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The Korean currency is called the South Korean won, abbreviated as KRW. It's the official currency of South Korea.
You can exchange your money for KRW at a bank or currency exchange office, or use an ATM to withdraw local currency.
The South Korean government controls the exchange rate, which is determined by the supply and demand of foreign currency in the market. The exchange rate fluctuates daily, but you can check the current rate on the website of the Bank of Korea.
History of Korean Currency
The Korean currency has a rich history that spans hundreds of years. The first Korean coins were made of bronze and iron during the Joseon Dynasty, with paper money being introduced later.
In 1902, the won was introduced, replacing the yang at a rate of 1 won = 5 yang. The Bank of Korea was founded in 1909 and began issuing modern currency. The won was equivalent to the Japanese yen and was replaced by the Korean yen in 1910.
The won was reintroduced in 1945, pegged to the Japanese yen, but was later changed to the US dollar at a rate of 15 won = 1 dollar. It was devalued at the end of the Korean War to 6,000 won = 1 dollar.
Here's a brief timeline of the Korean currency:
The won has undergone many changes and has been influenced by various currencies, including the Japanese yen and the US dollar.
(1902–1910)
The Korean currency has a rich history that spans hundreds of years. In 1902, the won was introduced, replacing the yang at a rate of 1 won = 5 yang.
The Bank of Korea was founded in Seoul in 1909 as a central bank. It began issuing currency of modern type, marking a significant milestone in Korea's currency history.
The won was equivalent to the Japanese yen during this period. This equivalence was short-lived, as the Korean yen replaced the won in 1910.
Korean yen notes issued by Dai-Ichi Bank also circulated during this time.
(1945–1953)
The Korean won was introduced in 1945 to replace the Korean yen, and it was subdivided into 100 jeon. The first banknotes were issued by the Bank of Joseon in denominations ranging from 5 jeon to 100 won.
In 1950, the currency management switched to the Bank of Korea, which issued new notes with higher denominations. These new notes were printed in Japan by the National Printing Bureau.
The first note put in circulation by the Bank of Korea in 1950 was pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 15 won = 1 dollar. This rate was later changed to 6,000 won = 1 dollar towards the end of the Korean War.
Here's a key exchange rate for the Korean won during this period:
The won was eventually devaluated to the point where a new currency, the hwan, was introduced in its place at a rate of 1 hwan = 100 won.
(1947-Present)
After the division of Korea, the North Korean government continued using the Korean yen for 2 years. The Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was established on December 6, 1947, and a new currency was issued.
The new currency was pegged at par with the Soviet rouble, which was the standard currency at that time. This was a significant development in North Korea's economic history.
The North Korean currency has faced some devaluation over the years. In 1959, the currency was revalued at a rate of one hundred to one, resulting in the issuance of new won.
The exchange rate of the North Korean currency remained relatively stable from 1978 to 2001, with a fixed rate of 2.16 won to the US dollar. However, since then, the rate has fluctuated and is now closer to the black market rate.
Here is a brief timeline of the North Korean currency's exchange rate:
The North Korean currency has also been affected by inflation, which has eroded its value. Currently, it is believed to be worth about the same as the South Korean won.
History of the
The Korean currency has a rich and complex history that spans hundreds of years. The first coins used in Korea were made of bronze and iron during the Joseon Dynasty.
The currency evolved over time, with paper money being introduced during the same dynasty. The first South Korean Won bills were issued by the Bank of Joseon, but later by the Bank of Korea.
The won was introduced in 1902, replacing the yang at a rate of 1 won = 5 yang. In 1945, the won was pegged to the Japanese yen, but was later changed to the US dollar at a rate of 15 won = 1 dollar.
Here's a brief timeline of the Korean currency:
The won has undergone several changes over the years, including devaluation and redenomination. In 1950, the currency management switched to the Bank of Korea, and new notes were issued with higher denominations.
Korean Currency Denominations
In South Korea, you'll find four denominations of Korean won bills issued by the Bank of Korea.
The smallest bill is the ₩1,000, which features a painting of Yi Hwang, a famous Confucian scholar, on the back.
The other denominations include the ₩5,000, ₩10,000, and ₩50,000 bills.
The 5,000 won bill is slightly larger than the 1,000 won bill, and the 10,000 won bill is somewhat larger than the 5,000 won bill.
