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{{short description|Official currency of South Korea}} {{short description|Official currency of South Korea}}
{{Use Oxford spelling |date=October 2024}}
{{about|the official currency of South Korea|the official currency of North Korea (ISO 4217 code KPW)|North Korean won}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{distinguish|text = the ], the official currency of the ] from 1902 to 1910}}
{{Infobox currency {{Infobox currency
| name = South Korean won
| currency_name_in_local = {{native name|ko|대한민국 원|italics=off}}
| local_name_lang1 = ko
| image_1 = Currency South Korea.jpg | image_1 = Currency South Korea.jpg
| image_title_1 = | image_title_1 =
| iso_code = KRW | iso_code = KRW
| using_countries = {{KOR}}
| iso_number = 410
| inflation_rate = 2.4% (June 2024)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kostat.go.kr/synap/skin/doc.html?fn=35b9abd9cd66ef83a2281571e98a21e21b99bb99e7288563212b8dac2fda1f1e&rs=/synap/preview/board/11751/ | title=Document Viewer }}</ref>
| iso_exponent = 0
| value = Exchange Rate <br /> 1 USD = 1,390 KRW<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.smbs.biz/Eng/ExRate/TodayExRate.jsp|title=Seoul Money Brokerage}}</ref>
| using_countries = {{flagcountry|KOR}}
| subunit_ratio_1 = {{frac|1|100}}
| inflation_rate = 1.3% (Feb 2016, Year-on-Year % Change)
| subunit_name_1 = jeon ({{Korean|hangul=|hanja=|labels=no}})
| inflation_source_date = '''', February 2016
| subunit_ratio_1 = {{Frac|100}}
| subunit_name_1 = jeon ({{lang|ko|전/錢}})
| subunit_inline_note_1 = Theoretical (not used) | subunit_inline_note_1 = Theoretical (not used)
| symbol = ] | symbol = ]
| unit = won
| no_plural = Y | no_plural = Y
| frequently_used_coins = ₩100, ₩500 | used_coins = ₩1, ₩5, ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, ₩500
| used_banknotes = {{KRW|1,000}}, {{KRW|2,000}}, {{KRW|5,000}}, {{KRW|10,000}}, {{KRW|50,000}}
| rarely_used_coins = ₩1, ₩5, ₩10, ₩50
| frequently_used_banknotes = ₩1,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000, ₩50,000
| rarely_used_banknotes = ₩2,000
| issuing_authority = ] | issuing_authority = ]
| issuing_authority_website = {{URL|eng.bok.or.kr}} | issuing_authority_website = {{URL|eng.bok.or.kr}}
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}} }}
{{Infobox Korean name {{Infobox Korean name
| hangul = {{linktext|대한민국|}} | hangul = 대한민국 원
| hanja = {{linktext|大韓民國}} | hanja = 大韓民國 원
| rr = Daehanmin(-)guk won | rr = Daehanminguk won
| mr = Taehanmin'guk wŏn | mr = Taehanmin'guk wŏn
| text = The current won ({{Korean|hangul=원|labels=no}}) does not officially have any hanja associated with it.<ref name="hangulonly1" /><ref name="hangulonly2" />
| text = The current won (원) does not officially have any hanja associated with it.<ref name="hangulonly1">{{cite web | author=Bank of Korea | title=화폐 &lt; 홍보교육자료 &lt; 우리나라 화폐단위 변경 {{!}} 한국은행 홈페이지. #1 | url=http://www.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=2074 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923193330/http://www.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=2074 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2015-09-23 | language=ko | access-date=2012-11-24 | quote=한글로만 표기" → Translation: "''Spelling in hangul only'' }}</ref><ref name="hangulonly2"></ref>
}} }}
[[File:South Korean inflation.webp|thumb|right|South Korean inflation
{{legend-line|#000000 solid 3px|M2 ] increases}}
{{legend|#FF644E|Inflation}}
{{legend-line|#00A2FF solid 3px|Inflation ex food and energy}}
]]


The '''South Korean won''', officially the '''Korean Republic won''' (]: '''₩'''; ]: '''KRW'''; ]: 대한민국 원) is the official currency of ]. A single won is divided into 100 jeon, the monetary subunit. The jeon is no longer used for everyday transactions, and it appears only in foreign exchange rates. The currency is issued by the ], based in the capital city of ]. The '''South Korean won''' (]: '''₩'''; ]: '''KRW'''; {{Korean|hangul=대한민국 원}}) is the official currency of ]. A single won is divided into 100 jeon, the monetary subunit. The jeon is no longer used for everyday transactions, and it appears only in foreign exchange rates. The currency is issued by the ], based in the capital city of ].


==Etymology== ==Etymology==
{{main|Etymology of the Korean currencies}} {{main|Etymology of the Korean currencies}}
{{see also|Korean won}} {{see also|Korean won}}
The old "won" was a ] of the ] and ], which were both derived from the ]. It is derived from the ] {{lang|ko|]}} ({{lang|ko|원}}, ''won''), meaning "round", which describes the shape of the silver dollar. The old "won" was a ] of the ] and ], which were both derived from the ]. It is derived from the ] {{lang|ko|]}} ({{lang|ko|원}}, {{Transliteration|ko|rr|won}}), meaning "round", which describes the shape of the silver dollar.


The won was subdivided into 100 ''jeon'' ({{ko-hhrm|hangul=전|hanja=錢|mr=chŏn|rr=jeon}}), itself a cognate of the Chinese unit of weight ] and synonymous with money in general. The current won (1962 to present) is written in hangul only and does not officially have any hanja associated with it.<ref name="hangulonly1" /><ref name="hangulonly2" /> The won was subdivided into 100 {{Transliteration|ko|rr|jeon}} ({{korean|hangul=전|hanja=錢|mr=chŏn}}), itself a cognate of the Chinese unit of weight ] and synonymous with money in general. The current won (1962 to present) is written in hangul only and does not officially have any hanja associated with it.<ref name="hangulonly1">{{cite web | author=Bank of Korea | script-title=ko:화폐 &lt; 홍보교육자료 &lt; 우리나라 화폐단위 변경 {{!}} 한국은행 홈페이지. #1 | url=http://www.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=2074 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923193330/http://www.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=2074 | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 23, 2015 | language=ko | access-date=November 24, 2012 | quote=한글로만 표기" → Translation: "''Spelling in hangul only'' }}</ref><ref name="hangulonly2">{{Cite web |url=http://stdweb2.korean.go.kr/search/View.jsp?idx=465171 |title=Entry in Standard Korean Language Dictionary |access-date=May 8, 2018 |archive-date=May 8, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508121726/http://stdweb2.korean.go.kr/search/View.jsp?idx=465171 |website=] |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==First South Korean won== ==First South Korean won==
{{main|South Korean won (1945–53)}} {{main|South Korean won (1945–1953)}}


===History=== ===History===
The ], ] and ] were all derived from the ], a coin widely used for international trade between Asia and the Americas from the 16th to 19th centuries. The ], ] and ] were all derived from the ], a coin widely used for international trade between Asia and the Americas from the 16th to 19th centuries.


During the ] (1910–45), the won was replaced by the ] which was ] with the ]. During the ] (1910–45), the won was replaced by the ] which was ] with the Japanese yen.


After ] ended in 1945, ], resulting in two separate currencies, both called won, for the South and the ]. Both the ] and the ] replaced the yen at par. The first South Korean won was subdivided into 100 ''jeon''. After ] ended in 1945, ], resulting in two separate currencies, both called won, for the South and the ]. Both the ] and the ] replaced the yen at par. The first South Korean won was subdivided into 100 ''jeon''.
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!Date introduced!!Value of U.S. dollar in won !Date introduced!!Value of U.S. dollar in won
|- |-
|October, 1945||15 |October 1945||15
|- |-
|July 15, 1947||50 |July 15, 1947||50
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|} |}


The first South Korean won was replaced by the '']'' on February 15, 1953 at a rate of 1 hwan = 100 won.<ref>{{cite book |author1=The Bank of Korea |title=KOREAN CURRENCY: for better understanding of Korean currency |date=23 January 2013 |page=10 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6cFuBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA10 |access-date=3 May 2020}}</ref> The first South Korean won was replaced by the '']'' on February 15, 1953, at a rate of 1 hwan = 100 won.<ref>{{cite book |author1=The Bank of Korea |title=KOREAN CURRENCY: for better understanding of Korean currency |date=January 23, 2013 |page=10 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6cFuBgAAQBAJ&pg=PA10 |access-date=May 3, 2020}}</ref>


===Banknotes=== ===Banknotes===
In 1946, the ] introduced 10 and 100 won notes. These were followed in 1949 by 5 and 1,000 won notes. In 1946, the ] introduced 10 and 100 won notes. These were followed in 1949 by 5 and 1,000 won notes.


A new central bank, the ], was established on 12 June 1950,<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Linzmayer | first1 = Owen | title = The Banknote Book | chapter = South Korea | publisher = www.BanknoteNews.com | year = 2012 | location = San Francisco, CA | url = http://www.banknotebook.com}}</ref> and assumed the duties of Bank of Joseon. Notes were introduced (some dated 1949) in denominations of 5, 10 and 50 jeon, and 100 and 1,000 won. The 500 won notes were introduced in 1952. In 1953, a series of banknotes was issued which, although it gave the denominations in ] in won, were, in fact, the first issues of the ]. A new central bank, the ], was established on June 12, 1950,<ref>{{cite book | last1 = Linzmayer | first1 = Owen | title = The Banknote Book | chapter = South Korea | publisher = banknotenews.com | year = 2012 | location = San Francisco, CA | url = http://www.banknotebook.com/ | access-date = August 17, 2012 | archive-date = August 29, 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120829063428/http://www.banknotebook.com/ | url-status = live }}</ref> and assumed the duties of Bank of Joseon. Notes were introduced (some dated 1949) in denominations of 5, 10 and 50 jeon, and 100 and 1,000 won. The 500 won notes were introduced in 1952. In 1953, a series of banknotes was issued which, although it gave the denominations in ] in won, were, in fact, the first issues of the ].


==Second South Korean won== ==Second South Korean won==
===History=== ===History===
The won was reintroduced on June 10, 1962, at a rate of 1 won = 10 hwan. It became the sole legal tender on March 22, 1975, with the withdrawal of the last circulating hwan coins. Its ] code is KRW. At the reintroduction of the won in 1962, its value was pegged at 125 won = US$1. The following pegs operated between 1962 and 1980: The won was reintroduced on June 10, 1962, at a rate of 1 won = 10 hwan. It became the sole legal tender on March 22, 1975, with the withdrawal of the last circulating hwan coins. Its ] code is KRW. At the reintroduction of the won in 1962, its value was pegged at 125 won = {{USD|1}}. The following pegs operated between 1962 and 1980:


{|class="wikitable" {|class="wikitable"
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|} |}


On February 27, 1980, efforts were initiated to lead to a ]. The won was finally allowed to float on December 24, 1997, when an agreement was signed with the ].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://users.erols.com/kurrency/asia.htm| title=Tables of modern monetary history: Asia| access-date=2006-11-16| author=Kurt Schuler| date=29 February 2004| work=Currency Boards and Dollarization |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070112132244/http://users.erols.com/kurrency/asia.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-01-12}}</ref> Shortly after, the won was devalued to almost half of its value, as part of the ]. On February 27, 1980, efforts were initiated to lead to a ]. The won was finally allowed to float on December 24, 1997, when an agreement was signed with the ].<ref>{{cite web| url=http://users.erols.com/kurrency/asia.htm| title=Tables of modern monetary history: Asia| access-date=November 16, 2006| author=Kurt Schuler| date=February 29, 2004| work=Currency Boards and Dollarization |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070112132244/http://users.erols.com/kurrency/asia.htm <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = January 12, 2007}}</ref> Shortly after, the won was devalued to almost half of its value, as part of the ].


