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"Reverse Kimchi Premium": Bitcoin Traded Cheaper in Korea Than Overseas

Han Jiyeon

Published : Aug 11, 2026 10:33 AM

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[Economy 365]

The phenomenon known as the "reverse Kimchi premium," where Bitcoin trades at a lower price in South Korea than overseas, is becoming prolonged.

According to CryptoQuant, domestic Bitcoin prices averaged 0.48% lower than those on overseas exchanges from the first of this month through the 9th.

Out of 221 days this year, 123 days recorded a reverse Kimchi premium.

From June 20 to July 24, the streak continued for 35 consecutive days, breaking the record for the longest duration ever.

Typically, strong domestic investment demand creates a "Kimchi premium" where local prices are higher, but the reverse phenomenon has recently become frequent.

Experts analyzed that this is driven by local investors shifting funds amid a booming stock market and a decrease in new capital inflows into the virtual asset market.

*This article was produced with AI audio.