Won strengthens after Lee's extraordinary comments set target for exchange rate

The won strengthened after President Lee Jae Myung said authorities expected the exchange rate to move toward 1,400 per dollar within the next couple of months, in unusually explicit comments that the market read as official concern over volatility.

2026-01-21

Korea's won-dollar exchange rate faces volatility risk during global turmoil, IMF report warns

Korea’s won-dollar exchange rate could become highly volatile during global financial turmoil because the country holds large amounts of dollar assets that are sensitive to exchange rate changes, the IMF said in a report.

2026-01-18

U.S. treasury secretary's rare public remarks help lift won in first daily gain this year

Rare public remarks by the U.S. Treasury Secretary on Korea’s currency helped lift the won on Thursday, marking its first daily gain this year after weeks of failed domestic attempts to arrest its decline.

2026-01-15

Retail investors flock to buy dollars as won's value continues to drop

Retail investors in Korea rushed to buy dollars at the end of last year, taking advantage of a sharp drop in the won's value following government intervention in the currency market.

2026-01-15

Gov't begins foreign exchange inspections of more than 1,100 exporters

The government will begin special foreign exchange inspections of more than 1,100 exporters to crack down on illegal currency transactions as the weak won continues.

2026-01-13

Won weakens against dollar near multiyear low despite government intervention

Korea’s won weakened past the 1,470 per dollar mark on Tuesday, extending losses and undoing gains from late-December government intervention, as investors positioned for further currency weakness amid dollar strength and geopolitical risks.

2026-01-13

Koreans seek safety in U.S. dollar as won faces prolonged slump

Korea’s prolonged currency slump is driving individuals and companies to park more funds in dollar deposits, attracted by both exchange-rate uncertainty and higher U.S. interest rates, industry data showed Thursday.

2026-01-02

Kospi snaps 3-day rise on profit-taking, won posts sharpest increase in 3 years

Shares closed lower Wednesday, snapping a three-day winning streak, as retail investors moved to take profit following a recent rally of tech and shipbuilding shares.

2025-12-24

Weak won hits imported raw materials, causing coffee and convenience store prices to rise

Rising exchange rates have put pressure on Korea’s distribution industry as the value of the won fell to the 1,480‑won level against the dollar, increasing costs for imported raw materials.

2025-12-23

Top office mulls adjustment to U.S. investments with won in free fall

As the won-dollar exchange rate has shown little sign of easing, the top office is reviewing options to adjust the pace of Korea’s investment in the United States under the tariff-related trade agreement in an effort to stabilize the currency.

2025-12-22

korea joongAng daily