===Coins=== ===Coins===
Until 1966, 10- and 50-hwan coins, revalued as 1 and 5 won, were the only coins in circulation. New coins, denominated in won, were introduced by the Bank of Korea on August 16, 1966, in denominations of 1, 5 and 10 won, with the 1 won struck in ] and the 5 and 10 won in bronze. These were the first South Korean coins to display the date in the ], earlier coins having used the ]. The 10- and 50-hwan coins were demonetized on March 22, 1975.<ref name=issue>{{cite web |url=http://www.bok.or.kr/template/eng/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000001020 |title=Currency Issue System |access-date=2006-11-09 |publisher=Bank of Korea |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060826081444/http://www.bok.or.kr/template/eng/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000001020 |archive-date=2006-08-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Until 1966, 10 and 50 hwan coins, revalued as 1 and 5 won, were the only coins in circulation. New coins, denominated in won, were introduced by the Bank of Korea on August 16, 1966, in denominations of 1, 5 and 10 won, with the 1 won struck in ] and the 5 and 10 won in ]. These were the first South Korean coins to display the date in the ], earlier coins having used the ]. The 10 and 50 hwan coins were demonetized on March 22, 1975.<ref name=issue>{{cite web |url=http://www.bok.or.kr/template/eng/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000001020 |title=Currency Issue System |access-date=November 9, 2006 |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060826081444/http://www.bok.or.kr/template/eng/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000001020 |archive-date=August 26, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In 1968, as the intrinsic value of the brass 1 won coin far surpassed its face value, new aluminium 1 won coins were issued to replace them. As an attempt to further reduce currency production costs, new 5 and 10 won coins were issued in 1970, struck in brass. Cupronickel 100 won coins were also introduced that year, followed by cupronickel 50 won coins in 1972.<ref name=issue /> In 1968, as the intrinsic value of the brass 1 won coin far surpassed its face value, new ] 1 won coins were issued to replace them. As an attempt to further reduce currency production costs, new 5 and 10 won coins were issued in 1970, struck in brass. ] 100 won coins were also introduced that year, followed by cupronickel 50 won coins in 1972.<ref name=issue />


{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%" {|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%"
!colspan="13"| 1966–1982 issued coins<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=http://www.bok.or.kr/template/main/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000000507 |title=Archived copy |website=www.bok.or.kr |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310203841/http://www.bok.or.kr/template/main/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000000507 |archive-date=10 March 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web |url=http://www.bok.or.kr/template/main/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000000508 |title=Archived copy |website=www.bok.or.kr |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310184105/http://www.bok.or.kr/template/main/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000000508 |archive-date=10 March 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> {{in lang|ko}} !colspan="13"| 1966–1982 issued coins<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web |url=http://www.bok.or.kr/template/main/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000000507 |title=The Bank of Korea |website=] |access-date=January 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310203841/http://www.bok.or.kr/template/main/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000000507 |archive-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web |url=http://www.bok.or.kr/template/main/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000000508 |title=The Bank of Korea|website=] |access-date=January 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070310184105/http://www.bok.or.kr/template/main/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000000508 |archive-date=March 10, 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> {{in lang|ko}}
|- |-
!colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!colspan="3"| Technical parameters !!colspan="3"| Description !!colspan="3"| Date of !! rowspan="2"| ] series designation !colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!colspan="3"| Technical parameters !!colspan="3"| Description !!colspan="3"| Date of !! rowspan="2"| ] series designation
|- |-
! Obverse !! Reverse !! Diameter !! Mass !! Composition !! Edge !! Obverse !! Reverse !! First minting !! Issue !! Withdrawal ! Obverse !! Reverse !! Diameter !! Mass !! Composition !! Edge !! Obverse !! Reverse !! First minting !! Issue !! Issue Suspended
|- {{Coin-yellow-color}} |- {{Coin-yellow-color}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ]
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| August 16, 1966 | August 16, 1966
| December 1, 1980 | December 1, 1980
| Series I ({{lang|ko|가}}) | Series I ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- {{Coin-silver-color}} |- {{Coin-silver-color}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ]
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| August 26, 1968 | August 26, 1968
| 1992 | 1992
| Series II ({{lang|ko|나}}) | Series II ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- {{Coin-copper-color}} |- {{Coin-copper-color}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ]
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| August 16, 1966 | August 16, 1966
| 1992 | 1992
| Series I ({{lang|ko|가}}) | Series I ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- {{Coin-yellow-color}} |- {{Coin-yellow-color}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ]
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| July 16, 1970 | July 16, 1970
| 1992 | 1992
| Series II ({{lang|ko|나}}) | Series II ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- {{Coin-copper-color}} |- {{Coin-copper-color}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ]
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| August 16, 1966 | August 16, 1966
| Still circulating | Still circulating
| Series I ({{lang|ko|가}}) | Series I ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- {{Coin-yellow-color}} |- {{Coin-yellow-color}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ]
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| 22.86&nbsp;mm | 22.86&nbsp;mm
| 4.06 g | 4.06 g
| ]<br />65% ]<br />35% ] | ]<br />65% ]<br />35% ]
| Plain | Plain
| ], value, bank title (hangul) | ], value, bank title (hangul)
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| July 16, 1970 | July 16, 1970
| Still circulating | Still circulating
| Series II ({{lang|ko|나}}) | Series II ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- {{Coin-silver-color}} |- {{Coin-silver-color}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ]
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| December 1, 1972 | December 1, 1972
|rowspan="2"| Still circulating |rowspan="2"| Still circulating
|rowspan="2"| Series I ({{lang|ko|가}}) |rowspan="2"| Series I ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- {{Coin-silver-color}} |- {{Coin-silver-color}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ]
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{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%" {|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%"
!colspan="12"|1982–2006 issued coins<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://eng.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=1708 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2010-09-27 |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/5t41V6ltH?url=http://eng.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=1708 |archive-date=2010-09-27 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://210.104.132.11/contents_admin/info_admin/main/region/busan/information/localinfo01/info/200612121.hwp |author=부산본부 |script-title=ko:새 10원 동전, 12. 18(월)부터 발행 |access-date=2006-12-12 |date=12 December 2006 |publisher=Bank of Korea |format=hwp |language=ko |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312060825/http://210.104.132.11/contents_admin/info_admin/main/region/busan/information/localinfo01/info/200612121.hwp |archive-date=March 12, 2007 }}</ref> !colspan="12"|1982–2006 issued coins<ref>{{cite web |url=http://eng.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=1708 |title=Currency < Currency in circulation < Introduction to Coins &#124; THE BANK OF KOREA. #1 |access-date=September 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231024941/http://eng.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=1708 |archive-date=December 31, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://210.104.132.11/contents_admin/info_admin/main/region/busan/information/localinfo01/info/200612121.hwp |author=부산본부 |script-title=ko:새 10원 동전, 12. 18(월)부터 발행 |access-date=December 12, 2006 |date=December 12, 2006 |publisher=] |format=hwp |language=ko |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070312060825/http://210.104.132.11/contents_admin/info_admin/main/region/busan/information/localinfo01/info/200612121.hwp |archive-date=March 12, 2007 }}</ref>
|- |-
!colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!colspan="3"| Technical parameters !!colspan="3"| Description !!colspan="2"| Date of !!rowspan="2"| BOK series designation !colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!colspan="3"| Technical parameters !!colspan="3"| Description !!colspan="2"| Date of !!rowspan="2"| BOK series designation
Line 251: Line 254:
| 1983 | 1983
| January 15, 1983 | January 15, 1983
| Series III ({{lang|ko|다}}) | Series III ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- {{Coin-yellow-color}} |- {{Coin-yellow-color}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ]
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| 20.4&nbsp;mm | 20.4&nbsp;mm
| 2.95 g | 2.95 g
|rowspan="2"| ]<br />65% ]<br />35% ] |rowspan="2"| ]<br />65% ]<br />35% ]
|rowspan="2"| Plain |rowspan="2"| Plain
| ], value (hangul) | ], value (hangul)
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|rowspan="2"| 1983 |rowspan="2"| 1983
|rowspan="2"| January 15, 1983 |rowspan="2"| January 15, 1983
|rowspan="2"| Series III ({{lang|ko|다}}) |rowspan="2"| Series III ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- {{Coin-yellow-color}} |- {{Coin-yellow-color}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ]
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{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%" {|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%"
|-
!colspan="12"|Current coins !colspan="12"|Current coins
|- |-
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| 18&nbsp;mm | 18&nbsp;mm
| 1.22 g | 1.22 g
| ] aluminium<br />48% ]<br />52% aluminium | ] aluminium<br />48% ]<br />52% aluminium
| Plain | Plain
| Dabotap pagoda, value (hangul) | Dabotap pagoda, value (hangul)
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| 2006 | 2006
| December 18, 2006 | December 18, 2006
| Series IV ({{lang|ko|라}}) | Series IV ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- {{Coin-silver-color}} |- {{Coin-silver-color}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ]
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|rowspan="2"| 1983 |rowspan="2"| 1983
|rowspan="2"| January 15, 1983 |rowspan="2"| January 15, 1983
|rowspan="2"| Series II ({{lang|ko|나}}) |rowspan="2"| Series II ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- {{Coin-silver-color}} |- {{Coin-silver-color}}
| style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#fff;"| ]
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| 1982 | 1982
| June 12, 1982 | June 12, 1982
| Series I ({{lang|ko|가}}) | Series I ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- |-
|colspan="12"|{{Standard coin table notice|standard_scale=0}} |colspan="12"|{{Standard coin table notice|standard_scale=0}}
|} |}


