Learning about the different meanings of Korean won the types and units

In Korea, different kinds of won such as 10 won, 50 won, 100 won, 1,000 won, 5,000 won, 10,000 won and 50,000 won are used. If you look closely at the won, you'll also be able to discover a picture. Each won has a different meaning to it. Shall we learn about the different units and types of Korean won then? 

Firstly, Koreans use 'won' as a unit of currency. That's why when talking about prices, they say “100 won”, “500 won” etc. The currency won originates from the Chinese character 圓 (yuan) which means round. 10 won, 50 won, 100 won, 500 won, 1,000 won, 5,000 won, 10,000 won and 50,000 won are the types of won used. Interestingly enough, pictures with different meanings are also engraved on Korean won.

Starting from the coins, the 10 won has a picture of Korea's 20th National Treasure, the Dabotap Pagoda engraved and the 50 won has an ear of rice engraved on it. The reason for that is to celebrate World Food Day with a design of an ear of rice. The 100 won has the turtle ship commanded by General Yi Sun-sin and the 500 won coin has a flying crane engraved on it.

And the banknotes have notable Korean figures inscribed on them instead. Firstly, the 1,000 won has the academic Philosopher Yi Hwang from the Joseon dynasty and the 5,000 won has Philosopher Yi Hwang's disciple, Yulgok Yi I inscribed on it. The 10,000 won has the founder of Korea's language, Hangul, Sejong the Great and the 50,000 won has the Joseon dynasty artist, Sin Saimdang inscribed on it.

It'll be good to also learn more general knowledge about Korea from looking at Korean won :) Given that there are also a lot of markets in Korea, try taking some time to learn more about Korean won during your shopping!