About South Korea banknotes
The Bank of Korea was founded in 1950. After the hwan period, the won returned in 1962 at ten hwan to one won. Modern notes honour Joseon-era scholars and figures: Yi Hwang (1,000 won), Yi I (5,000), King Sejong, who created the Korean alphabet (10,000), and the artist Shin Saimdang (50,000).
See also: Japan, China and Asian banknotes.
Frequently asked questions
Who is on the 10,000 won note?
King Sejong the Great, who created the Korean alphabet, Hangul, in the 15th century.
When was the won reintroduced?
In 1962, at ten hwan to one won.
Who is on the 50,000 won note?
Shin Saimdang, a 16th-century artist and calligrapher.
Are your South Korean banknotes genuine?
Yes. Every South Korean note we sell is a genuine banknote, never a copy or replica. Each listing states the grade, gives the Pick catalogue number where one exists and shows the front and back, and every order ships tracked from Hungary.