BANK OF KOREA REPORT: CRYPTO PRICE GAP BETWEEN LOCAL, FOREIGN EXCHANGES COULD WIDEN AGAIN

Last updated: June 19, 2025, 18:41 | Written by: Ari Paul

The world of cryptocurrency is known for its volatility, but a unique phenomenon known as the ""Kimchi premium"" adds another layer of complexity, especially for South Korean crypto investors. Bank of Korea Report: Crypto Price Gap Between Local, Foreign Exchanges Could Widen Again by coinfiz.com 14 de septiembre de 2025 written by coinfiz.com 14 de septiembre de 2025The Bank of Korea (BoK), the nation's central bank, has recently issued a warning that this price disparity between local and foreign cryptocurrency exchanges could widen once again. Skip to main content Bitcoin Insider. MenuThis development raises significant questions for investors, regulators, and anyone involved in the crypto market. BOK warns of Bitcoin s high volatility and rising transaction costs in market instability as BTC drops 15%, swinging between $98K and $76K. The Bank of Korea (BOK) has ruled out adding Bitcoin in its foreign exchange reserves because of its high price volatility and liquidity risks.The Kimchi premium, historically, has seen cryptocurrencies trading at significantly higher prices on South Korean exchanges compared to their international counterparts.This price difference, fueled by factors such as high demand, regulatory restrictions, and capital controls, has created both opportunities and risks for traders. As the bitcoin price was slower to decline here, the price gap between Korea's top crypto exchange Upbit and US-based exchange Binance for bitcoin was pushed to nearly 10 percent on Feb. 3 theRemember the stories of individuals exploiting the arbitrage opportunity, sometimes to the tune of billions of dollars? Get the best currency exchange rates for international money transfers to 200 countries in 100 foreign currencies. Send and receive money with best forex rates.But what exactly is driving this potential resurgence of the Kimchi premium? South Korea s central bank, the Bank of Korea (BoK), has cautioned of another possible widening of the gap in crypto prices between local and foreign exchanges, local news agency No Cut News reported September 11.What are the implications for South Korean crypto investors, and how is the Bank of Korea responding to these concerns?This article delves into the details of the BoK's report, explores the underlying causes of the Kimchi premium, and examines the potential consequences for the South Korean crypto market and beyond.We'll also consider the BOK's stance on Bitcoin as a reserve asset and the measures being taken to combat illicit activities related to cryptocurrency trading.

Understanding the Kimchi Premium and its Potential Resurgence

The Kimchi premium refers to the difference in cryptocurrency prices between South Korean exchanges and international exchanges.Historically, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have traded at a higher price in South Korea, sometimes reaching a premium of several percentage points.This premium is driven by a confluence of factors specific to the South Korean market.

High Demand: South Korea has a particularly high adoption rate of cryptocurrency, with a large and active trading community. El banco central de Corea del Sur, el Banco de Corea (BoK), advirti sobre otra posible ampliaci n de la brecha en los precios de criptos entre las bolsas locales y extranjeras, inform la agencia local de noticias No Cut News el 11 de septiembre.This strong demand can push prices higher than the global average.
Regulatory Restrictions: South Korean regulations can sometimes make it difficult for foreign investors to access the local market, limiting the supply of cryptocurrencies and contributing to the price premium.
Capital Controls: Restrictions on the flow of capital in and out of South Korea can further exacerbate the price difference.It can be more difficult to move cryptocurrency (or fiat used to buy cryptocurrency) between Korean exchanges and exchanges outside of Korea.
Market Sentiment: The herd mentality and speculative behavior prevalent in the crypto market can also contribute to the Kimchi premium. South Korea's central bank, the Bank of Korea, has cautioned of another possible widening of the gap in crypto prices between local and foreign exchanges, local news agency No Cut News reported September 11.[BREAK] In the report, the bank warned the public about another possible emergence of the so-called Kimchi premium, a phenomenonWhen there's general excitement about crypto in Korea, it can drive prices upward.

The Bank of Korea's recent warning suggests that these factors might be aligning again, potentially leading to another period of elevated Kimchi premium. The primary deterrent for the BOK is bitcoin's notorious price instability, where the central bank fears that the wild swings in the crypto market could substantially inflate transaction costsThis could be triggered by a renewed surge in demand, changes in regulatory landscape, or shifts in global market sentiment.

