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.
10/09/2008: Introduction of Birr Denominations
Ethiopia introduced new banknotes of different denominations in an effort to combat counterfeiting and improve security features.
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.
27/05/1991: Introduction of Birr Coins
Ethiopia introduced coins for the birr denominations, replacing the previous notes.
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.
17/09/1976: Introduction of New Birr
A new birr was introduced, replacing the previous Ethiopian birr and being equal to 100 old birr.
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.
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.
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.
08/07/1945: Decree to Change Birr Decimalization
Ethiopia changed the birr decimalization from talari and ghersh to dollars and cents.
31/12/1931: Introduction of Ethiopian birr
The Ethiopian birr was introduced as the official currency, replacing the Maria Theresa Thaler.
05/07/1931: Ethiopian Monetary Authority Established
The Ethiopian Monetary Authority was established to regulate the country's monetary system and issue currency.
14/02/1894: Introduction of Maria Theresa Thaler
Ethiopia adopted the Maria Theresa Thaler as the official currency, which remained in circulation until 1935.