Who are the faces on Korean Won?
Ever wondered what Korean money looks like? Have you heard the big numbers and wondered what can you get for it? Saw the beautiful pictures on the back of the Korean won but it doesn’t resemble anything in your memory? Not to worry! We are here to give you a brief overview of Korean heroes and help you ‘un-code’ the pictures behind it.
1,000 KRW (approx. USD 1/GBP 0.8)
What can I buy for 1,000 KRW?
If you go to a convenience store you can grab a bottle of water, a candy or some ramen, you can pay for your trip on the bus or subway, or you can visit Daiso, the cheapest Korean shop (similar to Poundland or One Dollar Shop).
Who is on the front cover of 1,000 KRW?
One of the two most prominent Korean Confucian scholars of Joseon Dynasty - Yi Hwang. He was also a professor of Yi I (the man on the 5,000KRW) and served four Kings! His political ideas were admired and thus, upon his death he received the highest ministerial rank.
What place does the picture on the back represent?
A picturesque Dosan Seowon! Now known as Andong, a beautiful city in South Korea. Famous for its’ stunning nature sparkled with lush mountains and calm rivers. It is also a place where you can try the best Salted mackerel (간 고등어)!
P.S. when you are in Andong, make sure to check out some K-drama filming locations: Buyongdae Cliff (부용대): Investigation Couple 2; Black Knight; The Tale of Nokdu; Moon Lovers and Gosanjeong Pavilion (고산정): Mister Sunshine.
5,000KRW (approx. USD 4/GBP 3.5)
What can I buy for 5,000 KRW?
Did you know that there is a huge coffee culture in South Korea? For 5,000KRW you can get a cup of coffee or a cake! If you go to a convenience store you can reward yourself with delicious Gimbap (김밥) or a few bottles of Soju. If you can resist, you can use it for visiting a picturesque TV Tower of Busan.
Who is on the front cover of 5,000 KRW?
Yulgok Yi I (1536-1584) one of the most prominent Korean Confucian scholars of the Joseon Dynasty. He is said to be one of the smartest people in Korea, as by the age of seven Yi I has already finished his lessons in the Confucional classics and by the age of 40 he was one of the most trusted people by the King, and one of the top political figures of the time.
What does the picture on the back represent?
If you look closely you can see a watermelon surrounded by silent insects. The picture was painted by the mother of Yi I, Shin Saimdang herself (the lady on the 50,000KRW). Her paintings are exhibited at Seoul Museum and receive many viewers as her works shine through with energy and its fine details and seasonal changes (unique for the 16th century).
Fun Fact: During the Joseon period watermelons were highly prized. So much so that the old tales would say that one of the reasons why watermelons are filled with so many seeds is to prevent people from eating them too quickly and thus protecting them from stomachaches.
10,000KRW (approx. USD 8/GBP 7)
What can you buy for 10,000 KRW?
You could either spend the money exploring Seoul from Namsan Tower observatory deck, enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant or jjimjilbang (traditional Korean spa).
Who is on the front cover of 10,000 KRW?
4th King of the Joseon dynasty, who is also a creator of the Korean alphabet Hangul King Sejong the Great (1397-1450). Before the invention of Hangul, people in Korea mainly used Hanja (Chinese characters), this meant that literacy was only attainable by the richest, leaving the poor in the dark. The King realized the issue and created a simple 28 letter alphabet, with which, people could learn how to read and write in days!
What does the picture on the back represent?
The picture at the back represents one of the greatest scientific discoveries in the Korean history- Honcheonui, Astrometer. It is interesting to know that the founder of Honcheonui, Jang Young Sil, was born a slave of the government offices. However, with the kindness of King Sejong, he was able to study in China, become the greatest scientist of Joseon Dynasty and was granted freedom from slavery.
Fun Fact: To honor the invention of Hangeul, Korea has created an annual national holiday on the 9th of October.
50,000KRW (approx. USD 41/GBP 32)
What can you buy for 50,000 KRW?
As you guessed it already, with 50,000KRW you can do quite a lot. Fancy a day trip to Busan? Watch a Korean movie at the cinema with popcorn in your hand? Or buy that bottle of wine? If you use the money wisely, you can get by for a day with 50,000KRW (there are many free activities out there too!)
Who is on the front cover of 50,000 KRW?
Shin Saimdang (1504-1551) has gained a precious place on the 50,000KRW as one of the most known women in Korean history. She was not only a painter, but a great writer, poet and calligraphist. Although the world knows her as Shin Saimdang, her real name remains unknown. Despite her great talents, the Joseon Dynasty was male-dominated, and thus her name itself did not make history.
What does the picture on the back represent?
The back on the banknote represents two vertical paintings of the Joseon Dynasty: ‘Wolmaedo’ and ’Pungjugdo’.
Fun Fact: Shin Saimdang made a huge imprint in Korean history, and is the first woman on a Korean Won, thus in 2017, TV series Saimdang, Memoir of Colors were introduced to discover more of her personality and life through her works of art.
We hope now you can visit Korea and not feel completely out of place with the new banknotes in your hands!
P.S. Did you know that the best way to surprise someone from a different culture (in this case South Korea), is by showing them that you know something unique about their country that many people wouldn’t know? If you only remember one fact from this blog, try mentioning it to your Korean friends and see their reactions!
Author: Raimonda Kekyte