Planning a trip to Seoul? Honestly, it’s a vibe. But if you’re staring at the current Hong Kong dollar to korean won exchange rate, you might be scratching your head. Things have changed.
The exchange rate is currently hovering around 188 KRW for every 1 HKD. This is a significant jump from where we were a year or two ago when you’d be lucky to get 170. Basically, your Hong Kong dollars are stronger now. You’ve got more "spending power" for those Myeongdong hauls and late-night fried chicken runs.
But there’s a catch. Inflation in South Korea has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Even though the rate looks great on paper, prices in Seoul have crept up.
The Reality of the Hong Kong Dollar to Korean Won Right Now
If you're looking at the numbers today, January 17, 2026, the market is sitting at roughly 188.74. That’s the "interbank" rate—the pure, untouched number banks use. You won't actually get that at a booth in Tsim Sha Tsui or at Incheon Airport.
Expect to lose a bit to fees.
Why is the Won so weak? It’s a mix of things. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent actually mentioned recently that the Won’s slide doesn’t quite match Korea’s strong fundamentals. There's been a lot of "predictable unpredictability" coming from Washington, and investors are piling into US stocks. When everyone wants Dollars, the Won tends to take a backseat.
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Where to actually swap your cash
Don't just walk into the first bank you see.
- Chungking Mansions (TST): Still the king for physical cash. The spreads are thin, and competition is brutal, which works in your favor.
- Myeongdong Money Changers: If you land in Seoul with HKD in your pocket, head to the shops near the Chinese Embassy. "Ambassador" and "Ilpumhyang" are the local legends. They usually beat the airport rates by a mile.
- Digital Wallets: Apps like Wise or Instarem are great for mid-market rates. If you’re a tech-forward traveler, this is the way.
Wait. Before you go all-in on cash, you should know that Korea is becoming aggressively cashless.
Is South Korea Actually Expensive in 2026?
It depends on your lifestyle. A budget traveler can survive on about 75,000 KRW a day. That’s roughly $400 HKD.
Here is what things actually cost in Seoul right now:
A bed in a decent Hongdae hostel will run you about 20,000 to 25,000 KRW. If you want a private "budget" hotel, expect to pay 40,000 to 70,000 KRW.
Street food is still the hero here. You can grab a bibimbap for 7,000 KRW or a full K-BBQ spread for 15,000 to 20,000 KRW per person.
Subway rides are around 1,500 KRW.
Basically, the hong kong dollar to korean won rate is helping offset the fact that a coffee in a trendy Seongsu-dong cafe now costs as much as a lunch.
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The "Cashless" Trap
Here’s a weird tip: bring some cash, but don't rely on it.
Korea is basically a "card-first" society now. Many small boutiques and even some taxis prefer cards or T-Money. However, there’s a glitch. Sometimes foreign Visa or Mastercards just... don't work. It’s annoying. You’ll be at a kiosk, and it’ll reject your card for no reason.
Always carry about 50,000 KRW in your wallet as a "panic fund."
Also, the T-Money card is non-negotiable. You can buy them at any 7-Eleven or GS25. You’ll need cash to top these up at the subway stations, as the machines rarely take foreign credit cards for top-ups.
Watching the Trends for 2026
The Bank of Korea recently held interest rates steady at 2.5%. They’re trying to balance growth (especially in semiconductors) with the fact that the exchange rate is making imports more expensive.
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For you, this means the hong kong dollar to korean won rate likely won't crash overnight. It might stay in this "sweet spot" for a while. If you see the rate hit 190, that’s probably a great time to lock in some currency for your trip.
A Note on the K-ETA
The K-ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is actually exempt for Hong Kong passport holders through December 31, 2026. This is great news because it saves you a bit of paperwork and a small fee. Just show up with your passport and you're usually good to go for 90 days of tourism.
Expert Tips for Managing Your Won
Don't exchange your money at the airport unless you absolutely have to. The rates there are usually 5-10% worse than what you’ll find in the city.
Use a multi-currency card. If you have a digital bank account that allows you to hold KRW, swap your HKD when the rate is high (like right now) and just tap-and-pay when you get there. It saves you the hassle of carrying a thick envelope of 50,000 Won notes.
Finally, keep an eye on the news. If the US Federal Reserve makes a big move, it ripples through the hong kong dollar to korean won pair instantly because of the HKD’s peg to the US Dollar.
What to do next
Start by checking your bank's foreign transaction fees. If they charge 1.95% or more, look into getting a travel-specific card. Once you have that sorted, keep an eye on the 188-190 range; if the rate hits that level, it’s a solid time to convert a portion of your budget to cover your first few days of transport and street food.
Check the "Namane" or "WOWPASS" cards too. They are specifically designed for tourists in Korea—you can top them up with HKD cash at machines in major subway stations and use them like a local debit card. It's a lifesaver when your standard credit card decides to be difficult at a self-service kiosk.