South Korean Won to US Dollar (KRW/USD) Exchange Rate Today
Travel moneySouth Korea's won - driven by tech exports and regional sentiment. See where it sits today.
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KRW to USD Conversion Table
Common amounts converted from South Korean Won to US Dollar at today's rate.
| South Korean Won (KRW) | US Dollar (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1 KRW | — |
| 5 KRW | — |
| 10 KRW | — |
| 25 KRW | — |
| 50 KRW | — |
| 100 KRW | — |
| 250 KRW | — |
| 500 KRW | — |
| 1,000 KRW | — |
| 5,000 KRW | — |
| 10,000 KRW | — |
| 50,000 KRW | — |
How much US Dollar will you actually receive?
Estimated cost to convert KRW 1,000 to USD with different transfer services. Fees are sourced from published pricing pages and may vary by amount, payment method, and destination.
| Service | Rate | Fee | Total Cost | USD received |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-market rate | — | - | - | — |
| — | — | — | — | |
| — | — | — | — | |
| — | — | — | — | |
| — | — | — | — | |
| — | — | — | — | |
| Typical bank Mar 2026 | — | — | — | — |
| Bureau de change Mar 2026 | — | — | — | — |
Some links are affiliate links and may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. This does not affect our ranking - we sort by lowest total cost to you. Fees are estimates based on published pricing and may differ from your actual quote.
Planning a trip? What to know about KRW/USD
If you are travelling and need US Dollar, the mid-market rate on this page is your benchmark. Your bank, card, or bureau de change will add their own markup. Use the provider comparison table above to see how much you would actually receive. For practical tips on getting the best rate at your destination, see the travel advice section below.
KRW/USD rate statistics
Is today's KRW/USD rate good or bad?
We compare today's live South Korean Won to US Dollar mid-market rate against its 30-day and 52-week trading range. When the rate is near the top of its recent range, KRW holders get more US Dollar per unit - a better time to convert. When it is near the bottom, you may want to watch and wait.
South Korea's won is sensitive to global semiconductor demand, since chips are Korea's largest export. Samsung and SK Hynix earnings seasons can influence KRW direction. The Bank of Korea also watches USD/KRW closely.
The live analysis below updates throughout market hours and shows exactly where today's rate sits in context.
What is the KRW/USD exchange rate?
The KRW/USD rate tracks how many US Dollar one South Korean Won buys. South Korea's export-heavy economy - led by semiconductors and electronics - makes KRW sensitive to global tech demand and trade sentiment.
KRW is issued by the Bank of Korea (BOK) (ranked 11th globally - meaning it's the 11th most bought and sold currency in the world). USD is issued by the Federal Reserve (ranked 1st). Full KRW profile | Full USD profile
South Korean Won to US Dollar is commonly checked by K-culture fans, tech industry workers, and travellers to Seoul.
What drives this rate? Bank of Korea policy, semiconductor export demand (Korea's main industry), and risk sentiment toward Asian emerging markets. Korean equity inflows from foreign investors also matter.
Is today's KRW/USD rate good or bad?
The South Korean Won to US Dollar mid-market rate shown above is the reference price before any provider adds fees or markup. It is not a guaranteed quote - your bank, card issuer, or transfer service will offer a different rate that includes their margin.
On a typical conversion, banks add 2-4% to this rate. The gap between the mid-market rate and what you actually receive is the real cost of converting - often larger than any flat fee. Use the mid-market rate on this page as your benchmark, then compare what your bank or transfer provider actually delivers.
Converting South Korean Won to US Dollar? Read this first
Converting to Korean Won? South Korea's payment landscape is highly digital - credit and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere. Airport bureau de change offer poor rates; Myeongdong money changers in Seoul or bank ATMs are significantly better. T-money transit cards are prepaid, not linked to your bank.
Watch out: The KRW/USD rate moves 24 hours a day on weekdays. If you are converting a meaningful amount, compare providers using the mid-market rate on this page as your benchmark.
Did you know?
- About 80% of all US $100 bills are held overseas, primarily in countries with unstable local currencies.
Frequently asked questions
Is now a good time to convert KRW to USD?
Timing currency conversions requires comparing current rates against your personal financial timeline and needs rather than trying to predict market moves. Check the rate panel above to see where KRW/USD trades today, then consider whether you need dollars for an upcoming trip or expense.
The Bank of Korea and Federal Reserve both influence this pair through monetary policy, so economic data from both countries affects daily fluctuations - factors to watch include interest rate decisions, inflation reports, and trade flows between South Korea and the United States.
What moves the KRW/USD exchange rate?
The KRW/USD rate responds to interest rate differentials between the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Korea, as higher US rates typically strengthen the dollar against the won. Trade relationships between South Korea and the United States matter significantly - Samsung, Hyundai, and other major exporters influence capital flows based on global demand for their products.
Economic data from both nations also drives movement: US inflation, employment reports, and GDP growth push the Fed's policy direction, while South Korean manufacturing indices and consumer spending affect the Bank of Korea's decisions. Currency speculators and hedge funds trade this pair actively based on these macro trends and technical levels.
Will South Korean Won get stronger or weaker against US Dollar?
We don't forecast currency movements, as exchange rates depend on multiple shifting variables that no one can predict with certainty. Instead, review the chart above to see historical KRW/USD trends and the current rate, then monitor economic calendars from both central banks for upcoming policy announcements.
