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The DPRK Won

A Chronicle of North Korea's Currency: Its Evolution, Denominations, and Economic Significance.

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Introduction

The Official Currency

The Korean People's won, more commonly known as the North Korean won (symbol: โ‚ฉ; code: KPW), is the official currency of North Korea. It is subdivided into 100 chon. The currency is issued by the Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, based in the capital city of Pyongyang.

Economic Context

As a currency operating within a command economy, the North Korean won's value and circulation are tightly controlled by the state. Its exchange rate and convertibility are significantly different from those in market economies, often involving dual exchange rates and reliance on foreign currencies for certain transactions.

Historical Evolution

The North Korean won has undergone several revaluations and redesigns since its introduction after the division of Korea. These changes often reflect the state's economic policies, attempts to control inflation, and manage the influence of unofficial markets.

Etymology

Origin of the Name

The term "won" is derived from the Chinese character \u5713 (won), which signifies a "round shape." This nomenclature is shared with the Japanese yen and the former Korean currency, reflecting a common linguistic root influenced by Chinese characters.

Subdivisions

The won is subdivided into 100 chon (Korean: \uc804; Hanja: \u9322). The term chon also shares its etymological roots with the Japanese sen and Chinese fen, all referring to a hundredth part of a unit.

History

Early Years (1947-2009)

Following Korea's division, North Korea continued using the Korean yen before establishing its own currency. The first North Korean won was issued in 1947, with a second iteration introduced in 1959 at a rate of 100 old won to 1 new won. For decades, an official exchange rate of 2.16 won to the US dollar was maintained, reportedly linked to Kim Jong Il's birthday. However, rampant inflation eroded its value, leading the government to abandon this fixed rate in favor of market-influenced rates around 2001.

The 2009 Revaluation

In November 2009, North Korea initiated its third currency revaluation, the first in 50 years. This move aimed to curb inflation and control private market activities. North Koreans had a limited time to exchange old notes for new ones, with strict limits on the amount. This policy resulted in the wiping out of many citizens' savings and caused widespread panic, leading to protests and increased state control. The official exchange rate was significantly devalued, and the black market rate plummeted.

Coins

Circulation Coins

North Korea first issued coins in 1959, denominations of 1, 5, and 10 chon, often restruck with original dates. Later issues included 50 chon coins (1978) and 1 won coins (1987). Following the abandonment of the dollar peg in 2001, these coins began to lose value. A new series of aluminum coins (5, 10, 50, 100 won) was introduced in 2005, followed by 1 and 5 chon coins in 2008, which were eventually released into circulation with the 2009 revaluation.

Circulated coins (Second Won Series)
Image Value Technical parameters Description Date of minted year
Diameter Composition Obverse Reverse General issue
(no star)
Socialist visitor
(1 star)
Capitalist visitor
(2 stars)
Year last
circulated
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ 1 chon 16 mm Aluminium State title, coat of arms, year of minting Value (optionally, star(s)) 1959, 1970 1959 1959 ?
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ 5 chon 18 mm 1959, 1974 1974 1974 ?
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ 10 chon 20 mm 1959 1959 1959 ?
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ 50 chon 25 mm Bank title, Coat of arms, value Chollima Statue, year of minting
(optionally, star(s))
1978 1978 1978 ?
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ1 27 mm Bank title, Coat of arms, value, year of minting Grand People's Study House 1987 N/A N/A ?
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ5 21 mm Value 2005 N/A N/A 2009
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ10 23 mm 2005 N/A N/A 2009
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ50 25 mm 2005 N/A N/A 2009
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ100 27 mm 2005 N/A N/A 2009

Third Won Coins (2009 onwards)

Coins for the third won series were initially struck in 2002 and 2008 but were released into circulation in December 2009. Denominations include 1 and 5 chon, and 10, 50, and 1 won. These coins feature the national coat of arms and flowers like the Kimjongilia and Kimilsungia. Due to the flawed revaluation, these coins hold minimal value.

