This is a visual explainer based on the Wikipedia article on the Korean Yen. Read the full source article here. (opens in new tab)

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.

What Was It? 👇 View Notes 📜

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!


When you are ready...
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮

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:

Denomination Obverse motif Reverse motif
5 sen
(Stamp currency)
10 sen Ornamental
20 sen
50 sen
Denomination Obverse motif Reverse motif
5 sen
(Stamp currency)
10 sen (1916) Ornamental
20 sen (1916)
50 sen (1916)
10 sen (1919)
20 sen (1919)
50 sen (1919)
10 sen (1937)
50 sen (1937)

Yen Denominations

Bank of Chosen Yen Notes:

Denomination Obverse motif Reverse motif
1 yen (1911) Jurōjin
5 yen (1911) Jurōjin
10 yen (1911) Jurōjin
100 yen (1911) Daikokuten
Denomination Obverse motif Reverse motif
1 yen (1911) Jurōjin
5 yen (1911) Jurōjin
10 yen (1911) Jurōjin
100 yen (1911) Daikokuten
Denomination Obverse motif Reverse motif
1 yen (1932) Jurōjin
5 yen (1932) Jurōjin
10 yen (1932) Jurōjin
Denomination Obverse motif Reverse motif
100 yen (1938) Jurōjin
Denomination Obverse motif Reverse motif
1 yen (1944) Jurōjin
5 yen (1944) Jurōjin
10 yen (1944-1945) Jurōjin
100 yen (1944) Jurōjin
1 yen (1945) Jurōjin
5 yen (1945) Jurōjin
100 yen (1945) Jurōjin
1000 yen (Never released) Jurōjin

Teacher's Corner

Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Edit and Print Materials from this study in the wiki2web studio
Click here to open the "Korean Yen" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit

Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?

Learn about korean_yen while playing the wiki2web Clarity Challenge game.
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!

Play now

Explore More Topics

References

References

  1.  æ ªå¼æœƒç¤¾ç¬¬ä¸€éŠ€è¡Œ, Kabushiki gaisha Dai-ichi Ginkō
A full list of references for this article are available at the Korean yen Wikipedia page

Feedback & Support

To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer

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.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.