Recently watching the South Korean series The Killing Vote, I found the Korean currency a bit confusing.
The won ₩ took quite a ride on the inflation train.
The Screwed Up North Korean Won
So many screwed up things here:
- the North Korean government basically stole everyone’s entire life savings (except for $30)
- the country went a week with no valid currency. No stores were open.
South Korean Coins
Commemorative coins celebrate Korea’s long history, sporting events, and the 2014 visit by Pope Francis.
Sporting events include the 1988 Summer Olympics, 2018 Winter Olympics, and the 2002 FIFA World Cup
Children are also celebrated through special commemorative coins. (All images are from https://en.numista.com/)
South Korean 50,000₩
The largest Korean bill, 50,000₩ won note (about $37 USD) features the 16th century Korean poet Shin Saimdang (1504-1551)
A Poem by Shin Saimdang: Thoughts of Mother and Father
Thoughts of Mother and Father Shin Saimdang (1504-1551) I climb the mountain, and my hometown is already thousands of miles away. Day and night, even in dreams, my soul longs to go back. Above the ridges of Hansongjeong’s paddies floats the lonely moon; Over the roof of Gyeongpo Pavillion rushes a gust of wind. Seagulls gather along the sandy fields and Fishing boats come and go but When will my feet once again tread the path to Gangneung? Shall I put on a colourful dress and busy myself with needlework? (translated by McKenzie Johns)
사친(思親), 신사임당: 千里家山 萬疊峯 (천리가산 만첩봉) 산 넘어 내 고향 천리이건만 歸心長存 夢魂中 (귀심장존 몽혼중) 자나 깨나 꿈에서도 돌아가고파 寒松亭畔 孤輪月 (한송정반 고륜월) 한송정 앞에는 외로이 뜬 달 鏡浦臺前 一陳風 (경포대전 일진풍) 경포대 앞에는 한 줄기 바람 沙上白鷺 恒聚山 (사상백로 항취산) 갈매기는 모래밭에 모이고 波頭漁船 各西東 (파두어선 각서동) 고기 배들은 바다를 오가는데 何時重踏 臨瀛路 (하시중답 임영로) 언제 강릉 길 다시 밟아서 彩舞斑衣 膝下縫 (채무반의 슬하봉) 색동옷 입고 앉아 바느질할까