South Korean Won Holds Near 13-Month High

2026-09-01 04:59 By Erika Ordonez 1 min. read

The South Korean won traded around 1,371 per dollar, holding near its strongest level since July 2025, as strong semiconductor exports boosted dollar inflows and encouraged exporter selling.

South Korea’s exports jumped 68.7% year-on-year to $98.25 billion in August, while the trade surplus reached $34.75 billion.

Semiconductor exports surged 209% to $46.65 billion, driven by robust demand for AI infrastructure, while month-end and custody-related flows provided additional support for the won.

The currency also benefited from the Bank of Korea’s 3% policy rate and a stronger growth outlook, with the government’s record 2027 budget allocating increased funding to AI, semiconductors, and other growth industries.

Meanwhile, renewed US-Iran military clashes and oil prices above $91 a barrel have heightened inflation and risk concerns.

At the same time, higher US Treasury yields and expectations for further Fed tightening could limit further won appreciation.



News Stream
South Korean Won Holds Near 13-Month High
The South Korean won traded around 1,371 per dollar, holding near its strongest level since July 2025, as strong semiconductor exports boosted dollar inflows and encouraged exporter selling. South Korea’s exports jumped 68.7% year-on-year to $98.25 billion in August, while the trade surplus reached $34.75 billion. Semiconductor exports surged 209% to $46.65 billion, driven by robust demand for AI infrastructure, while month-end and custody-related flows provided additional support for the won. The currency also benefited from the Bank of Korea’s 3% policy rate and a stronger growth outlook, with the government’s record 2027 budget allocating increased funding to AI, semiconductors, and other growth industries. Meanwhile, renewed US-Iran military clashes and oil prices above $91 a barrel have heightened inflation and risk concerns. At the same time, higher US Treasury yields and expectations for further Fed tightening could limit further won appreciation.
2026-09-01
South Korean Won Hits 13-month High
The South Korean Won touched 1369.00 against the USD, the highest since July 2025. Over the past 4 weeks, US Dollar South Korean Won lost 4.23%, and in the last 12 months, it decreased 1.73%.
2026-08-31
South Korean Won Hits 13-Month High
The South Korean won traded around 1,370 per dollar, reaching its strongest level since July 2025, amid continued dollar selling by major exporters. Month-end flows and strong semiconductor-led export growth highlighted a favorable trade backdrop, with August shipments forecast to rise more than 60% year-on-year and the trade surplus expected to exceed $30 billion. The won also benefited from the Bank of Korea's back-to-back rate hikes, which lifted its policy rate to 3%, while the central bank raised its 2026 growth forecast to 3.3% on stronger semiconductor exports and domestic demand. The won has gained roughly 5% against the dollar in August. However, hawkish comments from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh reinforced expectations for a September rate hike, supporting the dollar and US Treasury yields. At the same time, renewed US-Iran tensions pushed oil prices higher, adding to inflation and risk concerns.
2026-08-31