Factors to watch include Federal Reserve interest rate decisions, the Bank of Korea's monetary stance, US-South Korea trade data, and global risk sentiment - these fundamentals shape how the won and dollar interact over time.
How can I avoid fees when converting KRW to USD?
Exchange fees vary widely depending on your provider: banks typically charge higher margins than online currency platforms, which often offer mid-market rates closer to what the rate panel displays. If you're traveling to the United States, compare the cost of converting before you leave South Korea versus exchanging dollars once you arrive - some travelers find better deals by using ATMs abroad to withdraw cash directly.
Consider using a specialist currency transfer service instead of your bank, as they often have lower fees for international conversions, though you'll want to factor in any transfer charges alongside the exchange margin.
Should I exchange US Dollar at home or abroad?
Exchanging before departure at your South Korean bank or a local currency exchange typically locks in a known rate, letting you budget precisely for your US trip. Exchanging dollars once you arrive in the United States - either at an airport exchange counter or a local bank - may offer different rates and fees that are worth comparing.
Many travelers find mid-market rates through online platforms before departure more competitive than airport exchanges in either country, though each approach has tradeoffs in convenience and rate quality - review current rates in the panel above to compare your options.
How far does South Korean Won go in the United States?
South Korean Won has significantly less purchasing power in the United States than dollars do, since US prices are generally quoted in dollars and foreign currency must be converted at the prevailing KRW/USD rate shown above. The cost of living comparison depends on specific cities and spending categories - major US cities like New York or San Francisco tend to be expensive for international visitors, while smaller towns or rural areas may offer lower prices.
Your travel budget in won should account for the exchange rate conversion loss, any currency conversion fees you pay, and the actual price levels where you'll be staying - using the rate panel to calculate expected dollar amounts from your won budget helps you plan more accurately.
What is the cheapest way to send KRW to USD?
The cheapest method depends on the amount, urgency, and whether you need physical cash or a bank deposit - compare fees from online remittance services, your bank, and specialist money transfer platforms against the KRW/USD rate they offer. Online platforms like Wise, OFX, or Remitly often undercut traditional bank fees for international transfers to the United States, though they may take 1-3 business days to settle.
For very large amounts, calling your bank directly to negotiate rates may be worthwhile, as they sometimes offer better margins for bigger transfers - always factor in the total cost (fee plus exchange margin) rather than just the headline rate.
Should I bring USD to Korea?
Bringing US dollars to South Korea is practical as a backup currency since major hotels, tourist areas, and money exchanges accept dollars, though you'll pay conversion fees when exchanging them at South Korean banks or street vendors. Most travelers find that withdrawing Korean Won from ATMs using a debit card offers better rates and convenience than pre-converting dollars before departure, as you avoid carrying large amounts of physical cash.
If you do bring dollars, comparing the exchange rate offered by your South Korean bank against the rate panel above helps you decide whether to exchange them or use your debit card instead for better value.
What is a good exchange rate for USD to KRW?
A 'good' rate depends on historical context - check the chart above to see where KRW/USD has traded over the past weeks and months, then use that range to evaluate any rate a provider quotes you. Rates from major banks and currency platforms cluster near the mid-market rate (the true interbank rate), while smaller exchanges or hotel counters typically offer worse rates by 2-5% or more.
Rather than chasing a single 'good' number, compare the all-in cost from multiple providers - factor in their fees and margins alongside the quoted rate to see which gives you the most dollars for your won.
Why is KRW weakening against USD?
The Korean Won weakens against the US dollar when the Federal Reserve holds higher interest rates than the Bank of Korea, since investors seek better returns in dollar-denominated assets and bonds. Global economic uncertainty or regional geopolitical tensions involving South Korea also prompt capital outflows toward the safety of US dollar reserves, putting downward pressure on the won.
South Korea's export-dependent economy means that slower global demand or trade tensions reduce foreign currency inflows, while the US economy's relative strength attracts international investment - these diverging economic trends influence the KRW/USD pair over longer timeframes.
How to transfer USD without fees?
Most currency transfers involve fees somewhere in the chain - either as a flat service charge, a spread above the mid-market rate, or both - making truly fee-free transfers rare in practice. Some banks offer fee-free transfers between your own accounts in different countries if you have them, though the exchange rate they apply may still be less favorable than alternatives.
To minimize total cost, compare the combined fee plus exchange margin from several providers (your bank, Wise, OFX, and others) rather than accepting the first quote - the lowest advertised fee doesn't always mean the best value when the exchange rate differs.
How much is a bitcoin transaction fee for $2000 dollars?
Bitcoin transaction fees fluctuate based on network congestion and are measured in satoshis per byte, not in fixed dollar amounts - what costs $5 in fees one day may cost $15 the next depending on demand. Using Bitcoin to convert KRW to USD adds complexity: you'd need to sell KRW for Bitcoin on a South Korean exchange, transfer it to a US exchange, then sell Bitcoin for dollars, facing volatility and fees at each step.
For standard currency conversion to the United States, traditional transfer services and banks typically offer more straightforward pricing and lower total costs than cryptocurrency conversion routes, though you can review current network conditions if you choose that path.
Learn more
- Bank of Korea - Exchange Rates - Official daily KRW rates
- FRED - USD/KRW Daily Rate - Historical Korean won rate data
How this rate is calculated
We prefer a direct rate from our primary data source when one is available. If a direct quote is unavailable, we compute a cross-rate through a major intermediary currency (usually USD or EUR). When a rate is derived rather than directly quoted, we label it on the page. Full methodology.