South Korea ranks 2nd in crypto trading volume, 12th in competitiveness study

South Korea’s digital asset market ranks second globally by trading volume after the U.S., but only 12th out of 15 countries in overall market competitiveness, Edaily reported, citing data from The Block. According to a preview of The Block’s Global Competitiveness Index for Crypto Assets, or GCCI, unveiled for the first time by The Block CEO Steve Chung at Block Festa 2026 in Seoul today, South Korea scored 1.81 out of five overall. The report said South Korea placed 13th in regulation and accessibility, ranked last in cross-border openness, and faced a warning that it could lose even its uniquely strong domestic market demand unless it urgently advances regulation.