KOSPI Hits 4,000: KRX to Introduce 24-Hour Trading and Virtual Asset ETFs in 2026
KRX Chairman Jeong Eun-bo announces a bold plan for KRX 24-hour stock trading 2026 and the launch of virtual asset ETFs as KOSPI hits the historic 4,000-point mark.
A market that never sleeps is finally arriving in Seoul. With the KOSPI index smashing through the 4,000-mark for the first time, the Korea Exchange (KRX) is ditching traditional hours to go 24-hour and embracing virtual assets.
KRX 24-hour Stock Trading 2026 Roadmap
According to Yonhap, Jeong Eun-bo, Chairman of the Korea Exchange, declared on January 2, 2026, that the local capital market is ready to move beyond the 'Korea Discount' and transition into a premium global hub. The announcement came during the first trading day celebrations of the new year.
The centerpiece of the plan is the gradual rollout of a 24-hour trading system, designed to attract more international liquidity. To protect this expanded market, KRX plans to implement an AI-driven monitoring system to detect and crack down on stock price manipulation and unfair trading practices in real-time.
New Horizons: Virtual Asset ETFs and Derivatives
In a significant policy shift, Jeong pledged to launch new investment products, including Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and derivatives that hold virtual assets. This move aims to align the Korean market with global trends and satisfy the growing demand for diversified digital asset exposure among institutional and retail investors.
While 24-hour trading increases accessibility, it also heightens the risk of overnight volatility. Investors should be prepared for faster price movements across time zones.
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