The Bank of Korea announced in early 2006 its intention to redesign the 10 won coin by the end of that year. With the increasing cost of production, then at 38 won per 10 won coin, and rumors that some people had been melting the coins to make jewelry, the redesign was needed to make the coin more cost-effective to produce.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/biz/200601/kt2006011318125411870.htm |title=New W10 Coin to Debut |access-date=2006-12-11 |date=13 January 2006 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060115054525/http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/biz/200601/kt2006011318125411870.htm |archive-date=January 15, 2006 }}</ref> The new coin is made of copper-coated aluminium with a reduced diameter of 18&nbsp;mm, and a weight of 1.22 g. Its visual design is the same as the old coin.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/newsview_sub.php?menu=3&key=2006081017 |title=New 10-won Coins to Debut |access-date=2006-12-11 |date=10 August 2006 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321123629/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/newsview_sub.php?menu=3&key=2006081017 |archive-date=March 21, 2008 }}</ref> The new coin was issued on December 18, 2006.<ref>{{cite news| url = http://news.media.daum.net/economic/industry/200612/11/Edaily/v15007706.html| script-title = ko:1원짜리 만한 10원 동전 18일 나온다| access-date = 2006-12-11| date = 11 December 2006| publisher = ]| language = ko| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071016190305/http://news.media.daum.net/economic/industry/200612/11/Edaily/v15007706.html| archive-date = 16 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url = http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/newsview_sub.php?menu=3&key=2006121114| title = New 10-won Coins to Debut Next Week| access-date = 2006-12-12| date = 11 December 2006| publisher = ]| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080618185306/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/newsview_sub.php?menu=3&key=2006121114| archive-date = 18 June 2008}}</ref> The Bank of Korea announced in early 2006 its intention to redesign the 10 won coin by the end of that year. With the increasing cost of production, then at 38 won per 10 won coin, and rumors that some people had been melting the coins to make jewelry, the redesign was needed to make the coin more cost-effective to produce.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/biz/200601/kt2006011318125411870.htm |title=New W10 Coin to Debut |access-date=December 11, 2006 |date=January 13, 2006 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060115054525/http://times.hankooki.com/lpage/biz/200601/kt2006011318125411870.htm |archive-date=January 15, 2006 }}</ref> The new coin is made of copper-coated aluminium with a reduced diameter of {{convert|18|mm}}, and a weight of {{convert|1.22|g}}. Its visual design is the same as the old coin.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/newsview_sub.php?menu=3&key=2006081017 |title=New 10-won Coins to Debut |access-date=December 11, 2006 |date=August 10, 2006 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080321123629/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/newsview_sub.php?menu=3&key=2006081017 |archive-date=March 21, 2008 }}</ref> The new coin was issued on December 18, 2006.<ref>{{cite news| url = http://news.media.daum.net/economic/industry/200612/11/Edaily/v15007706.html| script-title = ko:1원짜리 만한 10원 동전 18일 나온다| access-date = December 11, 2006| date = December 11, 2006| publisher = ]| language = ko| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071016190305/http://news.media.daum.net/economic/industry/200612/11/Edaily/v15007706.html| archive-date = October 16, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url = http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/newsview_sub.php?menu=3&key=2006121114| title = New 10-won Coins to Debut Next Week| access-date = December 12, 2006| date = December 11, 2006| publisher = ]| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080618185306/http://english.kbs.co.kr/news/newsview_sub.php?menu=3&key=2006121114| archive-date = June 18, 2008}}</ref>


The 1 and 5 won coins are rarely in circulation since 1992, and prices of consumer goods are rounded to the nearest 10 won. However, they are still in production, minting limited amounts of these two coins every year, for the Bank of Korea's annual mint sets.<ref> Dokdo Research (dokdoresearch.com). Retrieved on 2017-07-05.</ref> The 1 and 5 won coins are ] since 1992, and prices of consumer goods are rounded to the nearest 10 won. However, they are still in production, minting limited amounts of these two coins every year, for the Bank of Korea's annual mint sets.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170930152344/http://dokdo-research.com/bankofkoreamintsets.html |date=September 30, 2017 }} Dokdo Research (dokdoresearch.com). Retrieved on July 5, 2017.</ref>
In 1998, the production costs per coin were: 10 won coins each cost 35 won to produce, 100 won coins cost 58 won, and 500 won coins cost 77 won.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/199802/199802190510.html |title=Coins Return to the Bank |access-date=2007-03-26 |date=19 February 1998 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040909001646/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/199802/199802190510.html |archive-date=September 9, 2004 }}</ref> In 1998, the production costs per coin were: 10 won coins each cost 35 won to produce, 100 won coins cost 58 won, and 500 won coins cost 77 won.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/199802/199802190510.html |title=Coins Return to the Bank |access-date=March 26, 2007 |date=February 19, 1998 |publisher=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040909001646/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/199802/199802190510.html |archive-date=September 9, 2004 }}</ref>


===Banknotes=== ===Banknotes===
The ] designates banknote and coin series in a unique way. Instead of putting those of similar design and issue dates in the same series, it assigns series number X to the Xth design of a given denomination. The series numbers are expressed with ] used in alphabetical order, e.g. {{lang|ko|가, 나, 다, 라, 마, 바, 사}}. Therefore, ₩1,000 issued in 1983 is series II ({{lang|ko|나}}) because it is the second design of all ₩1,000 designs since the introduction of the South Korean won in 1962. The ] designates banknote and coin series in a unique way. Instead of putting those of similar design and issue dates in the same series, it assigns series number X to the Xth design of a given denomination. The series numbers are expressed with ] used in alphabetical order, e.g. {{Korean|labels=no|hangul=가, 나, 다, 라, 마, 바, 사}}. Therefore, 1,000 won issued in 1983 is series II ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}}) because it is the second design of all 1,000 won designs since the introduction of the South Korean won in 1962.


In 1962, 10 and 50 jeon, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 won notes were introduced by the Bank of Korea. The first issue of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 won notes was printed in the ] by ]. The jeon notes together with a second issue of 10 and 100 won notes were printed domestically by the ]. In 1962, 10 and 50 jeon, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 won notes were introduced by the Bank of Korea. The first issue of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 won notes was printed in the ] by ]. The jeon notes together with a second issue of 10 and 100 won notes were printed domestically by the ].
Line 347: Line 351:
!colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!rowspan="2"| Dimensions !!rowspan="2"| Main color !!colspan="2"| Description !!colspan="2"| Date of !!rowspan="2"| BOK series designation !colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!rowspan="2"| Dimensions !!rowspan="2"| Main color !!colspan="2"| Description !!colspan="2"| Date of !!rowspan="2"| BOK series designation
|- |-
! Obverse !! Reverse !! Obverse !! Reverse !! Issue !! Withdrawal ! Obverse !! Reverse !! Obverse !! Reverse !! Issue !! Issue Suspended
|- |-
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
Line 372: Line 376:
| Green | Green
| September 1, 1962 | September 1, 1962
|rowspan="4"| Series I ({{lang|ko|가}}) |rowspan="4"| Series I ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- |-
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
Line 424: Line 428:
| September 21, 1962 | September 21, 1962
|rowspan="3"| October 30, 1973 |rowspan="3"| October 30, 1973
| Series II ({{lang|ko|나}}) | Series II ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- |-
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
Line 434: Line 438:
| ], Rose of Sharon | ], Rose of Sharon
| March 21, 1969 | March 21, 1969
| Series II ({{lang|ko|나}}) | Series II ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- |-
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
Line 442: Line 446:
|rowspan="2"| Green |rowspan="2"| Green
| ] | ]
| Gyeonghoeru Pavilion at ] | Gyeonghoeru Pavilion at ]
| November 1, 1962 | November 1, 1962
| Series II ({{lang|ko|나}}) | Series II ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- |-
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
Line 452: Line 456:
| August 14, 1965 | August 14, 1965
| December 1, 1980 | December 1, 1980
| Series III ({{lang|ko|다}}) | Series III ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- |-
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
Line 463: Line 467:
| August 16, 1966 | August 16, 1966
| May 10, 1975 | May 10, 1975
| Series II ({{lang|ko|나}}) | Series II ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- |-
|colspan="10"|{{Standard banknote table notice|standard_scale=0}} |colspan="10"|{{Standard banknote table notice|standard_scale=0}}
Line 470: Line 474:
With the economic development from the 1960s, the value of the 500 won notes fell, resulting in a greater use of cashier's checks with higher fixed denominations as means of payment, as well as an increased use of counterfeited ones.<ref name=issue /> In 1970, the 100 won notes were replaced by coins, with the same happening to the 50 won notes in 1972. With the economic development from the 1960s, the value of the 500 won notes fell, resulting in a greater use of cashier's checks with higher fixed denominations as means of payment, as well as an increased use of counterfeited ones.<ref name=issue /> In 1970, the 100 won notes were replaced by coins, with the same happening to the 50 won notes in 1972.


Higher-denomination notes of 5,000 and 10,000 won were introduced in 1972 and 1973, respectively. The notes incorporated new security features, including ], ], and ultraviolet response fibres, and were intaglio printed. The release of 10,000 won notes was planned to be at the same time as the 5,000 won notes, but problems with the main theme delayed it by a year.<ref name=10,000wonhis>{{cite web | title=Brief History of current Korea notes in circulation; 10,000 won note | publisher=Bank of Korea | url=http://www.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=1693 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505104334/http://www.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=1693 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2017-05-05 | format=Flash and HTML | access-date=2016-01-13 }}</ref> Newly designed 500 won notes were also released in 1973, and the need for a medium denomination resulted in the introduction of 1,000 won notes in 1975. Higher-denomination notes of 5,000 and 10,000 won were introduced in 1972 and 1973, respectively. The notes incorporated new security features, including ], ], and ultraviolet response fibres, and were intaglio printed. The release of 10,000 won notes was planned to be at the same time as the 5,000 won notes, but problems with the main theme delayed it by a year.<ref name=10,000wonhis>{{cite web | title=Brief History of current Korea notes in circulation; 10,000 won note | publisher=] | url=http://www.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=1693 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505104334/http://www.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=1693 | url-status=dead | archive-date=May 5, 2017 | format=Flash and HTML | access-date=January 13, 2016 }}</ref> Newly designed 500 won notes were also released in 1973, and the need for a medium denomination resulted in the introduction of 1,000 won notes in 1975.


{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%" {|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%"
Line 477: Line 481:
!colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!rowspan="2"| Dimensions !!rowspan="2"| Main color !!colspan="3"| Description !!colspan="2"| Date of !!rowspan="2"| BOK series designation !!rowspan="2"| Plate produced !colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!rowspan="2"| Dimensions !!rowspan="2"| Main color !!colspan="3"| Description !!colspan="2"| Date of !!rowspan="2"| BOK series designation !!rowspan="2"| Plate produced
|- |-
! Obverse !! Reverse !! Obverse !! Reverse !! Watermark !! Issue !! Withdrawal ! Obverse !! Reverse !! Obverse !! Reverse !! Watermark !! Issue !! Issue Suspended
|- |-
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
Line 489: Line 493:
| July 1, 1972 | July 1, 1972
| December 1, 1980 | December 1, 1980
| Series I ({{lang|ko|가}}) | Series I ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
| By Thomas de la Rue<ref name=5,000wonhis>{{cite web | title=Brief History of current Korea notes in circulation; 5,000-won note | publisher=Bank of Korea | url=http://www.bok.or.kr/template/newbanknotes/eng/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000003619 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927004027/http://www.bok.or.kr/template/newbanknotes/eng/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000003619 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2007-09-27 | format=Flash and HTML | access-date=2006-11-09 }}</ref> | By Thomas de la Rue<ref name=5,000wonhis>{{cite web | title=Brief History of current Korea notes in circulation; 5,000-won note | publisher=] | url=http://www.bok.or.kr/template/newbanknotes/eng/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000003619 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927004027/http://www.bok.or.kr/template/newbanknotes/eng/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000003619 | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 27, 2007 | format=Flash and HTML | access-date=November 9, 2006 }}</ref>
|- |-
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
Line 502: Line 506:
| June 12, 1973 | June 12, 1973
| November 10, 1981 | November 10, 1981
| Series I ({{lang|ko|가}}) | Series I ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
| In ]<ref name=10,000wonhis/> | In ]<ref name=10,000wonhis/>
|- |-
Line 517: Line 521:
| September 1, 1973 | September 1, 1973
|rowspan="2"| May 12, 1993 |rowspan="2"| May 12, 1993
| Series III ({{lang|ko|다}}) | Series III ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
| |
|- |-
Line 529: Line 533:
| |
| August 14, 1975 | August 14, 1975
| Series I ({{lang|ko|가}}) | Series I ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
| In ]<ref name=1000wonhis>{{cite web | title=Brief History of current Korea notes in circulation; 1,000 won note | publisher=Bank of Korea | url=http://www.bok.or.kr/template/newbanknotes/eng/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000003620 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003849/http://www.bok.or.kr/template/newbanknotes/eng/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000003620 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2007-09-27 | format=Flash and HTML |access-date=2006-11-09 }}</ref> | In ]<ref name=1000wonhis>{{cite web | title=Brief History of current Korea notes in circulation; 1,000 won note | publisher=] | url=http://www.bok.or.kr/template/newbanknotes/eng/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000003620 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003849/http://www.bok.or.kr/template/newbanknotes/eng/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000003620 | url-status=dead | archive-date=September 27, 2007 | format=Flash and HTML |access-date=November 9, 2006 }}</ref>
|- |-
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
Line 542: Line 546:
| June 1, 1977 | June 1, 1977
| May 12, 1993 | May 12, 1993
| Series II ({{lang|ko|나}}) | Series II ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
| In ]<ref name="5,000wonhis" /> | In ]<ref name="5,000wonhis" />
|- |-
Line 555: Line 559:
| June 15, 1979 | June 15, 1979
| May 12, 1993 | May 12, 1993
| Series II ({{lang|ko|나}}) | Series II ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
| In ]<ref name=10,000wonhis/> | In ]<ref name=10,000wonhis/>
|- |-
Line 563: Line 567:
In 1982, the 500 won note was replaced by a coin. The following year, as part of its policy of rationalizing the currency system, the Bank of Korea issued a new set of notes, as well as a new set of coins. Some of the notes' most notable features were distinguishable marks for the blind under the watermark and the addition of machine-readable language in preparation for mechanization of cash handling. They were also printed on better-quality cotton pulp to reduce the production costs by extending their circulation life.<ref name=issue /> In 1982, the 500 won note was replaced by a coin. The following year, as part of its policy of rationalizing the currency system, the Bank of Korea issued a new set of notes, as well as a new set of coins. Some of the notes' most notable features were distinguishable marks for the blind under the watermark and the addition of machine-readable language in preparation for mechanization of cash handling. They were also printed on better-quality cotton pulp to reduce the production costs by extending their circulation life.<ref name=issue />


