Why Kimchi Premium?
Koreans are the world's most passionate crypto investors — 30% own crypto, Korean Won drives 10% of global volume. When Koreans sell most, it's a historic bottom. When they buy most, it's a historic top. Jan 2018 BTC peak: +40–50% · Dec 2018 bottom: −3–5% · Apr 2021 peak: +20–25% · Nov 2022 FTX bottom: −3–5%
| # | Asset ↑ | Price(OKX)↕ | Kimchi Premium ↕ | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
₿ Bitcoin(KRW)
Premium History
Most traders don't see this
The Upbit-OKX spread signals Korean market greed & fear before it hits the global market. 137 coins live.
What is the Kimchi Premium?
The kimchi premium measures how much the same cryptocurrency costs more (or less) on Korean exchange Upbit versus global exchange OKX. South Korea's capital controls and closed KRW ecosystem create a partially independent price dynamic from global markets.
Why It Matters
Historical Reference
+40–50%
2018 Bull Run
+20–25%
2021 Bull Run
−3–−5%
2022 FTX
−2–+3%
Today