Historic North Korean won South Korean Won

01/07/2013: Exchange rate unification

North Korea unifies the official exchange rate and market rate, resulting in a significant depreciation of the won.

30/11/2009: Currency revaluation

North Korean government announces a currency revaluation, replacing the old won notes at a ratio of 1 for 100.

27/10/2008: Global Financial Crisis

The Korean Won faced significant volatility during the global financial crisis, as global markets tumbled and investor confidence wavered.

01/12/2001: Currency redenomination

North Korean won is redenominated, with the previous notes and coins being replaced by new ones at a ratio of 1 for 1,000.

01/01/1998: Establishment of IMF Program

South Korea agreed to an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout package, which stabilized the value of the Korean Won and initiated economic reforms.

03/12/1997: Asian Financial Crisis

The Korean Won experienced a sharp depreciation during the Asian Financial Crisis, causing severe economic hardships and requiring international assistance.

25/02/1992: Introducing foreign exchange certificates

North Korea introduces foreign exchange certificates to counter hyperinflation and stabilize its economy.

27/02/1980: Declaration of Martial Law

Amidst political turmoil, President Chun Doo-hwan declared martial law, causing economic instability and impacting the value of the Korean Won.

06/12/1979: Second major revaluation

North Korean won undergoes its second major revaluation, with the exchange rate being set at 1 for 10.

22/06/1962: Introduction of the Hwan

To combat inflation, the South Korean government introduced the Hwan as the new currency, replacing the old Korean Won.

31/12/1959: First major revaluation

North Korean won undergoes its first major revaluation, with the exchange rate being set at 1 for 100.

27/07/1953: Armistice Agreement

Following the Korean War, the Armistice Agreement was signed, stabilizing the region and aiding in the recovery of the Korean Won.

06/12/1947: Introduction of North Korean won

North Korean won is introduced as the official currency of North Korea, replacing the Korean yen at par value.

15/08/1945: Liberation from Japanese Rule

Upon the end of Japanese colonial rule, the Korean Won was introduced as the official currency of South Korea.