Echoes of Empire: The Korean Yen's Monetary Legacy
An in-depth exploration of the currency that circulated in Korea during the Japanese colonial period, examining its issuance, denominations, and historical context.
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The Korean Yen
A Colonial Currency
The Korean yen (Korean: \uc870\uc120 \uc5d4) served as the official currency in Korea during the period of Japanese rule, spanning from 1910 to 1945. It was established as equivalent to the Japanese yen, effectively integrating Korea's monetary system with that of Japan.[1]
Parity and Transition
The yen replaced the Korean Empire's previous currency, the Korean won, at a par rate. This transition marked a significant step in Japan's economic control over the Korean peninsula. Following the end of World War II and the subsequent division of Korea, the yen was ultimately succeeded by the North Korean won and the South Korean won, also at par.[2]
Issuing Authority
Initially, banknotes were issued by the Dai-Ichi Bank from 1902. However, following the establishment of the Bank of Korea in 1909, this institution began issuing its own currency. After Korea's annexation by Japan in 1910, the Bank of Korea was renamed the Bank of Chosen (Korean: Joseon Eunhaeng), which continued to issue the yen-denominated banknotes until the end of the colonial period.[2]
Denominations and Subdivisions
The Structure of the Yen
The Korean yen followed the standard Japanese yen structure, being subdivided into 100 sen. Each sen was further divisible into 10 rin, and then into 10 mō. This hierarchical system provided granular units for transactions.[2]
Banknote Series
Banknotes were issued in various denominations throughout the period. Early issues included sen denominations (10, 20, 50 sen), while later and more prominent issues featured yen denominations such as 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, and 100 yen. A 1000 yen note was printed but never officially issued.[2]
Design Elements
The banknotes often featured allegorical representations or motifs. For instance, some early 1 yen notes depicted the Jurōjin, one of the Seven Lucky Gods in Japanese mythology, symbolizing longevity. The Bank of Chosen's notes also incorporated the royal plum crest of Korea, replacing the earlier star emblem used by the Dai-Ichi Bank.[2]
Issuance and Evolution
From Dai-Ichi to Chosen
The initial issuance of banknotes for Korea was handled by the Dai-Ichi Bank, starting in 1902. These notes were redeemable in Japanese currency within Korea. Upon the establishment of the Bank of Korea in 1909, it began issuing its own banknotes, redeemable in gold or Bank of Japan notes. After the 1910 annexation, the Bank of Korea was reorganized and renamed the Bank of Chosen, continuing the issuance of yen notes with minor modifications to reduce confusion during the transition.[2]
Key Issuance Years
Significant banknote series were issued in the following years, reflecting the evolving economic and political landscape:
- 1909-1911: Bank of Korea notes, later reissued by the Bank of Chosen.
- 1911-1914: First series issued by the Bank of Chosen.
- 1916-1919: Sen denominations were issued.
- 1932, 1937, 1938, 1944-1945: Various yen denominations were issued, reflecting wartime and post-war economic conditions.
These notes were generally redeemable in gold or Bank of Japan notes, underscoring the currency's link to the Japanese financial system.[2]
Historical Context
Japanese Colonial Rule
The period from 1910 to 1945 was characterized by Japanese colonial administration in Korea. This era saw significant economic integration, with Japan implementing policies aimed at resource extraction and industrial development to benefit the empire. The standardization of currency was a key component of this economic policy, facilitating trade and financial control.[1]
Economic Integration
The introduction of the yen facilitated Japan's economic policies in Korea, including land surveys, infrastructure development (railways, ports), and the promotion of Japanese businesses. While this integration brought some modernization, it was primarily geared towards serving Japanese interests, often at the expense of Korean economic autonomy.[2]
Post-War Transition
With the end of World War II in 1945, Korea was liberated from Japanese rule but subsequently divided into Soviet and American zones of occupation. This division led to the establishment of separate monetary systems. The Korean yen was replaced by the old Korean won in both the North and the South, marking the beginning of distinct economic trajectories for the two Koreas.[2]
Banknote Catalog
Below is a detailed catalog of the banknotes issued for the Korean yen during the colonial period. Note that image representations are omitted as per guidelines.
Sen Denominations
Bank of Chosen Sen Notes:
Yen Denominations
Bank of Chosen Yen Notes:
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References
References
- æ ªå¼æç¤¾ç¬¬ä¸éè¡, Kabushiki gaisha Dai-ichi GinkÅ
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not financial or historical advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional historical research, numismatic consultation, or economic analysis. Always refer to primary sources and consult with qualified experts for specific historical or financial inquiries.
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