Circulated coins (Third Won Series)
Image Value Technical parameters Description Date of minted year
Diameter Mass Composition Obverse Reverse
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ 1 chon 18.0 mm 0.8 g Aluminium Coat of arms, value Royal azalea, year of minting 2008
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ 5 chon 19.0 mm 0.9 g Tree peony, year of minting 2008
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ 10 chon 20.0 mm 1.0 g Azalea, year of minting 2002
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ 50 chon 22.1 mm 1.55 g Kimjongilia, year of minting 2002
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ1 24.1 mm 1.9 g Kimilsungia, year of minting 2002

Banknotes

Historical Series

North Korean banknotes have evolved significantly. Early issues from 1947 featured stylized art and depictions of workers. The 1959 series was larger, showcasing industrial themes. A 1979 reform introduced more symbolic designs, notably featuring Kim Il Sung on the 100 won note. Subsequent series in 1992, 1998, and 2002 introduced smaller, more modern designs, with higher denominations (1,000, 2,000, 5,000 won) appearing later.

Banknotes of the North Korean won (1978 issue)
Obverse Reverse Main color Value Obverse Reverse
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Olive green โ‚ฉ1 A student, woman and children Male and female soldiers; Yang Helyong (scenes from the opera Sea of Blood)
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Blue-gray โ‚ฉ5 Worker with a cogwheel and holding a political book; peasant woman holding a sheaf of wheat; factories in the background Mount Kumgang
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Brown โ‚ฉ10 Chollima Chollima Steel Complex
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Olive green โ‚ฉ50 Soldier; peasant woman; officials of the Workers' Party of Korea Lake
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ Brown and lilac โ‚ฉ100 Kim Il Sung Mangyongdae (the birthplace of Kim Il Sung)
1992 series
Obverse Reverse Value Dimensions Main Color Description Date of issue
Obverse Reverse Watermark
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ1 116 ร— 55 mm Green Actress Hong Yong-hee in her film role as The Flower Girl Mount Kumgang Chollima Statue 1992
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ5 126 ร— 60 mm Blue Students, Kim Il Sung University, Mangyongdae School Children's Palace Grand People's Study House Chollima Statue 1992
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ 1998
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ10 136 ร— 65 mm Brown-orange Factory worker, Chollima (1,000 ri horse) Pi Do Island, Western sea barrage and locks at Taedong River Juche Tower 1992
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ 1998
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ50 146 ร— 70 mm Orange Young professionals, Juche Tower Mount Paektu Juche Tower 1992
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ100 156 ร— 75 mm Red and brown Kim Il Sung The birthplace of Kim Il Sung, Mangyongdae-guyok Arch of Triumph 1992
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ200 140 ร— 72 mm Blue and green Mongnan (National Flower of North Korea) Value Chollima Statue 2005
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ500 156 ร— 75 mm Dark green Kumsusan Memorial Palace Chongryu Bridge Arch of Triumph 1998
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ 2007
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ1,000 Green-cyan Kim Il Sung The birthplace of Kim Il Sung, Mangyongdae-guyok 2002
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ 2006
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ โ‚ฉ5,000 Violet 2002
๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ 2006
2009 and 2013 issues
Value Dimensions Main colour Description Date of Ref.
Obverse Reverse Watermark printing issue
โ‚ฉ5 145 ร— 65 mm Navy blue Atomic symbol, party members Hwanggang Hydroelectric Dam Mongnan Juche 91
(2002)
30 November 2009 ๐Ÿ”—
โ‚ฉ10 145 ร— 65 mm Olive green Korean People's Army Ground Force emblem, Soldiers (Air Force, Navy, Army) Statue of Victory in Pyongyang Mongnan Juche 91
(2002)
30 November 2009 ๐Ÿ”—
โ‚ฉ50 145 ร— 65 mm Indigo Flame from the Juche Tower in Pyongyang, man in business suit, man in overalls, woman Monument to Party Founding in Pyongyang Mongnan Juche 91
(2002)
30 November 2009 ๐Ÿ”—
โ‚ฉ100 145 ร— 65 mm Green Mongnan (Magnolia sieboldii) Denomination Mongnan Juche 97
(2008)
30 November 2009 ๐Ÿ”—
โ‚ฉ200 145 ร— 65 mm Violet Chollima Statue in Pyongyang Denomination Mongnan Juche 97
(2008)
30 November 2009 ๐Ÿ”—
โ‚ฉ500 145 ร— 65 mm Grey Arch of Triumph in Pyongyang Denomination Mongnan Juche 97
(2008)
30 November 2009 ๐Ÿ”—
โ‚ฉ1,000 145 ร— 65 mm Pink Birthplace of Kim Jong Suk in Hoeryong Trees on the shore of Samji Lake Mongnan Juche 97
(2008)
30 November 2009 ๐Ÿ”—
โ‚ฉ2,000 145 ร— 65 mm Blue Alleged birthplace of Kim Jong Il, Jong-il Peak Paektu Mountain Mongnan Juche 97
(2008)
30 November 2009 ๐Ÿ”—
โ‚ฉ5,000 145 ร— 65 mm Brown Star, Kim Il Sung, Mongnan (Magnolia sieboldii) Mangyongdae (alleged birthplace of Kim Il Sung) in Pyongyang Mongnan Juche 97
(2008)
30 November 2009 ๐Ÿ”—
โ‚ฉ5,000 145 ร— 65 mm Brown Mangyongdae (alleged birthplace of Kim Il Sung) in Pyongyang International Friendship Exhibition at Mount Myohyang Mongnan Juche 102
(2013)
2014 ๐Ÿ”—

