You’re looking at a tiny fraction of a cent. Honestly, when you ask how much is 1 won in us dollars, the number is so small it barely looks real on a calculator screen. As of mid-January 2026, 1 South Korean Won (KRW) is worth approximately $0.00068 USD.
Wait. Don't let those zeros bore you. While a single won won't even buy you a grain of rice, the movement of this currency tells a massive story about global tech, high-stakes interest rates, and why your next Samsung phone or Kia might cost more than you expected.
The Current Reality of the Won-Dollar Exchange
Right now, the exchange rate is hovering around 1,470 won per 1 US dollar. To put that in perspective, if you walked into a bank in Seoul today with a single dollar bill, they’d hand you back nearly 1,500 won. It’s a wild time for the currency. Just a few years ago, we were looking at 1,100 or 1,200 won per dollar as the "normal" range.
Everything changed recently. In the last week alone, the won has been one of the worst-performing currencies in Asia. It’s basically been sliding down a hill. On January 15, 2026, the Bank of Korea (BOK) met to figure out what to do. They decided to keep their benchmark interest rate at 2.50%. They're scared. If they cut rates to help their own economy, the won might crash even further against the dollar.
Why Is the Won So Weak?
It’s a bit of a "perfect storm" situation. First, you've got the US Federal Reserve keeping their rates much higher—around 3.75%. When US rates are higher than Korean rates, money flows out of Korea and into the US. Investors want the better return. It’s that simple.
Then there’s the "retail investor" factor. People in Korea are obsessed with the US stock market. We’re talking billions of dollars being converted from won to USD so regular folks in Seoul can buy Nvidia or Tesla stock. Every time someone in Korea buys a US stock, they’re effectively selling the won and buying the dollar.
How Much Is 1 Won in US Dollars: The Practical Breakdown
Since 0.00068 is a hard number to wrap your head around, let's look at what common amounts actually look like in your wallet.
- 1,000 Won: This is roughly $0.68. In a Korean convenience store (like GS25 or CU), this might get you a small bottle of water or a pack of gum, but even those prices are rising.
- 10,000 Won: About $6.80. This is the "lunch" benchmark. You can still get a decent bowl of bibimbap or some spicy pork for this, though in trendy areas like Gangnam, you're going to need more.
- 50,000 Won: This is the highest paper bill in Korea, roughly $34.00. It’s the "nice dinner" bill.
- 1,000,000 Won: Roughly $680.00.
If you're traveling, keep this mental shortcut in mind: drop the last three zeros and multiply by 0.7. It’s not perfect, but it’ll keep you from overspending when you see a shirt for 45,000 won and think it’s a steal (it’s about $30).
What the Experts are Saying
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent actually chimed in on this a few days ago. He said the won’t weakness doesn't really match Korea’s "strong economic fundamentals." It was a rare move—basically a verbal warning to markets that the won has dropped too far, too fast.
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South Korea's economy is a bit of a "K-shape" right now. The semiconductor industry is absolutely booming because of the AI craze. Companies like SK Hynix are making a killing. But the rest of the economy? It’s struggling. Youth unemployment is sitting around 6.1%, and people are drowning in household debt.
The Dilemma
Governor Rhee Chang-yong of the Bank of Korea is in a tight spot. He admitted that the exchange rate was a "key factor" in why they didn't lower interest rates this month. He's stuck between a rock and a hard place. If he lowers rates to help the unemployed, the won might hit 1,500 or 1,600 per dollar, which would make gas and food imports incredibly expensive. If he raises rates to save the won, he might crush the housing market.
Moving Forward: What Should You Do?
If you are planning a trip to Korea in 2026, honestly, you’re in luck. Your US dollars will go further than they have in nearly two decades. But for those sending money back to the US or businesses importing Korean goods, the volatility is a nightmare.
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Watch the 1,500 mark. That is the psychological "red line." If the won crosses 1,500 per dollar, expect the Korean government to step in with massive interventions. They’ve already tripled their "stabilization bond" ceiling to $5 billion this year just to prepare for this fight.
To stay ahead of these shifts, check the rate daily if you’re moving large sums. Don't just look at the mid-market rate; check the "sell" rate at your bank, as they often take a 1-3% cut on top of the base exchange. If you're an investor, keep an eye on the Bank of Korea's February 26 meeting. That’s the next big milestone that will determine if your dollar buys even more won or if the trend finally reverses.