All You Need To Know About Korean Currency Rate And Money

May 19, 2023

Last Updated on: Aug 22, 2025

Travel Guides

For avid travelers and investors, the Korean currency rate can be a fascinating topic of discussion. Understanding the fluctuations of the won against other currencies can give insights into its economy.

Likewise, it could say much about Korea’s political developments and investors’ sentiment in the market.

This article will explore everything about the Korean currency rate. As such, we will cover the basic conversion rates to the impact of major events on the Korean economy.

History Of Korean Currency

South Korean currency has rich historical data that dates back to the early dynasties of Korea. It all started with the use of cowry shells and pearls as currency. As time passed, metal coins and paper money became popular.

The Japanese occupation of Korea introduced the Japanese yen as the official currency. Yet, in 1945, the Korean won was introduced and became the official currency.

Interestingly, the won was initially divided into 100 jeon, but the jeon was eliminated in 1960. The won has undergone many transformations to ensure price stability and economic growth. In modern times, the South Korean won is the official currency used in South Korea.

Today, the value of the South Korean won fluctuates with the global exchange rates. It’s one of the world’s top 20 currencies by value.

Current South Korean Won Exchange Rate

Knowing the latest exchange rate for the Korean won can be helpful in budgeting and forecasting your finances. As of January 2023, the exchange rate for Korean won is fluctuating depending on the global market and demand.

Below are some of the latest conversion rates:

  • 1 US dollar = 1,315.29 Korean won (USD to KRW)
  • 1 Australian dollar = 893.35 Korean won (AUD to KRW)
  • 1 Chinese yuan = 192.07 Korean won (CNY to KRW)
  • 1 Japanese yen = 9.90 Korean won (JPY to KRW)

However, exchange rates may vary depending on banks’ locations and policies.

Check exchange rates online through various currency converter websites to ease the currency conversion. Alternatively, download an exchange rate or currency calculator app. With these tools, you can convert your dollars to South Korean won (USD – KRW) or any other currency at the current rate.

Banknotes And Coins

Banknotes and coins in South Korea are not only used for daily transactions. Yet, they also hold significant cultural value. As such, these banknotes come in different denominations and colors.

For instance, the 1,000-won note features a Confucian scholar. Then, the 10,000 won note features Admiral Yi Sun-sin, known for his naval victories against Japan.

Meanwhile, the 50,000 won note features Shin Saimdang, a prominent female artist. Besides that, she was the mother of the famous Korean painter Yi I. These banknotes represent important historical figures and showcase various artistic designs.

Similarly, Korean coins are equally fascinating, with 10, 50, 100, and 500 won denominations. Each coin features a different symbol that holds cultural significance.

The 500-won coin features the portrait of King Sejong, who invented the Korean alphabet. Meanwhile, the 100-won coin features the image of a crane, symbolizing longevity and good fortune in Korean culture.

When visiting South Korea, carry some local currency as most stores prefer cash transactions. Foreign exchange markets are available in major cities, but it is crucial to know exchange fees as they vary.

Overall, banknotes and coins in South Korea hold monetary value and capture the country’s cultural heritage. Visit the Bank of Korea to learn more about their banknotes and coins.

Money-Handling And Etiquette

As with any country, knowing the cultural norms when handling money in South Korea is good. As such, for Koreans, money is not just a means but a representation of energy.

Below are some key points to note:

  • Cleanliness is crucial. Many Koreans believe money represents energy and keep their bills and coins as clean as possible. Hence, you will rarely see crumpled or dirty bills in circulation. Besides that, many Koreans carry cash and coins in wallets and change purses. For them, it is not just a convenient way to have cash but a way to keep it clean and maintain the money’s energy.
  • Respectful giving and receiving. When giving or receiving money, using both hands for respect is customary. This act is particularly true when exchanging money with older people or of a higher status than you.
  • No throwing or placing on the floor. Throwing money or putting it on the floor is considered disrespectful. If you drop a coin or bill, pick it up immediately. Likewise, people usually place money on a designated tray or hand it directly to the receiver.
  • Cash vs. Card. Credit cards are widely accepted in Korea. Yet, having some Korean won for small transactions or in areas that only accept cash is always good.

