W
ealthy South Koreans are increasingly diversifying their investments, opting for safe-haven assets like gold and bonds over traditional real estate holdings. According to a recent report by the Hana Institute of Finance, 32.2% of those with over 1 billion won in financial assets plan to invest in gold this year, while 29.2% are inclined towards exchange-traded funds.

    The wealthy are seeking to minimize risk through diversified investments amid economic uncertainties. This year, they are less likely to make new real estate investments, with only 44% showing an inclination to purchase property, down from 50% last year. In contrast, the inclination to sell real estate rose from 31% to 34%.

    The report also found that more South Koreans under 50, known as the "young rich," are investing in virtual assets and overseas stocks. One-third of those with between 100 million won and 1 billion won in financial holdings have experience investing in cryptocurrency, with over 70% putting in more than 10 million won.

    The young rich are leading the shift towards financial investments, with a strong inclination to invest in foreign equity, planning to increase it to 40% of their portfolios. Researchers note that this trend is driven by the growth potential and increased accessibility of cryptocurrency, as well as the lack of understanding and regulatory safety net surrounding new technologies.

    The Hana Institute of Finance's 2025 Korea Wealth Report was based on an online survey of 3,010 Hana Bank customers in December, with 884 classified as "wealthy" and 1,545 defined as "well-off."