To cope with the deregulation of imports of color printers and the increasing use of computers and scanners, modified 5,000 and 10,000 won notes were released between 1994 and 2002 with various new security features, which included color-shifting ink, microprint, segmented metal thread, ], and ]. The latest version of the 5,000 and 10,000 won notes are easily identifiable by the copyright information inscribed under the watermark: "{{lang|ko|© 한국은행}}" and year of issue on the obverse, "© The Bank of Korea" and year of issue on the reverse. To cope with the deregulation of imports of color printers and the increasing use of computers and scanners, modified 5,000 and 10,000 won notes were released between 1994 and 2002 with various new security features, which included color-shifting ink, microprint, segmented metal thread, ], and ]. The latest version of the 5,000 and 10,000 won notes are easily identifiable by the copyright information inscribed under the watermark: "{{Korean|labels=no|hangul=© 한국은행}}" and year of issue on the obverse, "© The Bank of Korea" and year of issue on the reverse.


The plates for the 5,000 won notes were produced in Japan, while the ones for the 1,000 and 10,000 won notes were produced by the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation. They were all printed in intaglio.<ref name=10,000wonhis/><ref name="5,000wonhis" /><ref name=1000wonhis/> The plates for the 5,000 won notes were produced in Japan, while the ones for the 1,000 and 10,000 won notes were produced by the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation. They were all printed in intaglio.<ref name=10,000wonhis/><ref name="5,000wonhis" /><ref name=1000wonhis/>

With the release of a new set of notes, no plan has yet been made to withdraw these notes from circulation.<ref name=issuenewnotes>{{cite web | url=http://www.bok.or.kr/contents_admin/info_admin/eng/home/press/pressre/info/issue_of_new_notes.pdf | archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20070614140319/http://www.bok.or.kr/contents_admin/info_admin/eng/home/press/pressre/info/issue_of_new_notes.pdf | url-status=dead | archive-date=14 June 2007 | title=Issue of New 10,000-won Notes and 1,000-won Notes on January 22, 2007 | access-date=2006-10-17 | author=Bank of Korea | date=26 July 2006 }}</ref>


{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%" {|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%"
!colspan="11"|1983–2002 Series<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bok.or.kr/template/main/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000000509 |title=Archived copy |website=www.bok.or.kr |access-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050411082027/http://www.bok.or.kr/template/main/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000000509 |archive-date=11 April 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> {{in lang|ko}} !colspan="12"|1983–2002 Series<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bok.or.kr/template/main/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000000509 |title=:: The Bank of Korea :: |website=] |access-date=January 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050411082027/http://www.bok.or.kr/template/main/html/index.jsp?tbl=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000000509 |archive-date=April 11, 2005 |url-status=dead}}</ref> {{in lang|ko}}
|- |-
!colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!rowspan="2"| Dimensions !!rowspan="2"| Main Color !!colspan="3"| Description !!rowspan="2"| Date of issue !!rowspan="2"| BOK series designation !!rowspan="2"| Modification !colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!rowspan="2"| Dimensions !!rowspan="2"| Main Color !!colspan="3"| Description !!rowspan="2"| Date of issue !!rowspan="2"| Suspended Date !!rowspan="2"| BOK series designation !!rowspan="2"| Modification
|- |-
! Obverse !! Reverse !! Obverse !! Reverse !! Watermark ! Obverse !! Reverse !! Obverse !! Reverse !! Watermark
Line 585: Line 587:
|rowspan="5"| Reversed portrait |rowspan="5"| Reversed portrait
| June 11, 1983 | June 11, 1983
|rowspan="6"| June 1, 2016
| Series II ({{lang|ko|나}}) | Series II ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
| |
|- |-
Line 596: Line 599:
|rowspan="2"| Ojukheon in Gangneung |rowspan="2"| Ojukheon in Gangneung
| June 11, 1983 | June 11, 1983
| Series III ({{lang|ko|다}}) | Series III ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
| |
|- |-
Line 602: Line 605:
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
| June 12, 2002 | June 12, 2002
| Series IV ({{lang|ko|라}}) | Series IV ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
| Color-shifting ink on the dots for blinds, segmented metal thread, copyright inscription | Color-shifting ink on the dots for blinds, segmented metal thread, copyright inscription
|- |-
Line 613: Line 616:
|rowspan="3"| Gyeonghoeru Pavilion at Gyeongbok Palace |rowspan="3"| Gyeonghoeru Pavilion at Gyeongbok Palace
| October 8, 1983 | October 8, 1983
| Series III ({{lang|ko|다}}) | Series III ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
| |
|- |-
Line 619: Line 622:
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
| January 20, 1994 | January 20, 1994
| Series IV ({{lang|ko|라}}) | Series IV ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
| Segmented metal thread, microprint under the water clock, moiré on watermark area, intaglio latent image | Segmented metal thread, microprint under the water clock, moiré on watermark area, intaglio latent image
|- |-
Line 626: Line 629:
| Reversed portrait, ] | Reversed portrait, ]
| June 19, 2000 | June 19, 2000
| Series V ({{lang|ko|마}}) | Series V ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
| Color-shifting ink on the dots for blinds, removal of moiré, EURion constellation, copyright inscription | Color-shifting ink on the dots for blinds, removal of moiré, EURion constellation, copyright inscription
|- |-
|colspan="11"|{{Standard banknote table notice|standard_scale=0}} |colspan="12"|{{Standard banknote table notice|standard_scale=0}}
|} |}

==New series==
===Historical figures on the Korean Won and their importance in history===

''']''' (이황) ~ ₩1,000

Yi Hwang, the man featured on the Korean 1000 won bill, is regarded as one of Korea’s most prominent Confucian scholars during the Joseon era. His vast love for knowledge and literature made him known to many and a largely popular historical figure. He dedicated his life and to teaching numerous students. When people think of Yi Hwang now, the Dosanseowon Confucian Academy(안동 도산서원) always comes to mind.<sup></sup> It was established in 1574 to honor Yi Hwang (Toegye 퇴계). It was built about 6 years after his death. It was also designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.<ref name="mcst.go.kr">https://www.mcst.go.kr/english/culture/heritage/heritage.jsp?pMenuCD=3501021300</ref>
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://korea.stripes.com/travel/lets-delve-secrets-hidden-inside-korean-money|title=Let's delve into the secrets hidden inside Korean money!|date=2 April 2021}}</ref><ref>http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264141</ref>

An Interesting fact about how the historical figures on the 1000 won and 5000 won. Yi Hwang was the head teacher and taught the man on the 5000 won. His name was Yi Yulgok, he too also became a famous Confucian scholar under Yi Hwangs guidance and was bestowed the significance of being featured on the 5000 won banknote.<ref name="mcst.go.kr"/>

''']''' (이이) ~ ₩5,000

Yi Yulgok (1536-1584) was a Neo-Confucian thinker and is known to have similar influence as Yi Hwang. Yulgok is responsible for establishing the Kiho school in Korea. He is the son of Shin Saimdang, who was a well-known poet and painter. Yulgok began studying with his mother, but when his mother died, he mourned her loss for 3 years. He then fled to a Buddhist temple in the mountains with the desire to become a monk; however, after a year of studying scriptures, he changed his mind. Given the knowledge he acquired in the Buddhist temple, he placed first in both the preliminary and final civil service examinations in 1564. He then became known as Lord First Candidate of the Nine Examinations. He served in several offices within the metropolitan and provincial government. His official posts included appointments of minister of military affairs, minister of public works, and minister of personnel until he died at age forty-nine.<ref>(Chung, Edward Y. J. The Korean Neo-Confucianism of Yi T'oegye and Yi Yulgok: A Reappraisal of the "Four-Seven Thesis" and Its Practical Implications for Self-Cultivation. Albany, 1995.)
</ref>

''']''' (세종대왕) ~ ₩10,000

Sejong the Great was a famous king during the Joseon era. His legacy includes the creation of the Korean writing system, ''hangul'' (한글), which occurred in 1443 during the 12th month of the lunar calendar. Later in 1446, the book of Sejong Sillok (조선왕조실록) described the new language of Joseon as Hunminjeongeum (full name;훈민정음 해례본, Hunminjeongeum Haeryebon), was created and information on how to learn the new system and the teachings were published all together in multiple parts. One of Sejong’s purposes for creating this new language system was to help common people read and write, many of which were otherwise illiterate. Hunminjeongeum was the original name for Hangeul when it was first created back in the 15th century. The other sections of Hunminjeongeum(훈민정음) called Yeui(예의) was created to describe and teach the reader about each sound of the 28-letter alphabet. With the creation of this book, Hunminjeongeum(훈민정음), we can understand the true vision and concept Sejong the great had for creating this language and how to clearly grasp the rules and usage of it. The next part of the book was called “haerye”(해례), which showed the theories involved with the inventions of the consonants and vowels and the ideas behind the initial, middle, and final sound of a syllable.<ref name="hangeul.go.kr">https://www.hangeul.go.kr/lang/en/html/education/Hangeul.do</ref>

Lastly another special distinction related to the language was, Hunminjeongeum(훈민정음) became a national treasure recognized by the UN in 1997. It was listed in the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register. It stated that this document created by Sejong was regarded highly for its linguistic, cultural, and ideological values.<ref name="hangeul.go.kr"/>

''']''' (신사임당) ~ ₩50,000

Shin Saimdang (1504-1551) is a well-known historical figure and is considered the representative image of the Korean woman and icon of the “wise mother and good wife” (hyeonmoyangcheo,현모양처). Shin Saimdang was an artist, writer calligraphist and poet of the Joseon era. She became the first woman to appear on a new Korean banknote since 2009.<ref>(Kim Soojin (2014) Vacillating images of Shin Saimdang: the invention of a historical heroine in colonial Korea, Inter-Asia Cultural Studies, 15:2, 274-290, DOI: 10.1080/14649373.2014.911440)
</ref> She is the mother of Yi I and was of great influence on him. She lived in a male-dominant society because of the great influence of Confucianism. For this reason, her real name is unknown and because she is a woman, her name didn’t make history. The only accounts of her origin story were from her son Yi Yulgok, unofficial history books, anthologies and from postscripts written by Confucian scholars. Her legacy and her artworks are remembered more than documents that portray her as a good wife and wise mother.<ref>(https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/art/2017/03/691_225097.html)</ref>


==New security features== ==New security features==
In 2006, it became a major concern that the South Korean won banknotes were being ]. This led the government to issue a new series of banknotes, with the 5,000 won note being the first one to be redesigned. Later in 2007, the 1,000 and 10,000 won notes were introduced.


