As Bitcoin approaches new all-time highs, the premium on BTC in South Korea has once again grabbed market attention. Remarkably, it has remained elevated for 20 consecutive days, highlighting the unique dynamics of the Korean crypto market.
📊 BTC Premium in South Korea
Historically, Bitcoin traded at a discount in South Korea, but that changed in September 2025. According to CryptoQuant, the 0.57% discount observed on September 15 disappeared overnight, turning into a slight premium of 0.2% the following day. Since then, the price of BTC in Korean won has consistently traded above the global average.
| Date | Global BTC Price (USD) | Upbit BTC Price (KRW) | Premium / Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 25 | – | – | 3.27% |
| Oct 3 | – | – | 0.79% |
| Oct 6 | $125,117 | 126,109 | 1.88% |
As of October 6, when Bitcoin surpassed $126,000 for the first time, the Upbit price still traded roughly $1,000 higher than the global average, underscoring the persistent premium.
🔹 Why the Korean Premium Persists
Several factors contribute to this phenomenon:
- Capital Controls: Strict financial regulations limit the free flow of money between domestic and international markets, suppressing arbitrage opportunities.
- High Local Demand: South Korean investors continue to actively buy BTC and altcoins, sustaining elevated prices.
- Regulatory Environment: Strong oversight ensures that market gaps remain, even as other regions see premiums disappear quickly.
This combination of retail demand and regulatory constraints creates a unique scenario where premium pricing is the norm rather than the exception.
⚡
- South Korea’s BTC market continues to trade at a premium despite global fluctuations.
- Regulatory restrictions and high retail activity maintain the price gap between Upbit and global exchanges.
- Traders should note that local dynamics can significantly influence BTC pricing in certain markets, highlighting the importance of regional monitoring alongside global trends.
