South Korean Won Eases From Over 10-Month High

2026-08-10 04:53 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The South Korean won traded around 1,419 per dollar, pulling back from a recent over ten-month high, as renewed uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz weighed on the currency.

Iran denied holding direct talks with Washington over reopening the waterway, casting doubt on a near-term deal and keeping oil prices elevated, raising concerns over import costs and inflation in South Korea.

Meanwhile, strong semiconductor exports and continued dollar selling by exporters provided support, with July exports rising nearly 63% year-on-year to $98.89 billion and semiconductor shipments surging 179%.

Expectations of foreign exchange intervention by South Korean authorities are also helping limit renewed won weakness and keep the currency near its strongest level since October 2025.

At the same time, investors are monitoring this week's US inflation data for further clues on the Federal Reserve's policy outlook and the dollar's direction.



News Stream
South Korean Won Eases From Over 10-Month High
The South Korean won traded around 1,419 per dollar, pulling back from a recent over ten-month high, as renewed uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz weighed on the currency. Iran denied holding direct talks with Washington over reopening the waterway, casting doubt on a near-term deal and keeping oil prices elevated, raising concerns over import costs and inflation in South Korea. Meanwhile, strong semiconductor exports and continued dollar selling by exporters provided support, with July exports rising nearly 63% year-on-year to $98.89 billion and semiconductor shipments surging 179%. Expectations of foreign exchange intervention by South Korean authorities are also helping limit renewed won weakness and keep the currency near its strongest level since October 2025. At the same time, investors are monitoring this week's US inflation data for further clues on the Federal Reserve's policy outlook and the dollar's direction.
2026-08-10
South Korean Won Hits 42-week High
The South Korean Won touched 1416.00 against the USD, the highest since October 2025. Over the past 4 weeks, US Dollar South Korean Won lost 6.48%, and in the last 12 months, it increased 2.35%.
2026-08-06
South Korean Won Hits 10-Month High
The South Korean won rose toward 1,415 per dollar, reaching its strongest level since early October last year, as improving external balances and steady foreign inflows supported the currency. South Korea reported a record current account surplus of $49.73 billion in June, driven by a record goods surplus as semiconductor exports surged, reinforcing confidence in the country's external position. Additionally, South Korea's foreign exchange reserves rose for a second consecutive month to $427.95 billion in July, supported by foreign exchange stabilization bond issuance and higher foreign currency deposits. The won also continued to benefit from foreign inflows linked to SK Hynix's ADR offering, with proceeds converted into won for domestic semiconductor investment. Meanwhile, uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz reopening efforts remained a key external risk, with elevated oil prices weighing on broader market sentiment.
2026-08-05