A Guide to Investing in Virtual Assets - How to Get Started

Interest in virtual currencies has been very high recently. Virtual currencies have already taken the lead in the flow of global financial markets. However, it is true that the risks are too great to make investment decisions lightly. So, starting from the basics, let's learn the theory step by step.

1. The current state of the virtual currency market
In 2024, the virtual currency market grew into a huge global market, recording a market capitalization of 2,590 trillion won and daily trading volume of 133 trillion won. Rather than being merely a speculative market, it is establishing itself as a new financial paradigm.

2. Definition and characteristics of virtual currency
Virtual currency (cryptocurrency) has the following characteristics.
- Digital currency based on blockchain technology rather than a central bank
- Distributed storage and management in a P2P manner
- Designed as a means of payment, but now also has the character of an investment asset
- A special means of payment with commodity-like properties whose price is determined by market supply and demand

3. Growth outlook for the virtual currency market
These are said to be the three key factors of market growth projected by experts.
1. Irreversibility of technology trends
- Continued development of blockchain technology
- Connection with virtual-world businesses such as the metaverse
2. Increase in market liquidity
- Rising value as an alternative asset
- Expanding inflow of global investment funds
3. Advantages of decentralized networks
- Stability compared with existing centralized systems
- Technological superiority

4. Practical investment guide
1) Choosing an exchange
< Major domestic exchanges >
- Upbit (linked to K Bank accounts)
- Bithumb (linked to NongHyup accounts)
- Coinone (linked to NongHyup accounts)
- Korbit (linked to Shinhan Bank accounts)
2) Account opening process
① Open a bank account
- Choose a bank that can be linked to the exchange
- Complete identity verification and open the account
② Sign up for an exchange
- 5-level verification procedure (up to level 3 required)
- Additional 2-channel verification enables convenient deposits and withdrawals

3) How to trade
① Deposit
- Deposit won into the exchange account
- Deposit completed after identity verification
② How to buy
- Limit order: specify the desired price and quantity yourself
- Market order: executed immediately at the current market price
- Reserved order: automatically buys when the target price is reached
- Watch price: notifies you when a specific price is reached

4) Notes for investors
① Choose an exchange carefully
- Check the types of coins traded
- Check which banks can be linked to accounts
② Verification for safe trading
- Complete the basic verification procedure
- Additional security settings recommended

3. Risk management
- Keep investment amounts at an appropriate level
- Continuously monitor market trends
- Gain experience through mock investing

Investing in virtual currencies is becoming increasingly important. However, it is still not easy for beginner investors.
We recommend gaining experience first through maruLab's virtual currency mock investing, and investing for real after learning.