Considering that today Asian countries are attracting general interest, it is worth trying to learn something about them. And why not start with the currency of one of these countries - Korea?
Korean currency - education
The state was divided into two countries already in the 20th century, and until then it was a fairly powerful state with millennia-old traditions and culture. Korea is incredibly ancient. The oldest human settlements found in this region date back over 70,000 years.
The Korean currency is won. However, she appeared not so long ago - just a little over 100 years ago. At first, they issued only metallic money, notes appeared a little later. After the war ended in 1910, this country became a Japanese colony, therefore, the Korean yen was introduced in it.
After the defeat of Japan in 1945, the colony came out of custody, but was divided by the victors. The north of the peninsula, up to the 38th parallel, became controlled by the USSR, while the south by America. Thus, in the 48th year of the last century, new states formed - the Republic of Korea and the DPRK.
The Korean currency, won, has returned to both countries. However, its course in the two countries varies greatly, which is important to consider when visiting them.
North Korea
In the DPRK, the Korean currency has no competitors, since the use of other money is prohibited. The population has the right to make transactions and all purchases only with the help of the national currency. This approach has led to the formation of shadow exchangers.
In addition, the country's Won controls the course. Market laws on this territory do not matter, the exchange rate is determined by the state. And today they give 130 won for the dollar, 1.7 for the ruble.
South Korea
Won is the Korean currency on the south side of the peninsula. However, here it is a completely different attitude. The course, as in other countries, is regulated by the financial market, the circulation of foreign currency is allowed in the state, tourists and foreign workers have the right to use it. Actually, in most stores you can only pay by won or a plastic card. Dollars can be accepted either in small private shops, or in specialized points such as Duty free.
You can exchange currency for Korean money in many banks, in hotels, in exchange offices. However, it is important to know that when leaving the country, you need to make a reverse exchange, since outside of South Korea this is unlikely to succeed.
For the dollar in South Korea, you can get 1208 won, for the ruble - 16 won. The official rate is practically no different from the values in the exchangers.
