Korean Won

Korean won news — USD/KRW exchange rate moves, foreign exchange policy, and currency outlook.

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Korean Won, Bonds Rally Before Rate Decision; Citi Sees More Bond Supply

Korea's won and treasury bonds rallied ahead of the Bank of Korea rate decision, with Citi projecting higher bond issuance in 2026 and 2027.

Published 2026.08.24. 17:22:18

Korean Won Leads Major-Currency Gains on Chip Exports, Hawkish BOK

The Korean won posted the biggest gain among major currencies since July, rising 11.90% on chip exports, corporate dollar selling and BOK rate-hike bets.

Published 2026.08.24. 16:08:26

Korean Won Pauses Rally as Dollar Rises After 8 Sessions

The Korean won weakened for the first time in eight sessions, closing at 1,386.1 per dollar as foreign stock selling and a stronger dollar offset earlier…

Published 2026.08.25. 16:14:13

Korean Won Hits 11-Month High as Chipmaker Payouts Fuel Dollar Selling

The won-dollar rate fell for a sixth straight session to the mid-1,380s, an 11-month low, as chipmaker payouts and offshore bets fueled dollar selling.

Published 2026.08.21. 16:19:14

Korean Won Firms Despite U.S. Yield Spike, May Test Mid-1,300s

The won-dollar rate fell below 1,400 for the first time in about 10 months, as chip-driven fundamentals offset a surge in U.S. and Japanese yields.

Published 2026.08.19. 16:56:26

Korean Won Breaks Below 1,390 Per Dollar for First Time in 11 Months

The won-dollar rate hit an 11-month low of 1,392.6 as foreigners net bought 1.71 trillion won on the KOSPI, driven by SK hynix's shareholder returns.

Published 2026.08.21. 10:00:05

Korean Won Firms to 1,397, Below 1,400 for First Time in 10 Months

The won-dollar rate fell below 1,400 for the first time in about 10 and a half months, while Samsung and SK hynix chip stocks tumbled.

Published 2026.08.20. 13:37:38

Won Strengthens Despite 5% U.S. 30-Year Yield, Breaking Forex Norm

The Korean won rose past 1,400 per dollar even as U.S. long-term yields hit multi-year highs, defying the usual link between higher U.S.

Published 2026.08.20. 06:29:23

Korean Bank Stocks Languish Despite Higher Rates, Stronger Won

Korean bank stocks fell despite higher rates and a stronger won, as foreign investors net-sold 150.4 billion won of the top four financial groups.

Published 2026.08.24. 18:00:54

Currency-Hedged US ETFs Outperform as Won Rebounds Sharply

Currency-hedged U.S. ETFs outperformed unhedged ones by up to 6.1 percentage points as the Korean won strengthened below 1,400 per dollar.

Published 2026.08.21. 17:58:45

Won Surges on Korea-US-Japan Coordination; Time to Accelerate Currency Swaps

The Korean won posted its steepest monthly gain in 17 years in July amid the first-ever Korea-US-Japan exchange rate coordination, prompting calls to accelerate currency swaps.

Published 2026.08.03. 24:01:05

Won's Sharp Swings Follow Stock Volatility, Demanding Fundamental Fixes Over Quick Patches

The Korean won fell to a 11-month low of 1,376.5 per dollar, and an editorial argues market stability requires stronger fundamentals, not quick fixes.

Published 2026.08.25. 24:08:05

65% of Experts See August Rate Hike, but Bond-Yield Surge Fuels Caution

In a Seoul Economic Daily survey, 65% of experts expect the Bank of Korea to raise its base rate in August, but surging bond yields fuel calls for a…

Published 2026.08.24. 06:00:15

Korean Banks Earn 13.8 Trillion Won in First Half as Interest Income Tops 32 Trillion

South Korean banks earned 13.8 trillion won in the first half of 2026, down 6.4%, as interest income topped 32 trillion won but securities losses widened.

Published 2026.08.23. 14:32:44

Dollar RP Balances Slide 35% in Korea as Won Rebound Adds Pressure

Dollar RP balances in South Korea fell 34.9% this year to $14.25 billion, an eighth straight monthly decline, as lower rates and a stronger won weigh on…

Published 2026.08.21. 18:00:52

79% of Experts See Bank of Korea Holding Rates in August

79% of Korean bond market experts expect the Bank of Korea to hold its base rate on the 27th, as market sentiment improved, KOFIA said.

Published 2026.08.25. 14:56:34

Korean Stocks Plunge, Then Rebound on Chip Buyback Bonanza

The KOSPI plunged 5.8% on U.S. rate fears, then rebounded 5.89% after SK hynix unveiled a 40 trillion won share buyback plan.

Published 2026.08.23. 06:01:05

Hana Tour Q2 Operating Profit Falls 43.6% as Middle East War Hits Peak Season

Hana Tour reported Q2 operating profit of 5.44 billion won, down 43.6% year-on-year and below consensus, as Middle East tensions raised exchange rates and fuel surcharges, hitting long-haul travel demand.

Published 2026.08.05. 17:13:43

1.08 Million Koreans in Early 60s Have No Pension and No Job

More than 1 million South Koreans aged 60 to 64 receive no pension and hold no registered job, government data showed, as the gap between retirement and…

Published 2026.08.26. 06:00:05

One in Four Koreans in Early 60s Has Neither Pension Nor Job

One in four South Koreans aged 60 to 64 has neither a pension nor a registered job, government data showed, exposing a widening income gap before…

Published 2026.08.25. 12:00:05

Samsung Shares Sink 8.7% as Financial Law Curbs Buyback Plan

Samsung Electronics shares plunged 8.70% as its 90-110 trillion won shareholder return plan leaned on dividends rather than buybacks, curbed by a…

Published 2026.08.25. 10:00:05

Agriculture Can Reopen Inter-Korean Exchange

KAFTC President Hong Moon-pyo argues agriculture is the most realistic first step to restart inter-Korean exchange and lay a cornerstone for peace.

Published 2026.08.13. 18:17:54

Korean Police Suicide Rate Double That of Other Officials

South Korea's police suicide rate is more than double that of other public officials, prompting a new prevention plan with more frequent mental health…

Published 2026.08.20. 12:36:27

Kim Joo-won Named New Director of Korean National Ballet

Kim Joo-won, artistic director of the Korea Ballet Festival and former principal dancer, has been appointed director of the Korean National Ballet for a three-year term through August 2029.

Published 2026.08.06. 13:16:33

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