On June 23, 2009, the Bank of Korea released the 50,000 won note. The obverse bears a portrait of ], a prominent 16th-century artist, calligrapher, and mother of Korean scholar ], also known as Yi I, who is on the 5,000 won note. This note is the first Korean banknote to feature the portrait of a woman.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200902/200902260003.html |title=W50,000 Bill Unveiled |publisher=] |date=February 26, 2009 |access-date=January 13, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301095424/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200902/200902260003.html |archive-date=March 1, 2009 }}</ref> The release of the 50,000 won note stirred some controversy among shop owners and those with visual impairments due to its similarity in color and numerical denomination with the 5,000 won note.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?sec=2&id=6534 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615162029/http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?sec=2&id=6534 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |title=ANN |publisher=Asianewsnet.net |access-date=July 26, 2013 }}</ref>
In 2006, it became a major concern that the South Korean won banknotes were being counterfeited/forged. This led the government to issue a new series of banknotes, with the 5,000 won note being the first one to be redesigned. Later in 2007, the 1,000 and 10,000 won notes were introduced.

On June 23, 2009, the Bank of Korea released the 50,000 won note. The obverse bears a portrait of ], a prominent 16th-century artist, calligrapher, and mother of Korean scholar ], also known as Yi I, who is on the 5,000 won note. This note is the first Korean banknote to feature the portrait of a woman.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200902/200902260003.html |title=W50,000 Bill Unveiled |publisher=english.chosun.com |date=2009-02-26 |access-date=2016-01-13 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301095424/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200902/200902260003.html |archive-date=March 1, 2009 }}</ref> The release of the 50,000 won note stirred some controversy among shop owners and those with visual impairments due to its similarity in color and numerical denomination with the 5,000 won note.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?sec=2&id=6534 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615162029/http://www.asianewsnet.net/news.php?sec=2&id=6534 |url-status=usurped |archive-date=2011-06-15 |title=ANN |publisher=Asianewsnet.net |access-date=2013-07-26 }}</ref>


New 100,000 won notes were also announced, but their release was later cancelled due to the controversy over the banknote's planned image, featuring the ] map, and not including the disputed ] islands.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/01/123_38457.html |title=50,000-Won Banknote to Be Issued in May |publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr |date=2009-01-27 |access-date=2012-09-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/01/123_38457.html |title=50,000-Won Banknote to Be Issued in May |publisher=Koreatimes.co.kr |date=2009-01-27 |access-date=2014-02-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2009010147518 |title=Debut of W100,000 Note Delayed Indefinitely |publisher=English.donga.com |date=2009-01-01 |access-date=2014-02-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20081218-108820.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223005846/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20081218-108820.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 23, 2014 |title=SKorea shelves new banknote |publisher=News.asiaone.com |date=2008-12-18 |access-date=2014-02-13}}</ref> New 100,000 won notes were also announced, but their release was later cancelled due to the controversy over the banknote's planned image, featuring the ] map, and not including the disputed ] islands.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/01/123_38457.html |title=50,000-Won Banknote to Be Issued in May |publisher=] |date=January 27, 2009 |access-date=September 1, 2012 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523031042/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/01/123_38457.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/01/123_38457.html |title=50,000-Won Banknote to Be Issued in May |publisher=] |date=January 27, 2009 |access-date=February 9, 2014 |archive-date=May 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523031042/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2009/01/123_38457.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2009010147518 |title=Debut of W100,000 Note Delayed Indefinitely |publisher=English.donga.com |date=January 1, 2009 |access-date=February 13, 2014 |archive-date=January 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160105175600/http://english.donga.com/srv/service.php3?biid=2009010147518 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20081218-108820.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140223005846/http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20081218-108820.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 23, 2014 |title=SKorea shelves new banknote |publisher=News.asiaone.com |date=December 18, 2008 |access-date=February 13, 2014}}</ref> Also of controversy was the appearance of ] on the note, who is controversial among the South Korean right.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=July 17, 2020 |title=10만원권 못 나온 이유는?… "김구 초상 쓰는 것에 반대 있었기 때문" |url=https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/06/07/2019060701529.html |access-date=January 8, 2024 |website=] |language=ko |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108093436/https://www.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2019/06/07/2019060701529.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


The banknotes include over 10 security features in each denomination. The 50,000 won note has 22 security features, the 10,000 won note 21, the 5,000 won note 17, the 2,000 won note 10 and the 1,000 won note 19. Many modern security features that can be also found in ]s, ], ]s, and ] are included in the banknotes. The banknotes include over 10 security features in each denomination. The 50,000 won note has 22 security features, the 10,000 won note 21, the 5,000 won note 17, the 2,000 won note 10 and the 1,000 won note 19. Many modern security features that can be also found in ]s, ], ]s, and ] are included in the banknotes.
Line 671: Line 647:
* ] portraits of the effigy of the note are visible when held to the light in the white section of the note. * ] portraits of the effigy of the note are visible when held to the light in the white section of the note.
* Intaglio printing on words and the effigy give off a raised feeling, different from ordinary paper * Intaglio printing on words and the effigy give off a raised feeling, different from ordinary paper
* ] in the right side of the obverse side of the note with small lettering "{{lang|ko|한국은행}} Bank of Korea" and its corresponding denomination * ] in the right side of the obverse side of the note with small lettering "{{Korean|hangul=한국은행|labels=no}} Bank of Korea" and its corresponding denomination
* ] on the value number at the back of the note: * ] on the value number at the back of the note:
For the first time in the world, ], the Korean mint, inserted a new substance in the notes to detect counterfeits. This technique is being exported to Europe, North America, etc.<ref>{{dead link|date=September 2012}}</ref> For the first time in the world, ], the Korean mint, inserted a new substance in the notes to detect counterfeits. This technique is being exported, such as to Europe and North America.<ref>http://www.bok.or.kr/template/newbanknotes/eng/html/index.jsp=tbl_FM0000000066_CA0000003607 {{dead link|date=September 2012}}</ref>


{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%" {|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%"
!colspan="10"|2006 Series<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=1692 |title=Currency < Currency in circulation < Introduction to Banknotes &#124; THE BANK OF KOREA. #2 |publisher=Bok.or.kr |access-date=2012-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923193302/http://www.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=1692 |archive-date=2015-09-23 |url-status=dead }}</ref> {{in lang|ko}} !colspan="10"|2006 Series<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=1692 |title=Currency < Currency in circulation < Introduction to Banknotes &#124; THE BANK OF KOREA. #2 |publisher=] |access-date=September 1, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923193302/http://www.bok.or.kr/broadcast.action?menuNaviId=1692 |archive-date=September 23, 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> {{in lang|ko}}
|- |-
!colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!rowspan="2"| Dimensions !!rowspan="2"| Main color !!colspan="3"| Description !!rowspan="2"| Date of issue !!rowspan="2"| BOK series designation !colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!rowspan="2"| Dimensions !!rowspan="2"| Main color !!colspan="3"| Description !!rowspan="2"| Date of issue !!rowspan="2"| BOK series designation
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|rowspan="4"| Reversed portrait and electrotype denomination (₩1,000 to ₩50,000) |rowspan="4"| Reversed portrait and electrotype denomination (₩1,000 to ₩50,000)
| January 22, 2007 | January 22, 2007
| Series III ({{lang|ko|다}}) | Series III ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- |-
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
Line 701: Line 677:
| "Insects and Plants", a painting of a watermelon and cockscombs by Yi I's mother Shin Saimdang | "Insects and Plants", a painting of a watermelon and cockscombs by Yi I's mother Shin Saimdang
| January 2, 2006 | January 2, 2006
| Series V ({{lang|ko|마}}) | Series V ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- |-
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
Line 708: Line 684:
| 148 × 68&nbsp;mm | 148 × 68&nbsp;mm
| Green | Green
| ], ], a folding screen for ]-era kings, and text from the second chapter of '']'', the first work of literature written in hangul | ], ], a folding screen for ]-era kings, and text from the second chapter of '']'', the first work of literature written in hangul
| Globe of ], ] C14 star map and reflecting telescope at Bohyeonsan Observatory in the background | Globe of ], ] C14 star map and reflecting telescope at Bohyeonsan Observatory in the background
| January 22, 2007 | January 22, 2007
| Series VI ({{lang|ko|바}}) | Series VI ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- |-
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ] | style="text-align:center; background:#000;"| ]
Line 721: Line 697:
|] and a plum tree |] and a plum tree
| June 23, 2009 | June 23, 2009
| Series I ({{lang|ko|가}}) | Series I ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- |-
|colspan="10"|{{Standard banknote table notice|standard_scale=0}} |colspan="10"|{{Standard banknote table notice|standard_scale=0}}
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{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%" {|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 90%"
!colspan="10"|2017 Commemorative Series<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bok.or.kr/eng/main/contents.do?menuNo=400358 |title={{!}} Commemorative Banknote {{!}} Currency {{!}} The bank of korea |website=www.bok.or.kr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714175332/http://www.bok.or.kr/eng/main/contents.do?menuNo=400358 |archive-date=2018-07-14}} </ref> {{in lang|ko}} !colspan="10"|2017 Commemorative Series<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bok.or.kr/eng/main/contents.do?menuNo=400358 |title= Commemorative Banknote {{!}} Currency {{!}} The bank of korea |website=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180714175332/http://www.bok.or.kr/eng/main/contents.do?menuNo=400358 |archive-date=July 14, 2018}}</ref> {{in lang|ko}}
|- |-
!colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!rowspan="2"| Dimensions !!rowspan="2"| Main color !!colspan="3"| Description !!rowspan="2"| Date of issue !!rowspan="2"| BOK series designation !colspan="2"| Image !!rowspan="2"| Value !!rowspan="2"| Dimensions !!rowspan="2"| Main color !!colspan="3"| Description !!rowspan="2"| Date of issue !!rowspan="2"| BOK series designation
Line 733: Line 709:
! Obverse !! Reverse !! Obverse !! Reverse !! Watermark ! Obverse !! Reverse !! Obverse !! Reverse !! Watermark
|- |-
|align="center" bgcolor="#000000"| ]
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"|
! align="center" bgcolor="#000000" |]
| style="text-align:center; background:#000;"|
| ₩2,000 | ₩2,000
| 140 x 75&nbsp;mm | 140 x 75&nbsp;mm
Line 741: Line 717:
| ''Songhamaenghodo'' (a painting of a tiger and a pine tree by Joseon-era artist Kim Hong-do) | ''Songhamaenghodo'' (a painting of a tiger and a pine tree by Joseon-era artist Kim Hong-do)
| ] | ]
| December 11, 2017 | November 17, 2017
| Series I ({{lang|ko|가}}) | Series I ({{Korean|hangul=|labels=no}})
|- |-
|colspan="10"|{{Standard banknote table notice|standard_scale=0}} |colspan="10"|{{Standard banknote table notice|standard_scale=0}}
|} |}


