XRP Trading Volume on Upbit Surges, Surpassing Bitcoin

XRP has once again taken center stage in South Korea’s crypto market. On Upbit, the country’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, XRP trading volume has surpassed both Bitcoin and Ethereum, highlighting strong local demand. 

While Bitcoin and Ethereum typically dominate global trading activity, Korean traders are currently favoring XRP, even as broader market signals remain mixed.

Key Takeaways

• XRP led daily trading volume on Upbit.
• Korean retail demand continues to drive XRP activity.
• Strong local performance does not necessarily reflect global trends.

XRP Trading Volume on Upbit Beats Bitcoin and Ethereum

XRP trading volume on Upbit surged, placing it ahead of Bitcoin and Ethereum. One snapshot showed XRP reaching $52.33 million in 24-hour volume, compared to Bitcoin’s $42.14 million and Ethereum’s $24.30 million.

This accounted for roughly 10% of Upbit’s total daily trading volume of about $493.74 million. In another instance, XRP recorded over $86.1 million in spot trading volume, more than double Bitcoin’s $36.4 million and well above Ethereum’s $30.4 million.

These figures explain why the phrase “XRP surpasses BTC trading volume” has gained attention. It reflects strong localized demand capable of challenging dominant assets on a major exchange.

Read also: U.S. War Veterans Receive $10,000 in XRP from Ripple

Is XRP Big in South Korea?

Yes, XRP has a long-standing and significant presence in South Korea’s crypto market. According to the source, XRP was Upbit’s largest digital asset by cumulative trading volume in 2025, surpassing $1 trillion and exceeding Bitcoin’s total.

Analysts attribute this strength largely to retail investors, particularly those in their 40s and 50s. Many have reportedly shifted capital from domestic and U.S. equities back into crypto, with XRP emerging as a preferred asset.

This suggests XRP’s popularity in Korea is not a short-term trend but part of a broader, sustained pattern of investor behavior.

Why the Upbit Surge Matters

Upbit is widely viewed as a key indicator of South Korean crypto sentiment. When trading patterns shift on the platform, it often signals broader changes in local market behavior.

XRP outperforming Bitcoin and Ethereum is notable because it highlights a focused narrative among Korean traders. Bitcoin remains the global benchmark, while Ethereum leads in smart contract ecosystems. XRP surpassing both suggests a distinct regional preference.

The source also notes that about 15% of global XRP trading volume comes from South Korea, reinforcing the country’s importance in the token’s market dynamics.

Read also: Guide to Booking Hotels with XRP in 2026 - Easier, Faster, and More Convenient

Retail Demand and Whale Activity

Beyond trading volume, exchange outflows provide additional insight. In May, a single transaction saw 6.3 million XRP withdrawn from Upbit. Around the same time, CoinGlass data showed whales removing $135 million worth of XRP from exchanges in one week.

Net outflows totaled $30.38 million over seven days and $147.50 million over one month. Such movements are often interpreted as accumulation, as assets moved off exchanges are less likely to be sold immediately.

This suggests two active groups: retail traders driving exchange volume and larger investors accumulating XRP for longer-term holding.

XRP Price Context Remains Mixed

Despite strong trading activity, XRP’s price performance has been modest. The token traded around $1.13, down 1.4% over 24 hours, with another snapshot placing it near $1.09.

Previously, XRP dropped to about $1.01 during a broader market decline before rebounding to around $1.14, a recovery of roughly 12.87%. Over the past week, it gained about 8%.

However, global XRP trading volume fell 31% to approximately $1.21 billion during the same period. This indicates that the surge on Upbit is largely regional rather than part of a global rally.

Institutional Interest Adds Another Layer

Institutional activity is also contributing to XRP’s narrative. XRP-linked exchange-traded funds have reportedly attracted over $1.21 billion in cumulative inflows globally, while Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs saw net outflows.

This suggests growing institutional interest, which could support longer-term demand. However, exchange volume alone does not confirm direct institutional buying on platforms like Upbit.

Overall, XRP appears to be benefiting from a combination of retail demand, whale accumulation, and institutional interest, though price action has yet to fully reflect these factors.

XRP Ledger Interest in South Korea

Beyond trading, interest in the XRP Ledger is growing among South Korean fintech firms. Developers and financial institutions are exploring its use for cross-border payments, foreign exchange, trade finance, liquidity management, and AI-driven financial applications.

This expanding use case adds depth to XRP’s market story. While trading volume reflects short-term attention, real-world adoption could support longer-term value.

Read also: Claude Fable 5's Outlook for the Price of XRP in 2026

Conclusion

XRP’s surge on Upbit highlights South Korea’s continued importance in the token’s ecosystem. The data shows XRP trading volume surpassing Bitcoin and Ethereum, with some instances placing it more than twice Bitcoin’s level.

However, this strength appears largely driven by local demand rather than a global trend. While retail activity, whale accumulation, and institutional interest all support XRP’s outlook, broader market confirmation is still needed.

For now, XRP remains a dominant force in South Korea. Whether this momentum extends globally will depend on sustained demand and stronger price performance.

FAQ

What happened to XRP trading volume on Upbit?

XRP trading volume surged above Bitcoin and Ethereum, reaching between $52.33 million and over $86.1 million in 24-hour activity.

Did XRP surpass Bitcoin trading volume?

Yes. XRP exceeded Bitcoin’s trading volume on Upbit, drawing attention from traders.

Is XRP big in South Korea?

Yes. XRP has a strong presence and was Upbit’s largest asset by cumulative trading volume in 2025.

Why is XRP popular on Upbit?

Its popularity is driven by strong retail demand, long-term local interest, and capital rotation from equities into crypto.

Does high XRP trading volume mean the price will rise?

Not necessarily. High volume indicates activity but does not guarantee price increases.

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