---
title: "Bitcoin Premium in South Korea Rises Amid Global Tensions"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/285824421.md"
description: "Recent data from CryptoQuant shows that the Bitcoin premium in South Korea has risen to about 2%, the highest since the U.S.-Iran conflict began. The 'kimchi premium' is driven by local demand, with South Korea's crypto market largely independent of global trends due to capital controls. In 2025, Bitcoin prices in South Korea were typically above the global average. After reaching a peak of $126,000 in October 2024, the premium hit 8.27%. However, following Middle Eastern conflicts in 2026, market volatility increased, leading to a 2.27% discount in early March."
datetime: "2026-05-10T00:43:49.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/285824421.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/285824421.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/285824421.md)
---

# Bitcoin Premium in South Korea Rises Amid Global Tensions

Recent data from CryptoQuant indicates that the Bitcoin premium in the South Korean market has climbed back to approximately 2%, marking a new high since the onset of the U.S.-Iran conflict. According to Odaily, the 'kimchi premium' in South Korea is primarily driven by local demand, with the country's crypto market remaining relatively independent from global markets due to capital controls and residency-based KYC requirements. Throughout 2025, Bitcoin prices in South Korea were generally higher than the global volume-weighted average price (VWAP). In October 2024, after Bitcoin surpassed its historical high of $126,000, the premium in South Korea briefly reached 8.27%. However, following the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East in 2026, market volatility in South Korea increased significantly, with a discount of approximately 2.27% observed in early March, followed by continued market fluctuations.

### Related Stocks

- [BTC.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BTC.US.md)
- [COIN.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/COIN.US.md)
- [RIOT.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/RIOT.US.md)
- [MARA.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/MARA.US.md)
- [GBTC.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/GBTC.US.md)
- [HIVE.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/HIVE.US.md)
- [HUT.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/HUT.US.md)
- [GLXY.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/GLXY.US.md)
- [BLOK.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BLOK.US.md)
- [RIOX.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/RIOX.US.md)
- [BTF.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BTF.US.md)
- [COIW.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/COIW.US.md)
- [BRRR.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BRRR.US.md)
- [HODL.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/HODL.US.md)
- [MSTW.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/MSTW.US.md)
- [SATO.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/SATO.US.md)
- [WGMI.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/WGMI.US.md)
- [BITB.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BITB.US.md)
- [BKCH.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BKCH.US.md)
- [BCOR.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BCOR.US.md)
- [CONI.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/CONI.US.md)
- [BITO.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BITO.US.md)
- [IBLC.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/IBLC.US.md)
- [FBTC.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/FBTC.US.md)
- [CONY.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/CONY.US.md)
- [IBIT.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/IBIT.US.md)
- [BTCW.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BTCW.US.md)
- [EZBC.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/EZBC.US.md)
- [BITQ.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BITQ.US.md)
- [BLKC.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BLKC.US.md)
- [CONL.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/CONL.US.md)
- [BTCO.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BTCO.US.md)
- [ARKB.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/ARKB.US.md)
- [MNRS.US](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/MNRS.US.md)
- [BTCHKD.VAHK](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BTCHKD.VAHK.md)
- [BTCUSD.VAHK](https://longbridge.com/en/quote/BTCUSD.VAHK.md)

## Related News & Research

- [Twenty One Capital Outlines Operating Plans to Build the Bitcoin Company | XXI Stock News](https://longbridge.com/en/news/287062741.md)
- [Key facts: Zcash Foundation $36.7M; Jain Discloses Stake; Hayes 10% BTC](https://longbridge.com/en/news/287062810.md)
- [Satoshi-era bitcoin whale moves over $200 million in BTC to FalconX, Cumberland: Onchain Lens](https://longbridge.com/en/news/287511910.md)
- [SEC approves Nasdaq to list Bitcoin index options on the exchange](https://longbridge.com/en/news/287426213.md)
- [Teucrium Commodity Trust Taps BitGo for Bitcoin Custody, Adds BitGo Prime Trading Access](https://longbridge.com/en/news/287406250.md)