You're standing in front of a neon-lit convenience store in Gangnam, holding a crisp 10,000 won note. It’s that familiar green bill with King Sejong’s face staring back at you. If you’re a traveler or an expat, your brain is probably doing some quick mental gymnastics. "Is this ten bucks? Seven? Five?"
Honestly, the answer isn't as simple as it used to be.
Right now, as we move through January 2026, 10 000 won to usd sits at approximately $6.79.
That number probably feels a bit jarring if you haven't checked the charts in a while. For years, tourists used the "just drop three zeros" rule of thumb, assuming 10,000 won was roughly 10 dollars. Those days are gone. The exchange rate has been a rollercoaster lately, driven by everything from semiconductor exports to the Bank of Korea’s stubbornness with interest rates.
The Current Reality of the 10,000 Won Note
If you had swapped that same 10,000 won for dollars a few years back, you might have walked away with nearly $8.50. Today, you’re looking at a different landscape. The South Korean won has faced some real pressure.
Currently, the USD/KRW exchange rate is hovering around 1,473 won per dollar.
It’s been a weird start to the year. Just a few days ago, the won took a nosedive toward 1,480 before a rare verbal intervention from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent helped it claw back some ground. He basically told the markets that the won’t's decline didn't match Korea's "strong economic fundamentals." It was a strange moment of international "he said, she said" that actually moved the needle for a minute.
But for you, the person trying to buy lunch, the "fundamentals" don't matter as much as the price tag on a bowl of kimchi jjigae.
What $6.79 Actually Buys You in Seoul
You’ve got your $6.79 (10,000 won). What’s the move?
Ten years ago, a 10,000 won bill made you feel like royalty at a street food market. You could get two orders of tteokbokki, a side of soondae, and some fried glass noodles, and still have enough for a bus ride home.
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In 2026? 10,000 won is basically the "entry fee" for a decent sit-down meal.
- The Quick Lunch: You can still find a solid Hansot dosirak (lunch box) for about 5,000 to 7,000 won. That leaves you enough for a convenience store coffee.
- The Cafe Experience: If you’re heading to a trendy spot in Seongsu-dong, 10,000 won might only cover one specialty latte. Seriously. High-end Gesha coffee can run you 9,000 won just for the cup.
- The "Gukbap" Test: A hearty bowl of soup at a neighborhood spot usually lands between 9,000 and 11,000 won now.
- The Subway: You can ride the Seoul Metro across the city about six times for 10,000 won. It remains one of the best values in the country.
Why 10 000 won to usd Keeps Shifting
Currency markets are essentially a giant popularity contest, and right now, the US dollar is the popular kid.
The Bank of Korea (BOK) recently held its key interest rate at 2.50%. Meanwhile, the US Fed has kept rates higher for longer. When US rates are higher than Korean rates, money tends to flow toward the dollar. It’s like a magnet. Investors want those higher yields, so they sell won and buy dollars, driving the price of the won down.
There’s also the "China Factor." Because Korea’s economy is so tightly linked to Chinese trade, the won often gets dragged along for the ride whenever the Chinese yuan fluctuates.
The 2026 Economic Strategy
The Korean government isn't just sitting on its hands. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol recently announced a massive plan to "internationalize" the won. They want to make it easier for people outside Korea to trade and hold the currency, hoping this will stabilize things.
They’re also betting big on semiconductors. Korea’s exports hit a record $700 billion last year. Usually, when exports are booming, the currency gets stronger. But we’re seeing a disconnect. Domestic demand is a bit sluggish, and people are worried about household debt, which keeps the won from making a full recovery.
Surviving the Exchange Rate as a Traveler
If you’re coming to Korea with a wallet full of US dollars, you’re technically "winning" because your dollars go further. But don't get cocky. Inflation in Seoul has been real.
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Prices at the "Mart" (supermarkets like E-mart or Homeplus) have spiked. A loaf of bread is now roughly 3,000 won, and if you want to buy a kilogram of red meat, you're looking at 15,000 to 20,000 won.
Pro tip for saving money in 2026:
Go to the traditional markets. Places like Mangwon Market or Gwangjang Market still offer incredible value. You can find "banchan" (side dishes) where 10,000 won gets you three or four different containers of food that will last a few days.
Also, watch out for the "ambience tax." A lot of cafes in Seoul are charging for the vibes. If you just need a caffeine hit, hit up a Mega Coffee or Paik's Coffee. You can get a massive Americano for 1,500 to 2,000 won. That’s less than $1.50.
The Verdict on 10,000 Won
So, is 10,000 won still "a lot" of money?
Sorta.
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It’s enough to survive a day if you're smart. It's enough for a meal, a few rides on the bus, or a really fancy coffee. But the days of 10,000 won being a "big" bill are over. It’s the new 5,000 won.
If you're converting 10 000 won to usd, keep that $6.70 - $6.80 range in mind. If you see the rate dip toward 1,500 won per dollar, it might be a good time to exchange your USD for KRW, as you'll be getting more "Sejongs" for your buck.
Actionable Steps for Your Money
- Check the Spread: Don't just look at the mid-market rate on Google. Banks and kiosks at Incheon Airport will take a 2-3% cut.
- Use a Travel Card: Apps like WOWPASS or Namane allow you to load USD and convert at much better rates than traditional banks, and they double as your transit card.
- Monitor the 1,450 Mark: Analysts at Bank of America think the won might strengthen toward the end of 2026 as Korea joins the World Government Bond Index. if you're planning a long-term stay, wait for that shift before moving large amounts of cash.
- Local is Cheaper: Stick to "Gisikdang" (driver's restaurants) or neighborhood "Gimbap Cheonguk" locations. They are the last bastions of the 10,000 won full-course meal.
The exchange rate is a moving target, but understanding the value of that green bill helps you navigate Korea without going broke.