$1T XRP trades on Upbit – Are Korean traders ignoring Bitcoin, Ethereum?
XRP has recorded nearly $1 billion in 24-hour trading volume on South Korean exchanges Upbit and Bithumb, significantly surpassing both Bitcoin and Ethereum in local markets. This dominance is driven by strong retail participation, with altcoins comprising 80% of trading volume on major platforms. Upbit alone accounts for approximately 70% of domestic market share, and XRP/KRW pairs often represent 30–35% of daily turnover. South Korea has become a major retail liquidity hub, with KRW trading volume reaching $1.1 trillion in 2024, rivaling USD as a leading fiat gateway for crypto. Retail-driven speculative activity, characterized by small average order sizes under $1,000, fuels XRP’s outperformance. Despite its spot market strength, XRP’s derivatives engagement remains limited due to local leverage restrictions, with open interest and funding rates staying neutral compared to Bitcoin and Ethereum. Premium pricing of 2–10% above global levels further highlights intense local demand. Ultimately, XRP serves as a key indicator of retail sentiment in Korea’s crypto market.
ambcrypto02/16 17:02