South Korean Won Gains on Oil Relief and Policy Signals

2026-04-15 04:03 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The South Korean won strengthened to around 1,470 per dollar, remaining near its strongest level since March, amid easing oil prices and domestic policy expectations.

Reports that the United States and Iran are considering further negotiations supported expectations that diplomatic channels remain open and eased concerns over Middle East supply disruptions, contributing to lower crude prices.

This helped relieve imported inflation pressures in South Korea.

Import price data showed a 16.1% month-on-month surge in March, the sharpest rise in nearly three decades, driven by higher oil prices and a weaker won, highlighting the scale of external cost pressures.

The increase underscored Korea’s sensitivity to global energy shocks given its heavy reliance on imported crude.

Bank of Korea governor nominee Shin Hyun-song signaled that persistent inflation pressures may warrant a policy response and warned against excessive won weakness, reinforcing expectations of closer FX monitoring.



News Stream
South Korean Won Gains on Oil Relief and Policy Signals
The South Korean won strengthened to around 1,470 per dollar, remaining near its strongest level since March, amid easing oil prices and domestic policy expectations. Reports that the United States and Iran are considering further negotiations supported expectations that diplomatic channels remain open and eased concerns over Middle East supply disruptions, contributing to lower crude prices. This helped relieve imported inflation pressures in South Korea. Import price data showed a 16.1% month-on-month surge in March, the sharpest rise in nearly three decades, driven by higher oil prices and a weaker won, highlighting the scale of external cost pressures. The increase underscored Korea’s sensitivity to global energy shocks given its heavy reliance on imported crude. Bank of Korea governor nominee Shin Hyun-song signaled that persistent inflation pressures may warrant a policy response and warned against excessive won weakness, reinforcing expectations of closer FX monitoring.
2026-04-15
South Korean Won Remains Under Pressure
The South Korean won hovered around 1,475 per dollar, remaining near a one-month high, as investors reassessed the prospect of continued dialogue between the US and Iran. Markets have begun to price a partial de-escalation in US–Iran tensions, but uncertainty remains elevated as recent negotiations proved inconclusive and key flashpoints such as the Strait of Hormuz remain active risk factors. This keeps safe-haven demand for the US dollar broadly supported, limiting any meaningful KRW rebound. At the same time, oil prices, while off recent highs, remain elevated compared to pre-shock levels, sustaining Korea’s energy import burden and reinforcing structural demand for dollars. With no strong domestic catalyst from policy or capital inflows, the won continues to lack an independent support driver. Meanwhile, the dollar has only eased marginally, leaving KRW movements largely range-bound and sensitive to headline-driven shifts in global risk sentiment.
2026-04-14
South Korean Won Falls on Risk-Off Flows
The South Korean won weakened to around 1,485 per dollar, extending losses from the previous session, as global sentiment deteriorated following renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The move came after US–Iran talks ended without agreement, followed by Washington’s decision to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports. The escalation heightened concerns over a prolonged conflict and supported safe-haven demand for the US dollar. At the same time, crude prices rose above $100 per barrel, adding pressure on the currency through higher import costs for energy. As a major energy importer, South Korea remains highly sensitive to oil price swings. Foreign selling in local equities added to capital outflow pressure, while weaker risk appetite across global markets also weighed on the won. On the domestic front, authorities are seeking to stabilise energy supply and diversify crude imports, including sourcing from Kazakhstan and the United States.
2026-04-13