In June 2026, the net outflow of stablecoins from South Korea to overseas cryptocurrency exchanges reached 560.3 billion won ($367 million). This constitutes about 78% of the volume of net purchases of foreign stocks by South Korean investors during the same period. This is reported by local media citing data from the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS).
According to the regulator's information, in June, stablecoins worth 2.76 trillion won (over $1.8 billion) were withdrawn from the country's five largest crypto exchanges — Upbit, Bithumb, Coinone, Korbit, and Gopax — to foreign platforms. At the same time, 2.2 trillion won (about $1.4 billion) flowed in the opposite direction.
Outflow Continues for 18 Consecutive Months
According to FSS data, net stablecoin outflow has been observed continuously since January 2025. During this period, the volume of funds users transfer to foreign exchanges has each time exceeded the amount flowing back into the country.
The second quarter of 2026 was particularly indicative, the statement notes. During this period, net stablecoin outflow amounted to 1.69 trillion won (about $1.1 billion), while foreign stock transactions resulted in net sales of 1.62 trillion won (about $1 billion).
As noted by the agency, the main reason for the outflow is access to financial instruments not available on Korean crypto exchanges. Specifically, foreign platforms offer trading of cryptocurrency derivatives, as well as spot and futures products tied to shares of major South Korean companies, including Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and Hyundai Motor.
Additionally, services in the tokenized real-world assets (RWA), DeFi, staking, and high-risk leveraged products are in demand.
Parliament member Lee Jong Wook stated that the increase in stablecoin transfers abroad leads to capital outflow and leaves investors without proper protection when trading risky products on foreign exchanges. In his opinion, the government should accelerate regulatory reform and the investor protection system.
Recall that we previously reported that South Korea will accelerate the development of the blockchain sector and is preparing a digital assets law.
