A recent survey by Korea Investment and Securities reveals that 40% of South Korean university students are investing in cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), alongside overseas stocks. Conducted between June 11 and June 22, the survey involved over 400 students, indicating a significant shift towards digital assets among the younger generation.

Interest in Overseas Stocks and Cryptocurrencies

The survey found that 72% of respondents are investing in overseas stocks, particularly in firms listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Among these investors, 89% expressed a desire to expand their NYSE portfolios soon.

Is your team battling cloud native complexity?

Our recent survey found that while 72% of respondents use multiple cloud native platforms, many still face optimization issues.

See how they manage these challenges and maximizing cloud native investments: https://t.co/s8bSwQ5uXR

— VMware Tanzu (@VMwareTanzu) June 25, 2024

Even those not currently investing in NYSE stocks showed a strong interest, with 87% planning to purchase US shares within the next year. In addition to stocks, 40% of the surveyed students are also investing in cryptocurrencies, attracted by the high expected returns and future value of tokens.

Even those not currently investing in NYSE stocks showed a strong interest, with 87% planning to purchase US shares within the next year. In addition to stocks, 40% of the surveyed students are also investing in cryptocurrencies, attracted by the high expected returns and future value of tokens.

Lack of Faith in Domestic Markets

The survey highlights a lack of confidence in South Korea’s domestic stock market among university students. Only 5% of respondents invest in Japanese stocks and a mere 3% in Chinese stocks.

Many students cited the relative stability and lower volatility of overseas stocks compared to domestic ones as a key reason for their investment choices. This trend reflects a broader sentiment of distrust in local financial systems, including the national pension service.

Financial Products and Investment Behaviors

The survey also showed an increase in the number of students making larger investments compared to two years ago. The proportion of students who started investing at least three years ago has risen from 18% to 54%.

Many students reported investing more than $3,590, with 40% investing over $7,180. Alarmingly, over 17% admitted to going into debt to fund their investments in stocks and cryptocurrencies. Additionally, students are diversifying their investments into principal-guaranteed assets, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), funds, and bonds.

Conclusion

The increasing involvement of South Korean university students in cryptocurrency and overseas stock investments highlights a significant shift in their financial behaviour.

With limited faith in domestic financial systems and a growing interest in digital assets, this trend underscores the changing landscape of investment preferences among the younger generation in South Korea.

“Crypto investments among young South Koreans reflect a broader search for financial stability and growth opportunities beyond traditional markets,” noted a market analyst.

Just in:

South Korean university students, surveyed by Korea Investment and Securities, show a significant interest in #crypto, including #Bitcoin ( $BTC ), and overseas stocks. This trend reflects a growing enthusiasm for digital assets among young investors. #CryptoNews pic.twitter.com/FgcArTknef

— 24h.bz (@24hbz) June 27, 2024