==Future of the South Korean won== ==Future==


===Coinless trials=== ===Coinless trials===
As the South Korean economy is evolving through the use of electronic payments, coins of the South Korean won are becoming less used by consumers. The Bank of Korea began a trial which would result in the total cessation of the production of coins by depositing change into prepaid cards.<ref> ] (www.bbc.com). April 19, 2017. Retrieved on 2017-07-14.</ref> As of 2019, however, public participation in this program has decreased.<ref>https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2019/10/13/finance/Coinless-society-still-full-of-coins/3068992.html</ref> As the South Korean economy is evolving through the use of electronic payments, coins of the South Korean won are becoming less used by consumers. The Bank of Korea began a trial which would result in the total cessation of the production of coins by depositing change into prepaid cards.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180508075521/http://www.bbc.com/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-39639226 |date=May 8, 2018 }} ] (www.bbc.com). April 19, 2017. Retrieved on July 14, 2017.</ref> As of 2019, however, public participation in this program has decreased.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2019/10/13/finance/Coinless-society-still-full-of-coins/3068992.html |title='Coinless society' still full of coins |publisher=] |date=January 20, 2020 |accessdate=March 16, 2022 |archive-date=February 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220211101731/https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/2019/10/13/finance/Coinless-society-still-full-of-coins/3068992.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


===Redenomination proposals=== ===Redenomination proposals===
There have been recurring proposals in the ] to redenominate the won by introducing a new won or new unit, equal to 1,000 old won, and worth nearly one ]. While proponents cite a more valuable currency unit better projects the strength of the nation's economy, a majority remain opposed to the idea. Reasons cited are: economic harm if done immediately, no issues on public confidence in the won and its inflation rate, limited cost savings, and the presence of more urgent economic issues.<ref>https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2019/04/488_267185.html</ref> There have been recurring proposals in the ] to redenominate the won by introducing a new won or new unit, equal to 1,000 old won, and worth nearly one ]. While proponents cite a more valuable currency unit better projects the strength of the nation's economy, a majority remain opposed to the idea. Reasons cited are: economic harm if done immediately, no issues on public confidence in the won and its inflation rate, limited cost savings, and the presence of more urgent economic issues.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2019/04/488_267185.html |title=Redenomination: boon or bane? |publisher=] |date=April 15, 2019 |accessdate=March 16, 2022 |archive-date=April 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416001922/https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2019/04/488_267185.html |url-status=live }}</ref>


==Currency production== ==Currency production==
The Bank of Korea is the only institution in South Korea with the right to print banknotes and mint coins. The banknotes and coins are printed at the KOMSCO, a government-owned corporation, under the guidance of the Bank of Korea. The Bank of Korea is the only institution in South Korea with the right to print banknotes and mint coins. The banknotes and coins are printed at the KOMSCO, a government-owned corporation, under the guidance of the Bank of Korea.
After the new banknotes and coins are printed/minted, they are bundled or rolled and shipped to the headquarters of the Bank of Korea. When delivered, they are deposited inside the bank's vault, ready to be distributed to commercial banks when requested. After the new banknotes and coins are ]ed, they are bundled or rolled and shipped to the headquarters of the Bank of Korea. When delivered, they are deposited inside the bank's vault, ready to be distributed to commercial banks when requested.
Every year, around ] and ], two major Korean holidays, the Bank of Korea distributes large amounts of its currency to most of the commercial banks in South Korea, which are then given to their customers upon request. Every year, around ] and ], two major Korean holidays, the Bank of Korea distributes large amounts of its currency to most of the commercial banks in South Korea, which are then given to their customers upon request.


Line 765: Line 741:
| direction = horizontal | direction = horizontal
| width = 350 | width = 350
| footer_align = center
| footer = <center>South Korean won exchange rate against ] (from 1990) and ] (from 1999).</center> | footer = South Korean won exchange rate against ] (from 1990) and ] (from 1999).
| image1 = KRW-USD v2.svg | image1 = KRW-USD v2.svg
| alt1 = | alt1 =
Line 774: Line 751:
}} }}


==Ranking==
{{Exchange Rate|KRW|JPY|USD}}
{{Most traded currencies}}
{{Reflist|group=lower-alpha}}
{{Exchange Rate|KRW|EUR|JPY|USD}}


==See also== ==See also==
Line 781: Line 761:
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
*
}} }}


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* {{cite news | title=BOK Announces Smaller Banknotes * {{cite news | title=BOK Announces Smaller Banknotes
| url=http://moneystuff.org | url=http://moneystuff.org
| publisher=] | date=2005-07-21 | access-date=2006-10-17 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061026031515/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200507/200507210018.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2006-10-26}} | publisher=] | date=July 21, 2005 | access-date=October 17, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061026031515/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200507/200507210018.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = October 26, 2006}}
* {{cite news | title=New W5,000 Ready for Release on Jan. 2 | url=http://moneystuff.org/2017/10/08/investment-books/ * {{cite news | title=New W5,000 Ready for Release on Jan. 2 | url=http://moneystuff.org/2017/10/08/investment-books/
| publisher=] | date=2005-12-13 | access-date=2006-10-17 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061026031455/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200512/200512130005.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2006-10-26}} | publisher=] | date=December 13, 2005 | access-date=October 17, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061026031455/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200512/200512130005.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = October 26, 2006}}
* {{cite news | title=New W1,000 Note Unveiled * {{cite news | title=New W1,000 Note Unveiled
| url=http://moneystuff.org/2017/10/06/5-passive-income-ideas-tips-to-make-money-as-you-sleep/ | url=http://moneystuff.org/2017/10/06/5-passive-income-ideas-tips-to-make-money-as-you-sleep/
| publisher=] | date=2006-01-17 | access-date=2006-10-17 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061026031404/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200601/200601170021.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2006-10-26}} | publisher=] | date=January 17, 2006 | access-date=October 17, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061026031404/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200601/200601170021.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = October 26, 2006}}
* {{cite news | title=Dollar Plummets to Pre-Crisis Level Against Won * {{cite news | title=Dollar Plummets to Pre-Crisis Level Against Won
| url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200601/200601250030.html | url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200601/200601250030.html
| publisher=] | date=2006-01-25 | access-date=2006-10-17 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061026030859/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200601/200601250030.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2006-10-26}} | publisher=] | date=January 25, 2006 | access-date=October 17, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061026030859/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200601/200601250030.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = October 26, 2006}}
* {{cite news | title=New W5,000 Bills Forgery- but not Water-Proof * {{cite news | title=New W5,000 Bills Forgery- but not Water-Proof
| url=http://moneystuff.org/2017/10/01/3-tips-save-1000-quickly/ | url=http://moneystuff.org/2017/10/01/3-tips-save-1000-quickly/
| publisher=] | date=2006-01-25 | access-date=2006-10-17 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061026032445/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200601/200601250012.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2006-10-26}} | publisher=] | date=January 25, 2006 | access-date=October 17, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061026032445/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200601/200601250012.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = October 26, 2006}}
* {{cite news | title=New W10,000 Note Unveiled * {{cite news | title=New W10,000 Note Unveiled
| url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200605/200605180022.html | url=http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200605/200605180022.html
| publisher=] | date=2006-05-18 | access-date=2006-10-17 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060709125108/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200605/200605180022.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2006-07-09}} | publisher=] | date=May 18, 2006 | access-date=October 17, 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060709125108/http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200605/200605180022.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = July 9, 2006}}
* , information page of BOK's new notes * , information page of BOK's new notes
* *
* {{cite web|url=http://www.bis-ans-ende-der-welt.net/Suedkorea-B-En.htm|title=The banknotes of South Korea|language=en,de|editor=Heiko Otto|access-date=2018-10-21}} * {{cite web|url=http://www.bis-ans-ende-der-welt.net/Suedkorea-B-En.htm|title=The banknotes of South Korea|language=en,de|editor=Heiko Otto|access-date=October 21, 2018}}


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Latest revision as of 15:26, 24 December 2024

Official currency of South Korea

South Korean won
ISO 4217
CodeKRW (numeric: 410)
Unit
Unitwon
PluralThe language(s) of this currency do(es) not have a morphological plural distinction.
Symbol
Denominations
Subunit
 1⁄100jeon (전; 錢)
Theoretical (not used)
Banknotes₩1,000, ₩2,000, ₩5,000, ₩10,000, ₩50,000
Coins₩1, ₩5, ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, ₩500
Demographics
User(s) South Korea
Issuance
Central bankBank of Korea
 Websiteeng.bok.or.kr
PrinterKorea Minting and Security Printing Corporation
 Websiteenglish.komsco.com
MintKorea Minting and Security Printing Corporation
 Websiteenglish.komsco.com
Valuation
Inflation2.4% (June 2024)
ValueExchange Rate
1 USD = 1,390 KRW
South Korean won
Hangul대한민국 원
Hanja大韓民國 원
Revised RomanizationDaehanminguk won
McCune–ReischauerTaehanmin'guk wŏn
The current won (원) does not officially have any hanja associated with it.
South Korean inflation   M2 money supply increases   Inflation   Inflation ex food and energy

The South Korean won (Symbol: ; Code: KRW; Korean: 대한민국 원) is the official currency of South Korea. A single won is divided into 100 jeon, the monetary subunit. The jeon is no longer used for everyday transactions, and it appears only in foreign exchange rates. The currency is issued by the Bank of Korea, based in the capital city of Seoul.

Etymology

Main article: Etymology of the Korean currencies See also: Korean won

The old "won" was a cognate of the Chinese yuan and Japanese yen, which were both derived from the Spanish-American silver dollar. It is derived from the hanja (원, won), meaning "round", which describes the shape of the silver dollar.

The won was subdivided into 100 jeon (Korean: 전; Hanja: 錢; MRchŏn), itself a cognate of the Chinese unit of weight mace and synonymous with money in general. The current won (1962 to present) is written in hangul only and does not officially have any hanja associated with it.

First South Korean won

Main article: South Korean won (1945–1953)

History

The Korean won, Chinese yuan and Japanese yen were all derived from the Spanish-American silver dollar, a coin widely used for international trade between Asia and the Americas from the 16th to 19th centuries.

During the colonial era under the Japanese (1910–45), the won was replaced by the Korean yen which was at par with the Japanese yen.

After World War II ended in 1945, Korea was divided, resulting in two separate currencies, both called won, for the South and the North. Both the Southern won and the Northern won replaced the yen at par. The first South Korean won was subdivided into 100 jeon.

The South Korean won initially had a fixed exchange rate to the U.S. dollar at a rate of 15 won to 1 dollar. A series of devaluations followed, the later ones, in part, due to the Korean War (1950–53). The pegs were:

Pegs for the first South Korean won
Date introduced Value of U.S. dollar in won
October 1945 15
July 15, 1947 50
October 1, 1948 450
June 14, 1949 900 (non-government transactions only)
May 1, 1950 1,800
November 1, 1950 2,500
April 1, 1951 6,000

The first South Korean won was replaced by the hwan on February 15, 1953, at a rate of 1 hwan = 100 won.

Banknotes

In 1946, the Bank of Joseon introduced 10 and 100 won notes. These were followed in 1949 by 5 and 1,000 won notes.

A new central bank, the Bank of Korea, was established on June 12, 1950, and assumed the duties of Bank of Joseon. Notes were introduced (some dated 1949) in denominations of 5, 10 and 50 jeon, and 100 and 1,000 won. The 500 won notes were introduced in 1952. In 1953, a series of banknotes was issued which, although it gave the denominations in English in won, were, in fact, the first issues of the hwan.

