Currency in South Korea – The South Korean Won (KRW)
What currency should you take to South Korea?
The official currency of South Korea is the South Korean won, abbreviated as KRW (ISO 4217 code). The symbol commonly used is ₩.
Key Information About the South Korean Won
If you’re heading to South Korea, it’s helpful to know how the currency works and what denominations to expect.
How is the South Korean Won Structured?
The won is not subdivided into active smaller units, as the former subunit jeon (1 won = 100 jeon) is no longer in use in daily transactions.
Banknotes in Circulation:
- ₩1,000
- ₩5,000
- ₩10,000
- ₩50,000
Coins in Circulation:
South Korean banknotes feature key historical figures, scholars, and artworks, such as:
- ₩1,000 – Yi Hwang, a Confucian scholar
- ₩5,000 – Yi I, a philosopher
- ₩10,000 – King Sejong the Great, creator of the Korean alphabet
- ₩50,000 – Shin Saimdang, a prominent female artist and poet
To view current banknote designs, visit the “Banknotes” section of the product page or the official website of the Bank of Korea.
Typical Prices in South Korea (approx.):
- Bread (0.5 kg) – ~₩3,500
- Mineral water (1.5 L) – ~₩1,500
- Espresso coffee – ~₩4,000
South Korean Won Exchange Rate – What Is KRW Worth?
To see the current exchange rate between the South Korean won and British pound (GBP):
- Visit the “Currencies” tab
- Or head to our live exchange rate chart page
How Much Is the Won Worth in GBP?
Want to know how much ₩100,000 is in pounds?
Use the currency calculator. Enter your desired amount in GBP to get a real-time conversion into KRW.
Why Choose Tavex UK for Korean Won?
Tavex offers a large selections of foreign currencies in the UK, including the South Korean won, often in stock for immediate delivery.
Unlike high-street exchanges that may require days to fulfil an order, Tavex provides:
- Fast turnaround
- Competitive rates
- Trusted service
So whether you're travelling to Seoul, Busan, or Jeju Island - order your KRW in advance and enjoy a hassle-free trip.