The South Korean Won (KRW)
The South Korean Won (KRW, ₩) is the official currency of South Korea, a country in East Asia known for its technology, culture, and strong economy. The won is used every day for shopping, business, and travel. Its coins and banknotes feature important historical figures, landmarks, and cultural symbols.
Currency overview
The South Korean Won is managed by the Bank of Korea, which acts as the country’s central bank. The Bank of Korea issues the currency, sets monetary policies, and works to keep the economy stable.
The won was first introduced in 1945 after Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule. The current version has been used since 1962 after a revaluation to help control inflation. As of 2025, the modern won is about 63 years old.
The win is notable for its unique symbol, '₩,' and for featuring famous Korean leaders and cultural icons on its notes. The banknotes also have advanced security features and colorful designs representing Korea’s history and technology.
The symbol '₩' is a stylized 'W' for 'won,' the name of the currency. It helps easily identify South Korea’s money internationally. The currency code 'KRW' is used in financial markets worldwide.
South Korean Won Stats | |
|---|---|
Name | South Korean Won |
Symbol | KRW / ₩ |
Minor unit | Jeon (no longer in use) |
Minor unit symbol | – |
Top KRW conversion | KRW/USD |
Top KRW Chart | KRW to USD, EUR, GBP |
South Korean Won Profile | |
|---|---|
Nicknames | Won, KRW |
Coins | 10, 50, 100, 500 won |
Bank notes | 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000 won |
Central Bank | Bank of Korea |
Users | South Korea |
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