Money is not the only answer, but it makes a difference.
Barack Obama
When my friend’s father went to South Korea, he nearly had a heart attack because the waiter told him his hamburger would be a 5,000 won. However, in Korean money, that’s only equivalent to 5 dollars.
Money in South Korea is called won (원), meaning “currency” or “coin” (it’s symbol being ₩). When Korea divided after World War II, the currencies did as well. Even so, they are both still called won: Southern won and Northern won. At the moment, 1 South Korean won is equivalent to 0.000873 U.S. dollars. How I choose to estimate, however, is assuming 10,000 won equals $10.
In South Korea, both cash and credit cards are used, but a card is used most. Though not all places in South Korea accept credit cards, a majority of businesses including hotels and restaurants accept Visa, Master Cards, and other credit cards. ATMs and banks are also available to exchange currency for won. (Sometimes, converting the currency at the airport is the best option because it gives a better rate).
Current Coins
Over time, Korean coins have been redesigned and replaced with smaller lighter ones. Koreans normally don’t like being paid in coins, though, especially in ₩10.
₩10
Dabotap Pagoda (다보탑) – Pagoda located at Bulguksa Temple
₩50
A stalk of rice
₩100
Admiral Yi Sun-shin (이순신) (1545-1598)
₩500
Red crowned crane (두루미) – Crane found in Korea
Current Bills
Through time, the bill colors have changed and received new designs. They have also become smaller; though, the higher the worth of the bill, the larger it is in size. Older bills can be used, but machines may not accept them due to their overgrown size.
₩1,000
Yi Hwang (이황), aka Toegye (퇴계) (1501-1570)
₩5,000
Yi I (이이), aka Yulgok (율곡) (1536-1584)
₩10,000
King Sejong the Great (세종대왕 – Sejongdaewang) (1397-1450)
₩50,000
Shin Saimdang (신사임당) (1504-1551)
Cited
“Get to Know The Faces You’ll See Everyday in Korea – Who’s on South Korean Money.” Seoulistic, https://seoulistic.com/just-for-fun/get-to-know-faces-youll-see-everyday-in-korea-whos-on-south-korean-money/. Accessed 1 July 2017.
“Korean Currency & Currency Info.” Korean Tourism, https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRV/TV_ENG_1_3.jsp. Accessed 1 July 2017.
“Korean Currency.” Korea 4 Expats, http://www.korea4expats.com/article-korean-money-bills-coins.html. Accessed 1 July 2017.
“South Korean won.” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korean_won. Accessed 1 July 2017.