Second South Korean won

History

The won was reintroduced on June 10, 1962, at a rate of 1 won = 10 hwan. It became the sole legal tender on March 22, 1975, with the withdrawal of the last circulating hwan coins. Its ISO 4217 code is KRW. At the reintroduction of the won in 1962, its value was pegged at 125 won = US$1. The following pegs operated between 1962 and 1980:

Pegs for the second South Korean won
Date introduced Value of U.S. dollar in won
June 10, 1962 125
May 3, 1964 255
August 3, 1972 400
December 7, 1974 480
January 12, 1980 580

On February 27, 1980, efforts were initiated to lead to a floating exchange rate. The won was finally allowed to float on December 24, 1997, when an agreement was signed with the International Monetary Fund. Shortly after, the won was devalued to almost half of its value, as part of the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

Coins

Until 1966, 10 and 50 hwan coins, revalued as 1 and 5 won, were the only coins in circulation. New coins, denominated in won, were introduced by the Bank of Korea on August 16, 1966, in denominations of 1, 5 and 10 won, with the 1 won struck in brass and the 5 and 10 won in bronze. These were the first South Korean coins to display the date in the Gregorian calendar, earlier coins having used the Korean calendar. The 10 and 50 hwan coins were demonetized on March 22, 1975.

In 1968, as the intrinsic value of the brass 1 won coin far surpassed its face value, new aluminium 1 won coins were issued to replace them. As an attempt to further reduce currency production costs, new 5 and 10 won coins were issued in 1970, struck in brass. Cupronickel 100 won coins were also introduced that year, followed by cupronickel 50 won coins in 1972.

1966–1982 issued coins (in Korean)
Image Value Technical parameters Description Date of BOK series designation
Obverse Reverse Diameter Mass Composition Edge Obverse Reverse First minting Issue Issue Suspended
₩1 17.2 mm 1.7 g Brass
60% copper
40% zinc
Plain Rose of Sharon, value, bank title (hangul) Value (digit), bank title, year of minting 1966 August 16, 1966 December 1, 1980 Series I (가)
₩1 17.2 mm 0.729 g 100% aluminium Plain Rose of Sharon, value, bank title (hangul) Value (digit), bank title, year of minting 1968 August 26, 1968 1992 Series II (나)
₩5 20.4 mm 3.09 g Commercial bronze
88% copper
12% zinc
Plain Geobukseon, value, bank title (hangul) Value (digit), bank title, year of minting 1966 August 16, 1966 1992 Series I (가)
₩5 20.4 mm 2.95 g High brass
65% copper
35% zinc
Plain Geobukseon, value, bank title (hangul) Value (digit), bank title, year of minting 1970 July 16, 1970 1992 Series II (나)
₩10 22.86 mm 4.22 g Commercial bronze
88% copper
12% zinc
Plain Dabotap Pagoda, value, bank title (hangul) Value (digit), bank title, year of minting 1966 August 16, 1966 Still circulating Series I (가)
₩10 22.86 mm 4.06 g High brass
65% copper
35% zinc
Plain Dabotap Pagoda, value, bank title (hangul) Value (digit), bank title, year of minting 1970 July 16, 1970 Still circulating Series II (나)
₩50 21.6 mm 4.16 g 70% copper
18% zinc
12% nickel
Reeded Stalk of rice, value (hangul) Value (digit), bank title (hangul), year of minting 1972 December 1, 1972 Still circulating Series I (가)
₩100 24 mm 5.42 g Cupronickel
75% copper
25% nickel
Yi Sun-sin, value, bank title (hangul) Value (digit), year of minting 1970 November 30, 1970
These images are to scale at 2.5 pixels per millimetre. For table standards, see the coin specification table.

In 1982, with inflation and the increasing popularity of vending machines, 500 won coins were introduced on June 12, 1982. In January 1983, with the purpose of standardizing the coinage, a new series of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 won coins was issued, using the same layout as the 500 won coins, but conserving the coins' old themes.

1982–2006 issued coins
Image Value Technical parameters Description Date of BOK series designation
Obverse Reverse Diameter Mass Composition Edge Obverse Reverse First minting Issue
₩1 [ko] 17.2 mm 0.729 g 100% aluminium Plain Rose of Sharon, value (hangul) Value (digit), bank title, year of minting 1983 January 15, 1983 Series III (다)
₩5 [ko] 20.4 mm 2.95 g High brass
65% copper
35% zinc
Plain Geobukseon, value (hangul) Value (digit), bank title, year of minting 1983 January 15, 1983 Series III (다)
₩10 22.86 mm 4.06 g Dabotap Pagoda, value (hangul)
These images are to scale at 2.5 pixels per millimetre. For table standards, see the coin specification table.
Current coins
Image Value Technical parameters Description Date of BOK series designation
Obverse Reverse Diameter Mass Composition Edge Obverse Reverse First minting Issue
₩10 [ko] 18 mm 1.22 g Copper-plated aluminium
48% copper
52% aluminium
Plain Dabotap pagoda, value (hangul) Value (digit), bank title, year of minting 2006 December 18, 2006 Series IV (라)
₩50 [ko] 21.6 mm 4.16 g 70% copper
18% zinc
12% nickel
Reeded Stalk of rice, value (hangul) Value (digit), bank title, year of minting 1983 January 15, 1983 Series II (나)
₩100 [ko] 24 mm 5.42 g Cupronickel
75% copper
25% nickel
Yi Sun-sin, value (hangul)
₩500 26.5 mm 7.7 g Red-crowned crane, value (hangul) 1982 June 12, 1982 Series I (가)
These images are to scale at 2.5 pixels per millimetre. For table standards, see the coin specification table.

The Bank of Korea announced in early 2006 its intention to redesign the 10 won coin by the end of that year. With the increasing cost of production, then at 38 won per 10 won coin, and rumors that some people had been melting the coins to make jewelry, the redesign was needed to make the coin more cost-effective to produce. The new coin is made of copper-coated aluminium with a reduced diameter of 18 millimetres (0.71 in), and a weight of 1.22 grams (0.043 oz). Its visual design is the same as the old coin. The new coin was issued on December 18, 2006.

The 1 and 5 won coins are rarely in circulation since 1992, and prices of consumer goods are rounded to the nearest 10 won. However, they are still in production, minting limited amounts of these two coins every year, for the Bank of Korea's annual mint sets. In 1998, the production costs per coin were: 10 won coins each cost 35 won to produce, 100 won coins cost 58 won, and 500 won coins cost 77 won.

Banknotes

The Bank of Korea designates banknote and coin series in a unique way. Instead of putting those of similar design and issue dates in the same series, it assigns series number X to the Xth design of a given denomination. The series numbers are expressed with Korean letters used in alphabetical order, e.g. 가, 나, 다, 라, 마, 바, 사. Therefore, 1,000 won issued in 1983 is series II (나) because it is the second design of all 1,000 won designs since the introduction of the South Korean won in 1962.

In 1962, 10 and 50 jeon, 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 won notes were introduced by the Bank of Korea. The first issue of 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 and 500 won notes was printed in the UK by Thomas De La Rue. The jeon notes together with a second issue of 10 and 100 won notes were printed domestically by the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation.

In 1965, 100 won notes (series III) were printed using intaglio printing techniques, for the first time on domestically printed notes, to reduce counterfeiting. Replacements for the British 500 won notes followed in 1966, also using intaglio printing, and for the 50 won notes in 1969 using lithoprinting.

1962 Thomas De La Rue Series (in Korean)
Image Value Dimensions Main color Description Date of BOK series designation
Obverse Reverse Obverse Reverse Issue Issue Suspended
₩1 94 × 50 mm Pink Bank of Korea's symbol Value June 10, 1962 May 20, 1970 None
₩5 Blue May 1, 1969
₩10 108 × 54 mm Green September 1, 1962 Series I (가)
₩50 156 × 66 mm Orange Haegeumgang near Geoje Torch, value May 20, 1970
₩100 Green Independence Gate (Dongnimmun) February 14, 1969
₩500 Grey Namdaemun February 3, 1967
1962–1969 KOMSCO Series (in Korean)
10 jeon 90 × 50 mm Blue "Bank of Korea" and value (Korean) "Bank of Korea" and value (English) December 1, 1962 December 1, 1980 None
50 jeon Brown
₩10 140 × 63 mm Purple Cheomseongdae Geobukseon September 21, 1962 October 30, 1973 Series II (나)
₩50 149 × 64 mm Green and orange / blue Tapgol Park in Seoul Beacon, Rose of Sharon March 21, 1969 Series II (나)
₩100 156 × 66 mm Green Independence Gate Gyeonghoeru Pavilion at Gyeongbokgung November 1, 1962 Series II (나)
Sejong the Great Main building of the Bank of Korea August 14, 1965 December 1, 1980 Series III (다)
₩500 165 × 73 mm Brown Namdaemun Geobukseon August 16, 1966 May 10, 1975 Series II (나)
These images are to scale at 0.7 pixel per millimetre. For table standards, see the banknote specification table.

With the economic development from the 1960s, the value of the 500 won notes fell, resulting in a greater use of cashier's checks with higher fixed denominations as means of payment, as well as an increased use of counterfeited ones. In 1970, the 100 won notes were replaced by coins, with the same happening to the 50 won notes in 1972.

Higher-denomination notes of 5,000 and 10,000 won were introduced in 1972 and 1973, respectively. The notes incorporated new security features, including watermark, security thread, and ultraviolet response fibres, and were intaglio printed. The release of 10,000 won notes was planned to be at the same time as the 5,000 won notes, but problems with the main theme delayed it by a year. Newly designed 500 won notes were also released in 1973, and the need for a medium denomination resulted in the introduction of 1,000 won notes in 1975.

1972–1973 Series (in Korean)
Image Value Dimensions Main color Description Date of BOK series designation Plate produced
Obverse Reverse Obverse Reverse Watermark Issue Issue Suspended
₩5,000 167 × 77 mm Brown Yi I Main building of the Bank of Korea July 1, 1972 December 1, 1980 Series I (가) By Thomas de la Rue
₩10,000 171 × 81 mm Green Sejong the Great, Rose of Sharon Geunjeongjeon at Gyeongbok Palace June 12, 1973 November 10, 1981 Series I (가) In Japan
1973–1979 Series (in Korean)
₩500 159 × 69 mm Green and pink Yi Sun-sin, Geobukseon Yi Sun-sin's Shrine at Hyeonchungsa None September 1, 1973 May 12, 1993 Series III (다)
₩1,000 163 × 73 mm Purple Yi Hwang, Rose of Sharon Dosan Seowon (Dosan Confucian Academy) August 14, 1975 Series I (가) In Japan
₩5,000 167 × 77 mm Orange Yi I Ojukheon in Gangneung June 1, 1977 May 12, 1993 Series II (나) In Japan
₩10,000 171 × 81 mm Green Sejong the Great, Water clock Gyeonghoeru Pavilion at Gyeongbok Palace, Rose of Sharon June 15, 1979 May 12, 1993 Series II (나) In Japan
These images are to scale at 0.7 pixel per millimetre. For table standards, see the banknote specification table.

In 1982, the 500 won note was replaced by a coin. The following year, as part of its policy of rationalizing the currency system, the Bank of Korea issued a new set of notes, as well as a new set of coins. Some of the notes' most notable features were distinguishable marks for the blind under the watermark and the addition of machine-readable language in preparation for mechanization of cash handling. They were also printed on better-quality cotton pulp to reduce the production costs by extending their circulation life.