Keep this Korean currency rate information. Doing so will allow you to navigate financial transactions in South Korea with ease and respect for the country’s cultural norms.

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Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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Is Barbados Safe? Why Do People Question The Safety In Barbados?

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 21, 2023

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This Is The Best Time To Visit Iceland & These Are The Things You Should Do!

BY  sagnika Aug 14, 2023

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Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips: When To Go For Mantas, Whales, And Sunshine? 

BY  Sibashree Dec 29, 2025

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The Komodo Switch And The liveaboard Season   In May, about 80% of the liveaboard fleet sails west to Komodo National Park to follow the dry weather. If you want a luxury boat experience, you must visit Raja Ampat between October and April.  2. Choose Diving Resorts For Off-Peak Season Diving   If you are traveling in the summer, between June and August, you must choose the land-based resorts in the Dampier Strait. These resorts offer stability, and you can take shorter boat rides to reach the dive sites. Enjoy the low-season pricing.   What Are The Expert Tips For the Raja Ampat Diving Season?  You cannot fear the rain when you are diving in Raja Ampat. Also, the consistent temperature of the water in Raja Ampat makes diving possible, especially in the Dampier Strait sites.  Here are some other things to remember if you are diving in Raja Ampat.   Expert Tips What It Means Don't Fear the Rain It is a rainforest; it rains even in the dry season. The fish don't mind, and you're already wet.  The "Green Water" is Good Lower visibility often means plankton, and dense plankton is the "dinner bell" for Manta Rays. Book Christmas Early This is the busiest window, and some boats sell out 2 years in advance.  Currents and Moons For the most intense fish action, book your trip during the New or Full Moon.  Surface Intervals Use sun protection in the dry season and bring a windbreaker for the wet season boat rides.  Water Temp is Constant It stays 28 to 30 degrees Celsius all year. A 3mm wetsuit is plenty.  Check Boat Locations Ensure your preferred boat hasn't already moved to Komodo for the summer. Flight Reliability Pad your travel schedule in July/August, as wind can delay small island hops or ferries.  Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips For Photographers: The Lens Guide  Seasons  Ideal Lens What to Capture  October to April Wide Angle • Perfect for Capturing Mantas  • Sweeping Schools of Fish  Split Shots with Blue Skies  May to September Macro Lens • Fluctuating Visibility  • Perfect to Focus on Pygmy Seahorses, Blue-ringed Octopus, and Ornate Ghost Pipefish.  Late April and Early October (The Shoulder Season Secret) Macro Lens  • These are Sweet Spots, and You Get to Frame the Calm Transition of the Marine Animals.   • Still, the Crowd of the Big 5 is Not Intense as the December and January Holidays.   Raja Ampat Diving Season Tips: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Raja Ampat diving season tips.   1. What Is The Absolute Best Month To Dive Raja Ampat?  January is the absolute best or the prime month to dive in Raja Ampat. You get peak visibility, around 25 to 30 meters in the water, and it is the ideal month to spot Reef and Oceanic Mantas due to plankton increases.  Furthermore, all the regions, the south, the central, and the north, remain accessible this month.   2. Can I Dive Raja Ampat In August? Yes, you can dive in Raja Ampat in August. In fact, August is a great month if you want to explore Cape Kri and Blue Magic without the crowd. However, if you are diving in Raja Ampat in August, stick to the sites in Waigeo, Gam, and Mansuar and along the Dampier Strait in the North and Central zones. 3. When Is The Best Time For Whale Sharks In Raja Ampat? October to April is the best time to see Whale Sharks in Raja Ampat. You can find them in Misool and the Dampier Strait sites. However, for a better and more certain visibility of Whale Sharks, you must visit Triton Bay, south of Raja Ampat. The Full Moon Nights are ideal for spotting Whale Sharks.  