The Bank of Korea's Concerns and Warnings

The Bank of Korea is closely monitoring the cryptocurrency market and its potential impact on the South Korean economy. The Bank of Korea (BOK) has firmly stated that it has never reviewed the inclusion of Bitcoin in the country s foreign exchange reserves. In a response to a written inquiry from Rep. Cha Gyu-geun of the Democratic Party of Korea on March 16, the BOK opened up about the need for caution when considering Bitcoin as part of the country s financial assets.Their recent report highlights several key concerns:

Price Volatility: The BoK views the inherent volatility of cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, as a significant risk. South Korea's central bank, the Bank of Korea, has cautioned of another possible widening of the gap in crypto prices between local and foreign exchanges, local news agency No Cut News reported September 11.[BREAK] In the report, the bank warned the public about another possible emergence of the so-called Kimchi premium, a phenomenon consisting of the difference between the prices of cryptoLarge price swings can lead to financial instability and investor losses.
Transaction Costs: Market instability, as seen with Bitcoin dropping significantly in the past, can lead to rising transaction costs, hindering the efficiency of cryptocurrency trading.
Kimchi Premium Resurgence: The potential widening of the Kimchi premium could create arbitrage opportunities that might be exploited through illicit activities.
Regulatory Arbitrage: Discrepancies between regulations in South Korea and other jurisdictions could be exploited by traders seeking to profit from price differences.

The central bank is urging investors to exercise caution and be aware of the risks associated with cryptocurrency trading, especially the potential for a significant price correction if the Kimchi premium disappears. Bank of Korea Report: Crypto Price Gap Between Local, Foreign Exchanges Could Widen Again by Joseph Mack Septem written by Joseph Mack SeptemThey’re also likely working with financial authorities to reinforce regulations preventing illegal arbitrage activities.

Implications for South Korean Crypto Investors

The potential widening of the Kimchi premium presents both opportunities and risks for South Korean crypto investors.

Potential for Profit: If the premium widens, investors holding cryptocurrencies on South Korean exchanges could see their holdings increase in value relative to international prices. Home Bank of Korea Report: Crypto Price Gap Between Local, Foreign Exchanges Could Widen Again. EntertainmentHowever, this is speculative and depends on the premium actually widening.
Risk of Loss: If the premium collapses, investors could experience significant losses as prices on South Korean exchanges converge with international prices.
Increased Scrutiny: The Bank of Korea's warnings and the potential for regulatory changes could lead to increased scrutiny of cryptocurrency trading activities in South Korea.

Investors should carefully consider their risk tolerance and diversify their investments to mitigate potential losses. The South Korean central bank has called for a cautious approach to an idea of including bitcoin as foreign exchange reserves given its price volatility, officials said Sunday. There have beenIt's also crucial to stay informed about the latest regulatory developments and market trends.

The BOK's Stance on Bitcoin as a Reserve Asset

Despite the growing popularity of cryptocurrencies, the Bank of Korea has firmly stated that it has no plans to include Bitcoin in its foreign exchange reserves.This decision is primarily driven by Bitcoin's inherent characteristics:

High Price Volatility: The BoK views Bitcoin's price volatility as a major obstacle to its adoption as a reserve asset. The Bank of Korea claims it expects another kimchi premium a widening of the gap in crypto prices between local and foreign exchanges. South Korea s central bank, the Bank of Korea (BoK), has cautioned of another possible widening of the gap in crypto prices between local and foreign exchanges, local news agency No Cut MoreThe unpredictable swings in value could destabilize the country's financial reserves.
Liquidity Risks: The central bank also cites liquidity risks as a concern. South Korea s central bank, the Bank of Korea (BoK), has cautioned of another possible widening of the gap in crypto prices between local and foreign exchanges, local news agency No Cut NewsWhile Bitcoin's liquidity has improved over time, it still falls short of the standards required for a reserve asset.
Failure to Meet Reserve Standards: The Bank of Korea believes that Bitcoin does not currently meet the necessary requirements for a foreign reserve asset due to its volatility, immature market structure, and regulatory uncertainties.

While some South Korean lawmakers have explored the idea of adopting cryptocurrencies as strategic reserve assets, the Bank of Korea's resistance highlights the challenges and concerns associated with integrating cryptocurrencies into the traditional financial system. South Korea s central bank reportedly has no plans to include Bitcoin in its foreign exchange reserves. The Bank of Korea said a cautious approach is needed when it comes to Bitcoin, citing the top crypto asset s price volatility, per a new report from The Korea Herald, a South Korean news outlet.Even with increased stability, there are cybersecurity risks related to holding such assets that the BOK would need to consider.

Combating Illegal Arbitrage: Regulatory Measures and Enforcement

The exploitation of the Kimchi premium has attracted the attention of regulators and law enforcement agencies. The Kimchi premium, a price gap between South Korean and overseas exchanges, was allegedly exploited by traders. Prosecutors estimated profits of around $3.2 billion, indicating a substantial financial gain from the price difference.Prosecutors have previously estimated that traders profited significantly, to the tune of billions of dollars, by exploiting the price difference between South Korean and overseas exchanges. Korea Economic Outlook Economic Outlook (May 2025) Economic growth is expected to slow to 0.8% this year, falling significantly below the February forecast of 1.5%, as the recovery of economic sentiment has been delayed beyond expectations due to domestic and global uncertainties, and due to U.S. tariff policies that have been strengthened compared to the beginning of the year. 2025.This led to increased regulatory scrutiny and enforcement efforts.

