As a seasoned crypto investor with a keen interest in global markets, I’ve kept a close eye on the Bitcoin kimchi premium in South Korea, considering its significance as an indicator of investor sentiment and market trends. The recent slump in this premium from 10.32% to just 1.54% has piqued my attention.


In South Korea, the extra cost or “premium” investors pay for Bitcoin above international markets, known as the Kimchi Premium, has dropped dramatically due to a wider market downturn. This decrease suggests waning interest in cryptocurrency investments among the local digital asset community.

Based on information from CryptoQuant, the Bitcoin kimchi premium dropped to 1.5% around mid-afternoon on Friday for trading sessions taking place in Asia.

Bitcoin Kimchi Premium Slumps

For those unfamiliar, the “kimchi premium” is a term used to describe the price gap between the value of Bitcoin on South Korean cryptocurrency exchanges versus its worth on international trading platforms. Interestingly, this term shares a name with a traditional South Korean fermented vegetable dish.

The price discrepancy between Bitcoin (BTC) on South Korean exchanges and those of international platforms arises from regulatory restrictions that prevent foreign investors from trading cryptocurrencies on local exchanges. Additionally, South Korean regulations forbid local investors from engaging in arbitrage transactions, leading to a restricted crypto supply within the country due to heightened demand. Consequently, price discrepancies emerge as a result of these limitations and capital control policies.

The “kimchi premium” serves as an essential benchmark for tracking shifts in the crypto market and gauging investor attitudes. A substantial premium implies optimistic investor sentiment contrasting international markets, while a smaller premium suggests pessimistic sentiment and waning purchasing interest.

The 1.54% premium for Bitcoin has caused waning interest among South Korean investors. This apathy is reflected in the lower trading volumes observed at the major local cryptocurrency exchanges, based on CoinMarketCap’s data.

A Positive Sign?

Previously, the Bitcoin kimchi premium was last observed at roughly its present value in mid-February, with Bitcoin priced at approximately $48,200. By early March, this index had surged to reach a 27-month peak of 10.32%. It continued climbing and reached 11.44% when Bitcoin achieved a new record high.

Since BTC dropped from its peak and fell below $70,000 in April, the premium has been on a downward trend. The crypto market has experienced significant losses during this period, causing the index to follow suit. BTC dipped as low as $56,700 but later rebounded, and at present, it is trading at $63,000 – a 3.2% increase in the last 24 hours.

Despite the high price gap between Bitcoin’s current value and its anticipated worth based on the kimchi premium, this disparity might actually be a promising indicator for the crypto market. It suggests that there is sufficient potential for a significant Bitcoin rally in the near future, potentially leading to a major recovery.

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2024-05-10 15:28