4. Is The Wet Season Cheaper In Raja Ampat? Yes, the wet season is cheaper in Raja Ampat as it is the off-peak season for diving. In the diving resorts, mostly concentrated around the Dampier Strait Region, you will get a discount of around 10-15%. There is also a hefty discount on the diving packages. On the other hand, the liveaboards will offer around 20-30% discount in the wet season.  5. What Is The Water Temperature Like Year-round In Raja Ampat? The year-round water temperature in Raja Ampat is around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius. One of the best things about diving in Raja Ampat is the incredibly stable, bathtub-warm water. Because the archipelago is located just one degree from the equator, you won't experience the dramatic temperature drops or "thermoclines" found in other parts of Indonesia, like Komodo or Bali.  6. Do I Need A Dry Suit Or A Thick Wetsuit In The Off-season? No, you don’t need a dry suit or thick wetsuit to dive in Raja Ampat, even in the off-season. It is because the temperature of the waters here hovers around 28 to 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. A 3mm thick wetsuit is enough if you are doing deep diving. It ensures that your body does not lose temperature rapidly. It also protects you from the irritants in the water and helps in buoyancy. 7. Does Visibility Change With The Seasons In Raja Ampat? Yes, visibility changes with the seasons in Raja Ampat. However, remember that having clear water does not mean the ideal condition for spotting the marine life in Raja Ampat. In the dry season, from October to April, the visibility is around 15 to 30 meters. Still, from December to March, nutrient-rich currents flood the archipelago. This creates "green" or "particulate" water. While this might frustrate wide-angle photographers looking for a pure blue background, it is the "dinner bell" for Manta Rays and Whale Sharks.Furthermore, during the wet season, from May to September, the visibility is 10 to 20 meters. However, this is an ideal time for many photographers as the water is clearer due to the lack of plankton blooms. 8. When Do The Liveaboards Move To Komodo? The famous Indonesian Switch, or the transition of liveaboards to and from Komodo, happens twice a year. In April and May, the peak diving season in Raja Ampat approaches its end. So, 80% of the liveaboards in Raja Ampat move toward the Komodo National Park. These liveaboards often pass through the Banda Sea and the Forgotten Island, where you can spot hammerhead sharks in late April and May. Again, these liveaboards return in September and October as Komodo starts getting heavy rainfall, but the water of Raja Ampat becomes still. On the way, you can spot deep-sea pinnacles and incredible whale shark encounters in Triton Bay or the Banda Sea.  9. Is It Safe To Visit Raja Ampat During The Monsoon? Yes, the rainy season does not mean a complete shutdown for tourists to Raja Ampat. In fact, the central zone (Dampier Strait) and areas such as Waigeo/Gam remain quite accessible even in high winds due to the protection of huge land masses. However, the diving sites in the southern zone of Misool are risky in these months.  10. When Is The Best Time For Underwater Photography In Raja Ampat? The best time for underwater photography in Raja Ampat will depend on the kind of backdrop you want. The waters of Raja Ampat always amaze you with an impressive marine life. October to November is the time for the best all-round photography experience. You will get calm seas, returning Mantas, and massive schools of baitfish. Great for wide-angle and split shots. Also, for a truly unique photographic subject, aim for the Full Moons in October and November. This is when the reefs often experience mass coral spawning. It is a spectacular nighttime event that turns the water into a "snow globe" of biological activity.Again, January and February are ideal for framing the Manta action. Plankton blooms can create "green" water, but offer world-class Manta displays. These are the months for macro specialists. The months of March and April offer peak visibility. You will now find the clearest water of the year (30m+). Ideal for large reefscapes and blue backgrounds.Finally, June to September is ideal for shooting the empty reef and macros in action.