The Role of the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS)

The Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) plays a key role in monitoring and preventing illegal activities related to cryptocurrency trading.The FSS employs various measures to combat money laundering and other illicit activities:

Collaboration with Exchanges: The FSS works closely with cryptocurrency exchanges to monitor suspicious transactions and identify potential illegalities.
Hotline for Reporting Violations: A direct communication channel exists between local exchanges and the FSS, allowing for the rapid reporting of violations and suspicious activities.
Enhanced Due Diligence: Exchanges are required to implement stricter know-your-customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) procedures to prevent illicit activities.

These measures aim to create a more transparent and secure environment for cryptocurrency trading in South Korea.

The Implications of Increased Regulation for Crypto Exchanges

As regulatory scrutiny intensifies, cryptocurrency exchanges in South Korea are ramping up their efforts to comply with the new rules.The increased regulatory burden has several implications for exchanges:

Higher Compliance Costs: Exchanges must invest in technology and personnel to meet the stringent KYC/AML requirements.
Potential Consolidation: Smaller exchanges may struggle to meet the compliance costs, leading to consolidation in the market.
Focus on Security: Exchanges are prioritizing security measures to protect user funds and prevent cyberattacks.

The increased regulatory pressure is pushing exchanges to become more professional and transparent, ultimately benefiting users in the long run.However, some smaller exchanges may not be able to sustain the financial burden of compliance, potentially leading to market consolidation.

The Wider Economic Context: South Korea's Economic Outlook

The Bank of Korea's concerns about the cryptocurrency market are also linked to the broader economic outlook for South Korea.The central bank has recently revised its economic growth forecast downwards, citing domestic and global uncertainties. Bank of Korea Report: Crypto Price Gap Between Local, Foreign Exchanges Could Widen Again by ehaitech 2025年9月14日 written by ehaitech 2025年9月14日This economic slowdown could further exacerbate the risks associated with cryptocurrency trading.

Economic Growth Forecast

The Bank of Korea now expects the South Korean economy to grow at a slower pace than previously anticipated.Economic uncertainty due to factors like:

Global trade tensions
Weakening demand in key export markets
Increased U.S. tariff policies

These factors have contributed to a delayed recovery of economic sentiment.The slowdown in economic growth could lead to increased risk aversion among investors, potentially impacting the cryptocurrency market.

Impact on Cryptocurrency Market

A weaker economic outlook could have several implications for the cryptocurrency market in South Korea:

Reduced Investment: Investors may become more cautious and reduce their exposure to risky assets like cryptocurrencies.
Increased Volatility: Economic uncertainty could lead to increased volatility in the cryptocurrency market.
Flight to Safety: Investors may shift their investments from cryptocurrencies to more traditional assets like bonds or real estate.

The combination of a weaker economic outlook and the Bank of Korea's warnings could create a challenging environment for cryptocurrency investors in South Korea.

Examples of Past Kimchi Premium Exploitation

Understanding the Kimchi Premium is easier with concrete examples of how it has been exploited in the past. Brazilian Retail Giant Partners With Blockchain Payment Service SeptemWhile specific details of illegal operations are often confidential, some patterns have emerged from investigations and reports:

Cross-Border Arbitrage: Traders purchase cryptocurrencies on foreign exchanges, where prices are lower, and then sell them on South Korean exchanges at a higher price, pocketing the difference. 首頁; English; 在宅醫療服務網. 在宅醫療地圖; 團體會員名單; 居家醫療照護服務查詢; 學會介紹. 學會簡介; 理事長的話; 學會章程This can involve complex schemes to move funds and cryptocurrencies across borders, sometimes using shell companies or nominee accounts to obscure the transactions.
""Paper"" Transfers: In some cases, the actual movement of cryptocurrencies is minimized. 154 subscribers in the blockchainanalytics community. cryptonews - news analytics trendsInstead, traders might use a network of accounts on both Korean and foreign exchanges, using internal transfers to simulate buying and selling, thus creating the illusion of arbitrage without physically moving the assets.This is often used to avoid detection by regulatory bodies.
Exploitation of Exchange Glitches: Early on, some traders were able to exploit discrepancies or glitches in how different exchanges handled deposits and withdrawals, allowing them to quickly move funds to take advantage of price differences before the exchanges corrected the issue.

