The Korea Statistics Office (KOSTAT) will conduct a sample survey of cryptocurrency holdings of 20,000 households on March 31, but the results will not be released to the public. KOSTAT defines cryptocurrencies as virtual assets that are being traded on cryptocurrency exchanges, but does not investigate the types of cryptocurrencies being traded.
The investigation, which was arranged in light of South Korea’s planned cryptocurrency taxation, was initially proposed to be launched on January 1 of this year, but has been delayed until 2023.
Statistics Korea’s “Household Financial and Living Conditions Survey Report” is conducted annually to understand the general economic living standard by surveying each household’s assets, liabilities, income and expenses. The bureau will not classify cryptocurrencies as financial or physical assets, as the state is still undecided on their status as assets.