Korean Won Falls to Its Weakest Level in Decades

1. What’s Happening

This month, the average exchange rate between the Korean won and the U.S. dollar went above 1,470 won. This is the highest monthly level since the 1998 financial crisis. Recently, the rate even moved close to 1,480 won during night trading. This is unusual because the U.S. dollar is getting weaker globally. Among major countries, only the Korean won is falling against the dollar.

2. What It Means

Many Koreans are buying dollars to invest in overseas stocks, which increases demand for dollars. When dollar demand is high, the won becomes weaker. A weaker won makes imported goods more expensive in Korea. Experts say the exchange rate may stay high next year unless dollar demand decreases.

3. Watch Points

• Overseas stock buying.

• Government action.

• Global interest rates.

Source

Park, M. (2025, December 14). Monthly won-dollar exchange rate exceeds 1,470 won, highest since the foreign exchange crisis. Kukmin Ilbo. https://www.kmib.co.kr/article/view.asp?arcid=0029110665&code=61141111&cp=nv