South Korea’s won reached its strongest 2026 close against the dollar Monday, with the U.S. currency finishing at 1,323.1 won as the won extended last week’s gains, Bank of Korea data showed.
The dollar-won rate fell 1.5 won from Friday’s close of 1,324.6 won. A lower rate means each dollar buys fewer won. Monday’s finish also moved below the previous 2026 low of 1,324.2 won, recorded Oct. 22.
By the close, the dollar had fallen 0.9 won from its opening rate of 1,324.0. That opening rate was already 0.6 won below Friday’s finish.
The dollar had closed at 1,328.1 won on Oct. 20, putting Monday’s rate 5.0 won below that earlier mark. Monday’s close was also 15% below the 2026 high of 1,555.8 won per dollar, reached July 2.
