**South Korea's Crypto Market Booms Amid Rising Korea Premium Index**

South Korea's cryptocurrency market is on the rise, driven by the Korea Premium Index, according to a recent Chainalysis report. This index measures the price difference for cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ether (ETH) between South Korean exchanges and global markets.

Key Highlights:

- Local demand and institutional trading are pushing crypto prices on South Korean exchanges above global averages.

- The Korea Premium Index has surged, reflecting South Korean traders paying higher prices for digital assets.

- Institutional investors are a major force, engaging in arbitrage by buying cheaper crypto globally and selling it locally.

Additionally, a Financial Supervisory Service report reveals that employees at Dunamu, the operator of Upbit, earn significantly more than those at major banks, with an average annual salary of $99,500 compared to $86,700 at banks like KB Kookmin and Hana Bank.