You’ve probably seen the coin. It’s silver-colored, surprisingly light, and features the stern, dignified face of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. If you find a stray 100 won coin at the bottom of your bag after a trip to Seoul, your first instinct is likely to wonder: What is this actually worth?
Honestly? Not much. But also, kinda everything.
As of mid-January 2026, the exchange rate for 100 won to usd sits at approximately $0.068. Yeah, you read that right. We are talking about less than seven cents. It’s the kind of money that wouldn't even buy you a piece of gum in a New York City bodega. However, in the hyper-connected world of global forex and the local streets of Myeongdong, that tiny silver disc tells a much bigger story about inflation, history, and why the South Korean economy is currently holding its breath.
The Shrinking Power of 100 Won
There was a time when 100 won actually felt like money. Back in the early 90s, you could stroll into a corner store and grab a small snack or a couple of loose candies. It was the standard "pocket money" unit for kids.
Today? The 100 won coin is basically a glorified token.
Most people in Korea have moved entirely to digital payments—KakaoPay, Toss, or just the standard T-money card. Walking around with a pocket full of change feels archaic. If you try to pay for a 5,000 won coffee using fifty of these coins, the barista is going to give you a look that suggests you've ruined their entire morning.
Yet, the demand for 100 won to usd conversions remains a frequent search. Why? Usually, it's travelers trying to clear out their leftover change or digital nomads checking their bank balances after a small transaction fee.
What Can You Actually Buy?
If you're standing in the middle of Seoul with exactly 100 won, your options are... limited.
- The "Service" Coffee: Some old-school restaurants still have those tiny vending machines near the door. For 100 won, you might get a paper cup of sugary, instant "Maxim" coffee. It’s a nostalgic staple, though even these are disappearing or hiking prices to 200 or 300 won.
- The Arcade (Maybe): In the 2000s, 100 won got you a round of Street Fighter. Now, most "Coin Noraebang" (coin karaoke) booths require at least 500 or 1,000 won for a few songs.
- Supermarket Carts: This is the most practical use. Like Aldi in the States, many Korean supermarkets require a 100 won coin to unlock a shopping cart. You get it back when you return the cart, so it's more of a deposit than a purchase.
100 won to usd: The Macro View
The exchange rate isn't just a random number. It’s a fever strip for the South Korean economy. Throughout 2025, the won took a bit of a beating. High interest rates in the U.S. kept the dollar strong, while the Bank of Korea (BOK) had to play a delicate game.
Right now, in 2026, the BOK has held the base rate at 2.50%. They are worried. If they cut rates to help local businesses, the won might drop even further against the dollar. If the won drops, that 100 won to usd rate goes from $0.068 down to $0.060 or lower.
That might not seem like a big deal for one coin. But for Samsung or Hyundai? When you’re moving billions, those fractions of a cent are the difference between a profitable quarter and a disaster.
Why the Rate Fluctuates
Currency markets are fickle. Here is what is actually moving the needle for the won right now:
- The Chip War: Korea’s economy lives and dies by semiconductors. When global demand for AI chips surges, the won usually strengthens.
- Oil Prices: Korea imports almost all of its energy. When global tensions spike and oil goes up, the won gets crushed because the country has to spend more USD to keep the lights on.
- The China Factor: Since China is a massive trading partner, any hiccup in the Chinese economy tends to pull the won down with it.
The History Behind the Coin
The 100 won coin we use today was first introduced in 1970. Before that, 100 won existed as a banknote. Imagine a tiny, colorful piece of paper worth only seven cents—it wouldn't last a week in a modern wallet.
The man on the coin, Admiral Yi Sun-sin, is a legendary naval commander who famously defeated the Japanese navy despite being heavily outnumbered. Putting such a massive historical figure on the most common small coin was a deliberate move to keep national pride literally in the hands of every citizen.
In 1983, the design was standardized to the version you see now. It’s made of cupronickel (75% copper, 25% nickel). Interestingly, as the value of the won has dropped due to inflation, the metal inside the coin is sometimes worth more than the face value of the coin itself. This is a common headache for central banks worldwide—it actually costs the government money to mint the change you're probably going to lose in your couch cushions.
Practical Tips for Handling Won
If you are currently looking up 100 won to usd because you're planning a trip or just found some cash, here is the "expert" way to handle it:
Don't exchange coins at the airport. Currency exchange booths at Incheon or JFK usually won't even take coins. They only want bills. If you try to hand them a bag of 100 won coins, they’ll politely tell you to kick rocks.
Use the "Namane" or T-money trick.
If you have a bunch of won left over, find a subway kiosk. You can often load small amounts of cash onto your transit card. Even if you don't use it for the train, you can use that card to buy snacks at a GS25 or CU convenience store. It’s much better than carrying a heavy pocket of metal back home.
The Bank Deposit.
If you actually live in Korea and have a "coin jar" that's getting out of control, don't go to a teller. Look for the "Auto Coin Counter" machines in the lobby of major banks like KB or Hana. You dump them in, the machine screams for three minutes, and then it spits out a receipt you can take to the counter to deposit directly into your account.
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The Collector’s Angle
Before you dump those coins, check the dates. Most 100 won coins are worth exactly 100 won. However, the 1970 and 1974 versions are somewhat rare in good condition. If you happen to have a 100 won coin from 1998, keep it. Because of the IMF financial crisis, very few coins were minted that year, and collectors will pay way more than the $0.068 exchange rate for one in mint condition.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're holding South Korean Won and need to make a move, here’s what to do:
- Check the live mid-market rate: Use a reliable site like Reuters or Bloomberg for the most accurate 100 won to usd data before going to a physical exchange.
- Spend your change locally: Use those 100 won coins at a Daiso or a local market in Korea where "exact change" is still appreciated.
- Monitor the BOK: If you are holding large amounts of KRW, keep an eye on the Bank of Korea's interest rate announcements. A rate hike usually means your won will soon be worth more USD.
- Donate at the gate: Most international airports have "Change for Good" boxes. If you've got 400 won left ($0.27), just drop it in. It's not worth the weight in your luggage, but it adds up for charities.
Understanding the value of 100 won isn't about getting rich. It’s about understanding the pulse of a nation that transformed from a war-torn peninsula to a global tech powerhouse in a few generations. That little silver coin has seen it all.