KPW · KPW
North Korean won (KPW)
The North Korean won (KPW) is the official currency of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Issued by the Central Bank of the DPRK, it is used within the country, though foreign currencies often circulate in practice.
Convert this currency
Converted amount
0.0011 USD
Exchange rate
1 KPW = 0.001111 USD
Updated
8/9/2026 12:00 AM
Source
ApiForex Managed Source 3
KPW · North Korean won
North Korean Won (KPW): Overview and History
The North Korean won (KPW) is the official currency of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). It is issued and controlled by the Central Bank of the DPRK. The currency is subdivided into 100 chon, although the chon is rarely used in everyday transactions due to low values. The won has undergone several redenominations since its introduction, with the most recent in 2009.
In North Korea, the won is used for domestic transactions, but its use is heavily restricted. Foreign currencies, particularly the US dollar, euro, and Chinese yuan, are often preferred for purchases in markets and tourist areas. The government maintains strict exchange controls, and the official exchange rate is set by the state, which often differs significantly from the black market rate.
The North Korean economy is largely state-controlled, and the won is not freely convertible. As a result, the currency is not traded on international foreign exchange markets. For those interested in the currency, it is important to understand that the KPW is primarily of numismatic interest, and its value is not determined by market forces.
- Code
- KPW
- Symbol
- KPW
- Current rate
- USD / KPW
Currency information
Last updated · 8/7/2026
The North Korean won was introduced in 1947, replacing the Korean yen.
- Official name
- North Korean won
- Legal tender status
- Legal tender in North Korea
- Decimal places
- 2
- Minor unit
- chon · 1 KPW = 100 chon
- Countries
- North Korea
- Issuing authority
- Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
- Central bank
- Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea · Official website
- Exchange-rate regime
- Fixed exchange rate regime
Common banknotes
₩5 · ₩10 · ₩50 · ₩100 · ₩200 · ₩500 · ₩1000 · ₩2000 · ₩5000
Common coins
1 chon · 5 chon · 10 chon · 50 chon · ₩1
Also known as
KPW · North Korean currency · North Korean won · ₩
Practical notes
- The official exchange rate is not market-based; a black market rate exists.
- Foreigners may be required to use foreign currencies in certain shops.
Priority currency pairs
The most useful conversions for this currency.
North Korean won questions
What is the KPW exchange rate?
The displayed rate is the latest available reference rate for USD/KPW. It can change throughout the day.
How can I convert KPW online?
Use the converter above to calculate indicative amounts between KPW and the other supported currencies.