You're standing at a bustling street stall in Myeongdong, the smell of spicy tteokbokki thick in the air. You reach into your pocket and pull out a shiny, silver coin. It’s a 100 won piece. To a tourist, it looks like a quarter. To a local, it's the face of Admiral Yi Sun-sin staring back at them. But what is it actually worth in your home currency?
Right now, in early 2026, the value of 100 korean won to usd sits at approximately $0.068.
Yeah, you read that right. Less than seven cents. It’s a tiny fraction of a dollar, yet this specific denomination carries a weight in Korean society that numbers on a screen can't quite capture. While the exchange rate has been a wild ride lately—hovering around 1,470 won per dollar due to global shifts and domestic recovery—that little coin remains the workhorse of the Korean pocket.
The Reality of 100 Korean Won to USD in Today’s Economy
Honestly, the "won" has had a rough couple of years. Back in 2024 and 2025, we saw the currency take some hits from geopolitical tension and a massive surge in the US dollar. By the time we hit January 2026, the Bank of Korea had to get pretty aggressive. They've been holding interest rates steady at 2.50% just to keep the won from sliding into the abyss.
When you look at 100 korean won to usd, you're seeing the result of a very deliberate balancing act. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recently made waves by suggesting the won was actually undervalued compared to Korea’s "strong economic fundamentals."
If he’s right, your seven cents might eventually be worth... well, maybe eight cents.
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What Can You Actually Buy?
Don't expect a feast. In the 1980s, 100 won could get you a decent snack. Today? It’s mostly "filler" money.
- A single piece of gum: Maybe, if you find an old-school mart.
- Public transit: Nope. You need about 1,200 to 1,500 won for a bus or subway ride.
- Street food: A single hotteok (sweet pancake) is usually 1,500 to 2,000 won now.
Basically, 100 won is what you use to round out a cash payment or what you get back as change when you buy a coffee at a convenience store. It’s the "penny" of Korea, but slightly more useful because it's a coin people actually still use rather than leave in those "take a penny, leave a penny" jars.
Why the Exchange Rate Keeps Moving
The relationship between the 100 korean won to usd isn't just about Korea; it's about the whole world. Korea's economy is basically a giant chip-making machine. When companies like Samsung or SK Hynix do well, the won usually strengthens.
But there’s a catch.
Lately, Korean retail investors have been obsessed with the US stock market. They’re trading in their won for dollars to buy Nvidia or Tesla. When everyone wants dollars, the value of the won drops. This "capital flight" is a huge reason why the exchange rate is stuck near 1,470 won per dollar. It makes things cheaper for American tourists, but it's a headache for the Bank of Korea.
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The 2026 Economic Rebound
Most experts, including the folks at J.P. Morgan and the IMF, are projecting Korea's GDP to grow by about 1.8% to 2.0% this year. That’s a "modest" recovery. The 12.3 Martial Law Crisis of late 2024 is finally in the rearview mirror, and consumer sentiment is actually at an eight-year high.
When people feel good, they spend. When they spend, the economy moves. But until the export market—specifically those semiconductors—really explodes, the won will likely stay in this "weak but stable" zone.
Admiral Yi Sun-sin and the 100 Won Coin
If you look closely at the 100 won coin, you’ll see a man in traditional armor. That’s Admiral Yi Sun-sin. He’s arguably the greatest hero in Korean history, famous for defeating massive Japanese fleets with a handful of "turtle ships" in the 16th century.
There’s a bit of irony there. The most common coin, the one worth only $0.068, features the country’s most revered protector.
Some people think the 100 won coin is on its way out. The Bank of Korea has been talking about a "coinless society" for years. Most people use KakaoPay or Samsung Pay for everything now, even at tiny vegetable stalls in traditional markets. Yet, the 100 won remains. It’s the bridge between the high-tech digital world of Seoul and the old-school cash culture that still lingers in the countryside.
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Practical Advice for Handling Korean Currency
If you’re traveling or doing business, don’t get hung up on the small stuff. Converting 100 korean won to usd is mostly a mental exercise to help you understand the scale of prices.
- The 1,000 Won Rule: Instead of thinking about 100 won, think in units of 1,000. 1,000 won is roughly $0.68 to $0.70. If a meal costs 10,000 won, it’s about $7. It’s much easier to track your spending this way.
- Ditch the Coins: Most "marts" (convenience stores) like GS25 or CU will let you load your change onto a T-money card. This is a lifesaver. You won’t have a pocket full of Admiral Yi Sun-sin jingling around.
- Watch the Trends: If the exchange rate moves toward 1,400, your dollar is getting weaker in Korea. If it moves toward 1,500, you’re getting a "discount" on everything you buy.
The volatility isn't going away. Analysts at LG Business Research Institute expect the won to stay around 1,400 for most of 2026. This means that for the foreseeable future, 100 won will continue to be worth just under seven cents.
It might not buy much, but it’s a tiny window into the health of one of the world’s most dynamic economies. Whether you're tracking it for a trip or just curious about the forex market, that little silver coin tells a much bigger story than its price tag suggests.
To make the most of your money, keep an eye on the Bank of Korea's monthly policy meetings. Any hint of a rate cut will likely push the won down further, making your dollars go even further. If you're carrying physical 100 won coins, use them for laundry machines or the occasional vending machine—otherwise, keep your transactions digital to avoid the clutter.