Bitcoin continues to show significant price variations across different exchanges, highlighting the ongoing phenomenon known as the 'kimchi premium' in South Korea. As of January 18, the cryptocurrency was trading at a notable price on Upbit, reflecting local market dynamics. Based on the data provided in the document, these discrepancies can be attributed to various factors including demand and regulatory influences.
Bitcoin Price Discrepancy on South Korean Exchanges
On January 18, Bitcoin was priced at 14,081 million KRW on Upbit, which is 0.11 million KRW higher than its price on Binance, where it stood at 14,068 million KRW. This price discrepancy underscores the strong local demand for Bitcoin in South Korea, influenced by various market conditions.
Premiums on Other Cryptocurrencies
In addition to Bitcoin, other cryptocurrencies have also experienced similar premiums on South Korean exchanges. These include:
- Ethereum
- Solana
- XRP
This trend suggests that investors in the region are willing to pay a higher price for these digital assets, further emphasizing the unique characteristics of the South Korean crypto market.
The Digital Asset Exchange Alliance (DAXA) previously expressed strong opposition to proposed shareholder stake limits in South Korea's cryptocurrency exchanges, raising concerns about the market's future. For more details, see DAXA's concerns.