The front of the ₩1,000 bill features Yi Hwang's pen name, Toegye, while the front of the ₩5,000 bill features Yi I, another Confucian scholar.
The exchange rate of the ₩1,000 bill is around $0.78 USD, and the ₩5,000 bill is roughly $4.07 USD.
500
The ₩500 coin is a beautiful piece of currency, featuring a Red-Crowned Crane flying through the sky on its principal design.
The reverse side of the ₩500 coin displays the value of the coin, the date, and the issuer, which is the Bank of Korea.
If you want to learn more about the Korean language, including Korean numbers, there's a program available that can help you improve your skills quickly.
50,000
The ₩50,000 bill is a significant denomination in Korean currency.
It features the portrait of Shin Saimdang, a writer, artist, calligraphist, and poet who lived in the 1500s. She was also the mother of Yi I, a famous Confucian scholar.
Shin Saimdang's artwork is known for its beautiful and delicate images of insects, flowers, fish, and landscapes. Her artwork captured the essence of Confucian ideals.
The back of the ₩50,000 bill is the 월매도 Wolmaedo, a painting of bamboo and a plum tree. This painting is a simple yet elegant representation of the natural world.
The USD exchange rate of ₩50,000 (KRW) is roughly $40.69, making it a significant amount in US dollars.
Coins
Coins are a common form of Korean currency, with the US dollar exchange rate of the Korean won (KRW) being roughly around $0.078.
You can use Korean coins to make small purchases or as a supplement to larger bills.
Korean Currency Exchange Rates
Korean currency exchange rates can be a bit tricky to navigate, but don't worry, I've got you covered. Banks and traditional providers often mark up the exchange rate, but smart tech can help you get a great rate every time.
You can check current exchange rates for KRW to various currencies, such as USD, EUR, CAD, AUD, GBP, INR, SGD, and CNY. For example, as of the latest data, 1 KRW is equivalent to 0.00069 USD.
Here's a snapshot of exchange rates for KRW to some popular currencies:
By the way, if you're waiting for a better exchange rate, you can check the 30-day and 90-day history to see if the rate has changed.
KRW Exchange Rates
The KRW exchange rate is a crucial aspect of Korean currency exchange rates. It determines how much your money is worth in other currencies.
You can find the current KRW exchange rates for various currencies, including USD, EUR, CAD, AUD, and more, in the table below.
Beware of bad exchange rates, as banks and traditional providers often have extra costs that they pass on to you by marking up the exchange rate. Our smart tech means we're more efficient – which means you get a great rate every time.
In the last 30 days, the KRW to USD exchange rate saw a high of 0.0007 and a low of 0.0007, with an average of 0.0007. This means the change for KRW to USD was 1.77%.
45.6 Billion USD
If you're curious about the cash prize in Squid Game, it's worth knowing that 45.6 billion won converts to $35.6 million USD.
Knowing the exchange rate is essential if you're planning to visit or live in Korea or do business with Koreans, as it will help you navigate spending money in South Korea.
South Korean won banknotes and coins are the local currency, and getting familiar with them will ease your life when spending money in Korea.
The cash prize in Squid Game is a significant amount, and understanding the exchange rate can help you appreciate its value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can you buy with $50,000 won in Korea?
In Korea, $50,000 won can buy a week's worth of groceries for one person or around 10-120 cups of coffee from coffee shops like Starbucks. It's also equivalent to a month of mobile phone service or a few movie tickets.
What is Korea's currency called?
South Korea's official currency is the South Korean Won, abbreviated as KRW and symbolized as ₩. Learn more about the South Korean economy and currency usage.
Is 10,000 won a lot in Korea?
In Korea, 10,000 won is a moderate amount of money that can cover various expenses, but its value is often perceived as being around 10 USD due to its rounded starting number. This perception highlights the cultural significance of the 10,000 won denomination in everyday Korean life.
Why is South Korean won so cheap?
The South Korean won's low value is a deliberate choice to make exports more competitive, a key strategy in South Korea's post-war economic growth. This export-oriented approach has driven the country's economic success, but may not necessarily reflect the overall health of the economy.
How much is $1 Korean won in dollars?
As of 30/12/2024, 1 South Korean Won is equivalent to approximately 0.0007 US Dollars. Check our currency exchange rates for the latest conversions.
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