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