To cope with the deregulation of imports of color printers and the increasing use of computers and scanners, modified 5,000 and 10,000 won notes were released between 1994 and 2002 with various new security features, which included color-shifting ink, microprint, segmented metal thread, moiré, and EURion constellation. The latest version of the 5,000 and 10,000 won notes are easily identifiable by the copyright information inscribed under the watermark: "© 한국은행" and year of issue on the obverse, "© The Bank of Korea" and year of issue on the reverse.

The plates for the 5,000 won notes were produced in Japan, while the ones for the 1,000 and 10,000 won notes were produced by the Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation. They were all printed in intaglio.

1983–2002 Series (in Korean)
Image Value Dimensions Main Color Description Date of issue Suspended Date BOK series designation Modification
Obverse Reverse Obverse Reverse Watermark
₩1,000 151 × 76 mm Purple Yi Hwang Dosan Seowon (Dosan Confucian Academy) Reversed portrait June 11, 1983 June 1, 2016 Series II (나)
₩5,000 156 × 76 mm Orange Yi I Ojukheon in Gangneung June 11, 1983 Series III (다)
June 12, 2002 Series IV (라) Color-shifting ink on the dots for blinds, segmented metal thread, copyright inscription
₩10,000 161 × 76 mm Green Sejong the Great, Water clock Gyeonghoeru Pavilion at Gyeongbok Palace October 8, 1983 Series III (다)
January 20, 1994 Series IV (라) Segmented metal thread, microprint under the water clock, moiré on watermark area, intaglio latent image
Reversed portrait, Taeguk June 19, 2000 Series V (마) Color-shifting ink on the dots for blinds, removal of moiré, EURion constellation, copyright inscription
These images are to scale at 0.7 pixel per millimetre. For table standards, see the banknote specification table.

New security features

In 2006, it became a major concern that the South Korean won banknotes were being counterfeited. This led the government to issue a new series of banknotes, with the 5,000 won note being the first one to be redesigned. Later in 2007, the 1,000 and 10,000 won notes were introduced.

On June 23, 2009, the Bank of Korea released the 50,000 won note. The obverse bears a portrait of Shin Saimdang, a prominent 16th-century artist, calligrapher, and mother of Korean scholar Yulgok, also known as Yi I, who is on the 5,000 won note. This note is the first Korean banknote to feature the portrait of a woman. The release of the 50,000 won note stirred some controversy among shop owners and those with visual impairments due to its similarity in color and numerical denomination with the 5,000 won note.

New 100,000 won notes were also announced, but their release was later cancelled due to the controversy over the banknote's planned image, featuring the Daedongyeojido map, and not including the disputed Dokdo islands. Also of controversy was the appearance of Kim Ku on the note, who is controversial among the South Korean right.

The banknotes include over 10 security features in each denomination. The 50,000 won note has 22 security features, the 10,000 won note 21, the 5,000 won note 17, the 2,000 won note 10 and the 1,000 won note 19. Many modern security features that can be also found in euros, pounds, Canadian dollars, and Japanese yen are included in the banknotes. Some security features inserted in won notes are:

  • Holograms with three-dimensional images that change colors within the metallic foil on the obverse side of the notes (except ₩1,000)
  • Watermark portraits of the effigy of the note are visible when held to the light in the white section of the note.
  • Intaglio printing on words and the effigy give off a raised feeling, different from ordinary paper
  • Security thread in the right side of the obverse side of the note with small lettering "한국은행 Bank of Korea" and its corresponding denomination
  • Color-shifting ink on the value number at the back of the note:

For the first time in the world, KOMSCO, the Korean mint, inserted a new substance in the notes to detect counterfeits. This technique is being exported, such as to Europe and North America.

2006 Series (in Korean)
Image Value Dimensions Main color Description Date of issue BOK series designation
Obverse Reverse Obverse Reverse Watermark
₩1,000 [ko] 136 × 68 mm Blue Yi Hwang, Myeongryundang in Seonggyungwan, plum flowers "Gyesangjeonggeodo"; a painting Yi Hwang in Dosan Seowon by Jeong Seon Reversed portrait and electrotype denomination (₩1,000 to ₩50,000) January 22, 2007 Series III (다)
₩5,000 [ko] 142 × 68 mm Orange Yi I, Ojukheon in Gangneung, black bamboo "Insects and Plants", a painting of a watermelon and cockscombs by Yi I's mother Shin Saimdang January 2, 2006 Series V (마)
₩10,000 [ko] 148 × 68 mm Green Sejong the Great, Irworobongdo, a folding screen for Joseon-era kings, and text from the second chapter of Yongbieocheonga, the first work of literature written in hangul Globe of Honcheonsigye, Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido C14 star map and reflecting telescope at Bohyeonsan Observatory in the background January 22, 2007 Series VI (바)
₩50,000 [ko] 154 × 68 mm Yellow Shin Saimdang with Chochungdo - a Folding Screen of Embroidered Plants and Insects (South Korean National Treasure No. 595) in the background Bamboo and a plum tree June 23, 2009 Series I (가)
These images are to scale at 0.7 pixel per millimetre. For table standards, see the banknote specification table.
2017 Commemorative Series (in Korean)
Image Value Dimensions Main color Description Date of issue BOK series designation
Obverse Reverse Obverse Reverse Watermark
₩2,000 140 x 75 mm Gray Seven winter sports events (Biathlon, Ice hockey, Curling, Speed skating, Ski jumping, Luge and Bobsled) Songhamaenghodo (a painting of a tiger and a pine tree by Joseon-era artist Kim Hong-do) Pyeongchang Olympic Stadium November 17, 2017 Series I (가)
These images are to scale at 0.7 pixel per millimetre. For table standards, see the banknote specification table.

Future

Coinless trials

As the South Korean economy is evolving through the use of electronic payments, coins of the South Korean won are becoming less used by consumers. The Bank of Korea began a trial which would result in the total cessation of the production of coins by depositing change into prepaid cards. As of 2019, however, public participation in this program has decreased.

Redenomination proposals

There have been recurring proposals in the South Korean National Assembly to redenominate the won by introducing a new won or new unit, equal to 1,000 old won, and worth nearly one U.S. dollar. While proponents cite a more valuable currency unit better projects the strength of the nation's economy, a majority remain opposed to the idea. Reasons cited are: economic harm if done immediately, no issues on public confidence in the won and its inflation rate, limited cost savings, and the presence of more urgent economic issues.

Currency production

The Bank of Korea is the only institution in South Korea with the right to print banknotes and mint coins. The banknotes and coins are printed at the KOMSCO, a government-owned corporation, under the guidance of the Bank of Korea. After the new banknotes and coins are minted, they are bundled or rolled and shipped to the headquarters of the Bank of Korea. When delivered, they are deposited inside the bank's vault, ready to be distributed to commercial banks when requested. Every year, around Seollal and Chuseok, two major Korean holidays, the Bank of Korea distributes large amounts of its currency to most of the commercial banks in South Korea, which are then given to their customers upon request.

Current exchange rates

South Korean won exchange rate against U.S. dollar (from 1990) and Euro (from 1999).

Ranking

Most traded currencies by value
Currency distribution of global foreign exchange market turnover
Currency ISO 4217
code
Symbol or
Abbrev.
Proportion of daily volume Change
(2019–2022)
April 2019 April 2022
U.S. dollar USD $, US$ 88.3% 88.5% Increase 0.2pp
Euro EUR 32.3% 30.5% Decrease 1.8pp
Japanese yen JPY ¥, 円 16.8% 16.7% Decrease 0.1pp
Sterling GBP £ 12.8% 12.9% Increase 0.1pp
Renminbi CNY ¥, 元 4.3% 7.0% Increase 2.7pp
Australian dollar AUD $, A$ 6.8% 6.4% Decrease 0.4pp
Canadian dollar CAD $, Can$ 5.0% 6.2% Increase 1.2pp
Swiss franc CHF Fr., fr. 4.9% 5.2% Increase 0.3pp
Hong Kong dollar HKD $, HK$, 元 3.5% 2.6% Decrease 0.9pp
Singapore dollar SGD $, S$ 1.8% 2.4% Increase 0.6pp
Swedish krona SEK kr, Skr 2.0% 2.2% Increase 0.2pp
South Korean won KRW ₩, 원 2.0% 1.9% Decrease 0.1pp
Norwegian krone NOK kr, Nkr 1.8% 1.7% Decrease 0.1pp
New Zealand dollar NZD $, $NZ 2.1% 1.7% Decrease 0.4pp
Indian rupee INR 1.7% 1.6% Decrease 0.1pp
Mexican peso MXN $, Mex$ 1.7% 1.5% Decrease 0.2pp
New Taiwan dollar TWD $‎, NT$, 圓 0.9% 1.1% Increase 0.2pp
South African rand ZAR R 1.1% 1.0% Decrease 0.1pp
Brazilian real BRL R$ 1.1% 0.9% Decrease 0.2pp
Danish krone DKK kr., DKr 0.6% 0.7% Increase 0.1pp
Polish złoty PLN zł‎, Zl 0.6% 0.7% Increase 0.1pp
Thai baht THB ฿, B 0.5% 0.4% Decrease 0.1pp
Israeli new shekel ILS ₪, NIS 0.3% 0.4% Increase 0.1pp
Indonesian rupiah IDR Rp 0.4% 0.4% Steady
Czech koruna CZK Kč, CZK 0.4% 0.4% Steady
UAE dirham AED د.إ, Dh(s) 0.2% 0.4% Increase 0.2pp
Turkish lira TRY ₺, TL 1.1% 0.4% Decrease 0.7pp
Hungarian forint HUF Ft 0.4% 0.3% Decrease 0.1pp
Chilean peso CLP $, Ch$ 0.3% 0.3% Steady
Saudi riyal SAR ﷼, SRl(s) 0.2% 0.2% Steady
Philippine peso PHP 0.3% 0.2% Decrease 0.1pp
Malaysian ringgit MYR RM 0.2% 0.2% Steady
Colombian peso COP $, Col$ 0.2% 0.2% Steady
Russian ruble RUB ₽, руб 1.1% 0.2% Decrease 0.9pp
Romanian leu RON —, leu 0.1% 0.1% Steady
Peruvian sol PEN S/ 0.1% 0.1% Steady
Other currencies 2.0% 2.4% Increase 0.4pp
Total 200.0% 200.0%


Current KRW exchange rates
From Google Finance: AUD CAD CHF CNY EUR GBP HKD JPY USD EUR JPY USD
From Yahoo! Finance: AUD CAD CHF CNY EUR GBP HKD JPY USD EUR JPY USD
From XE.com: AUD CAD CHF CNY EUR GBP HKD JPY USD EUR JPY USD
From OANDA: AUD CAD CHF CNY EUR GBP HKD JPY USD EUR JPY USD

See also

References

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External links

Preceded by:
Korean yen
Ratio: at par
Currency of South Korea
1945 – 1953
Succeeded by:
South Korean hwan
Reason: inflation
Ratio: 1 hwan = 100 won
Preceded by:
South Korean hwan
Reason: inflation
Ratio: 1 won = 10 hwan
Currency of South Korea
1962 –
Succeeded by:
Current
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See also: Economy of North Korea
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998–1105,
1423–1425,
1625–1892
Yang
1892–1902
Won
1902–1910
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1902–1945
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1945–1947
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1947–1959
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1959–2009
North Korean third won
since 2009
South Korean old won
1945–1953
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1953–1962
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since 1962
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