These past examples highlight the ingenuity of those seeking to profit from the Kimchi Premium, and they also underscore the challenges faced by regulators in detecting and preventing such activities.

Practical Advice for Crypto Investors in South Korea

Given the potential for a widening Kimchi premium and the increased regulatory scrutiny, what can South Korean crypto investors do to protect themselves and make informed decisions?

Diversify Your Holdings: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Bank of Korea Report: Crypto Price Gap Between Local, Foreign Exchanges Could Widen Again Copy Link. Cointelegraph . Subscribe. Favorite. Share.Spread your investments across different cryptocurrencies and asset classes to reduce risk.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news and regulatory developments in the South Korean crypto market. Posted by u/Cointelegraph_news - 1 vote and no commentsUnderstanding the risks and opportunities is crucial for making informed decisions.
Use Reputable Exchanges: Stick to established and reputable cryptocurrency exchanges that comply with KYC/AML regulations.Avoid smaller, less regulated exchanges that may be more vulnerable to fraud or security breaches.
Be Wary of Unrealistic Promises: If an investment opportunity seems too good to be true, it probably is. 韓国の中央銀行である韓国銀行は、韓国と海外における仮想通貨価格のギャップがさらに拡大する可能性を警告した。地元の報道機関ノーカットニュースが11日伝えた。中銀は、韓国の取引所での仮想通貨価格と海外のそれBe skeptical of offers that promise guaranteed returns or exploit the Kimchi Premium.
Consider Using Stop-Loss Orders: These can help limit potential losses by automatically selling your cryptocurrency if it falls below a certain price.
Consult a Financial Advisor: If you're unsure about how to navigate the complexities of the crypto market, consider consulting a qualified financial advisor who can provide personalized guidance.

Common Questions About the Kimchi Premium

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Kimchi Premium and its implications:

Why does the Kimchi Premium exist?

The Kimchi Premium is caused by a combination of factors, including high demand for cryptocurrencies in South Korea, regulatory restrictions on foreign investment, capital controls, and market sentiment.

Is it legal to profit from the Kimchi Premium?

Profiting from the Kimchi Premium is not inherently illegal, but engaging in illicit activities such as money laundering or violating capital control regulations is against the law.The lines of what constitutes illegal activity in relation to crypto assets are still being defined in many jurisdictions and can be open to interpretation.

How can I avoid getting scammed when trading cryptocurrencies in South Korea?

Be cautious of investment schemes that promise unrealistic returns, use reputable exchanges, and diversify your holdings.Also, be aware of phishing scams and other fraudulent activities.

Will the Kimchi Premium last forever?

The Kimchi Premium is not a permanent phenomenon. South Korean lawmakers have explored the idea of adopting cryptocurrencies as strategic reserve assets, according to local reports. However, the Bank of Korea has pushed back against the prospect of using Bitcoin as a reserve asset, citing its failure to meet the nation s foreign reserve standards.It can fluctuate depending on market conditions, regulatory changes, and other factors. Notably, the FSS employs the help of exchanges, who will monitor suspicious transactions and uncover illegalities. There is also a hotline between local exchanges and the FSS to report violations. Implicantions for Crypto as Exchanges Ramp Up. Meanwhile, exchanges ramp up their activities to beat the July 19 window.In fact, there have been periods where a reverse Kimchi Premium has emerged, with crypto prices in Korea being *lower* than global averages.

What are the tax implications of trading cryptocurrencies in South Korea?

Cryptocurrency trading is subject to taxation in South Korea. South Korea s central bank (BOK) has called on investors for more attention to the price difference between local and foreign cryptocurrency exchanges because an event popularly as a kimchiConsult a tax professional to understand your tax obligations.

Conclusion

The Bank of Korea's warning about the potential widening of the Kimchi premium highlights the complexities and risks associated with cryptocurrency trading in South Korea.While the premium can present opportunities for profit, it also carries the risk of significant losses, especially if the premium collapses.The central bank's cautious stance on Bitcoin as a reserve asset reflects its concerns about volatility and regulatory uncertainties.The increased regulatory scrutiny and enforcement efforts aim to create a more transparent and secure environment for cryptocurrency trading, but also increase the burden on exchanges.As a South Korean crypto investor, it is crucial to stay informed, diversify your holdings, and exercise caution.The key takeaways from this article are: Be aware of the Kimchi Premium risks, understand the regulatory landscape, and protect yourself from potential scams.The Bank of Korea's stance shows that crypto is still seen as a volatile asset by the government and its institutions.Finally, make informed decisions that align with your risk tolerance and financial goals.The cryptocurrency market is constantly evolving, and staying informed is key to navigating its challenges and opportunities.Remember to consult a professional financial advisor to make the best choices for you.Actively engage in this dynamic financial landscape and make informed decisions today!