Emergency Currency (Donpyo)

Due to shortages in printing materials exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea began issuing emergency currency known as donpyo ("money coupon") in late 2021. These coupons, printed in denominations of 5,000 and 50,000 won on poor-quality paper, reflect the ongoing economic challenges and have a discounted exchange value compared to regular banknotes.

Exchange Rates

Official vs. Black Market

The North Korean won is not traded on international markets. Its value is primarily determined through unofficial black markets and within specific state-controlled establishments. Historically, an official rate of 2.16 won per US dollar was maintained, but this became detached from reality due to inflation. In recent years, black market rates have fluctuated significantly, with the won experiencing periods of sharp depreciation, especially during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting economic instability.

Recent Fluctuations

In late 2024, the black market value of the KPW saw dramatic shifts. It initially surged against the US dollar, appreciating significantly, only to fall back into a period of hyperinflation by November 2024, trading at approximately 18,000 KPW per dollar. These movements highlight the volatility and challenges in managing the currency's value within North Korea's unique economic system.

Concurrent Currency Use

Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs)

Historically, North Korea issued separate currencies or Foreign Exchange Certificates (FECs) for visitors from socialist and capitalist countries. These "red won" and "blue won" were intended to isolate the domestic economy. While FECs were officially abolished around 2002, foreign currencies like the US dollar, Euro, and Chinese Yuan became increasingly accepted, even preferred, in many stores and markets, especially after the 2009 revaluation.

Tied vs. Untied Won

A dual system emerged where goods could be priced in "tied" won (purchased with foreign currency at an official bank rate) or "untied" won (using regular KPW banknotes at a much lower, market-driven rate). This distinction reflects the complex interplay between the state-controlled economy and the burgeoning informal market, where foreign currencies often hold more practical value.

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References

References

  1.  Yong, Lee Sang (24 June 2009). The Color of North Korean Money. Daily NK.
  2.  Choe Sang-Hun (9 December 2009) New York Times (Global Business), "North Korea Revalues Its Currency"
  3.  The Wall Street Journal, Wednesday 2 December 2009 North Korea Reissues Won, a Blow to Unofficial Economy
  4.  The Wall Street Journal, Thursday 3 December 2009 North Korea Begins Won Swap, Curfew
  5.  "N.Korea Drops Kim Il-sung from New Banknotes". The Chosun Ilbo. 11 August 2014. Retrieved on 11 August 2014.
  6.  "NK Caught Off Guard by Disappearance of Kim". DailyNK. 1 August 2014. Retrieved on 13 August 2014.
  7.  "Past as Prelude: Kim Il Sung Will Reappear". DailyNK. 15 August 2014. Retrieved on 16 August 2014.
  8.  "Residents avoiding use of old 5000 KPW notes". DailyNK. 11 July 2017. Retrieved on 11 August 2017.
A full list of references for this article are available at the North Korean won Wikipedia page

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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 advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional economic consultation, financial planning, or currency exchange advice. Always consult with qualified professionals for specific financial needs and refer to official sources for the most current information.

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