rules, additional taxes, and restrictions on taking funds overseas. This can make transaction costs high and hinder price arbitrage between local and global markets.
In addition, investor appreciation of crypto assets in South Korea is relatively high. Cultural, technological, social factors, and the high adoption of mobile trading also fueled the price surge. However, market intelligence tends to be cautious and could reverse course quickly if regulations change.
The high premium in South Korea may narrow international arbitrage opportunities as it is difficult to capitalize on large spreads in real time. Global investors need to factor in costs, regulations and technical complexities before deciding to enter.
As for economic observers, this is an indication of an unbalanced market. The misalignment between local and global prices could signal a potential sharp correction if there are sudden liquidity or regulatory disruptions.
The surge in cryptocurrency prices in South Korea is a striking example of the differences between the global and domestic markets. Despite the profit opportunities, investors should be aware of the risks of transfer, regulation, and sudden price corrections. This phenomenon shows that crypto price stability is not universal-each market has unique dynamics and factors that need to be carefully understood before making a decision.
Also Read: Big Companies Investing in Bitcoin, a Sign of Long-Term Adoption?
That’s the latest information about crypto. Follow us on Google News for the latest crypto and blockchain technology updates. Enjoy an easy and secure crypto trading experience by downloading Pintu crypto app via Google Play Store or App Store now.
Experience web trading with advanced trading tools such as pro charting, various order types, and portfolio tracker only at Pintu Pro. Pintu Pro Futures is also available, where you can buy bitcoin leverage, trade btc futures, eth futures and sol futures easily from your desktop!
*Disclaimer
This content aims to enrich readers’ information. Pintu collects this information from various relevant sources and is not influenced by outside parties. Note that an asset’s past performance does not determine its projected future performance. Crypto trading activities are subject to high risk and volatility, always do your own research and use cold hard cash before investing. All activities of buying andselling Bitcoin and other crypto asset investments are the responsibility of the reader.
Reference: