[Today's won] USD/KRW closes at 1,324.2, its lowest this year

The Korean won strengthened as USD/KRW closed at 1,324.2 won per dollar, down 1.0 won from the previous close. The rate reached its lowest level this year, 14.9% below the year's high of 1,555.8.

The close marked the won's strongest level against the dollar this year, extending a decline in USD/KRW to five consecutive sessions.

On October 22, USD/KRW opened at 1,327.5, up 2.3 won from the previous close of 1,325.2, initially indicating a weaker won. It subsequently fell 3.3 won from the opening level to finish at 1,324.2, according to the Bank of Korea's published rates.

The closing rate matched the year's low of 1,324.2, against a high of 1,555.8 on July 2. It was also 122.5 won below the 1,446.7 recorded on July 29.

A currency conversion illustrates the won's appreciation over the past year. Converting 1,000,000 won into dollars at the October 22, 2025 rate of 1,429.8 would have yielded about $699.40. Converting that amount back at 1,324.2 would return approximately 926,144 won, a reduction of 73,856 won, or 7.4%, in won terms.

The same day's exchange rates were 198.28 won per Chinese yuan and 842 won per 100 Japanese yen.