North Korean Won Symbol: A Quick Guide For New Zealanders

Key Highlights

• The korean won is the official currency of north korea. The main currency symbol for the north korean won is ₩.

• In international places, people use the currency code KPW to talk about the north korean won.

• The same won symbol is used for the south korean won, so you have to look at the context to know which one is meant.

• Banknotes and coins from north korea show the symbol with values, like ₩5, ₩100, and ₩5000.

• The current series of banknotes came out after the 2009 currency reform.

• If you are from New Zealand, it is often easier to spot KPW than the symbol by itself.

Introduction

If you have seen the north korean won before, you might ask what symbol it uses. The quick answer is the official currency symbol is ₩. This is the sign for the north korean won, which is the official currency of north korea. You may also notice the currency code KPW used for this money.

For people in New Zealand who are looking up foreign currencies, this little symbol can look odd at first. That is because it is also used with other types of korean won. The guide below will help you see the main details in a way that is easy to follow.

Overview of the North Korean Won Symbol

The north korean won is the official currency of north korea. It uses the currency symbol ₩. You can find this symbol on all north korean banknotes and coins. Some of the values you may see are ₩5, ₩50, or ₩5000.

For many people, the problem is not the currency symbol. It is knowing which korean won is meant. This is the reason why you need to check official labels, banknotes, and the currency code. Up next, we will talk about the formal symbol and the short international name for the north korean won.

The Official Currency Symbol for North Korean Won

The official currency symbol for the north korean won is ₩. This is the sign used for the official currency in North Korea. If you want the shortest answer, that is it.

In practice, you see the symbol before numbers on north korean money. You might see ₩100, ₩200, or ₩5000, for example. The usual amounts include ₩5, ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, ₩200, ₩500, ₩1000, ₩2000, and ₩5000. So, the currency symbol is used on printed banknotes and, sometimes, on coins.

Still, the symbol by itself does not always tell people that the money is from North Korea. The meaning comes from the context. In North Korea, the north korean won comes from the Central Bank of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, based in Pyongyang. This marks it as the official currency in the democratic people’s republic of korea.

Common International Abbreviations and Codes for the Won

Outside north korea, it is best to use the currency code KPW when you want to talk about the korean won. This is because the currency symbol ₩ can also mean other types of won. The code KPW makes it much clearer. If you look at any list of foreign currency or check out anything about banknotes of north korea, you will see that KPW is a clear and easy way to say north korean won.

There are a few common ways you might see the north korean won written:

• KPW is the usual currency code for international use

• ₩ is the currency symbol you may see next to amounts

• North Korean won is sometimes written out fully in guides or news

• DPRK won shows up in travel talk or in some regional stories

If you are in new zealand, using KPW will be a useful way to stay clear and not get confused. It helps a lot, especially when a money converter or a foreign currency list has lots of different asian currencies together. People use the symbol too, but the code will let you know that it is north korean won which is being talked about.

Distinguishing the North Korean Won Symbol

Many people often stop and think: is the north korean won symbol different from the south korean won symbol? The north korean won uses ₩ as its currency symbol. This same symbol is also used for the south korean won.

So, the real difference is not in the currency symbol itself. It is in which country’s money the symbol is standing for. In north korea, when it comes to legal tender, the full name, code, and where the money is from are important. The next part will show how you can tell the north korean won and the south korean won apart with more confidence.

Difference Between North and South Korean Won Symbols

The simplest answer is that the north korean won and south korean won are both associated with the won sign ₩. That means the currency symbol by itself does not always separate one korean won from the other. You need context.

A better way to distinguish them is to check the name, the issuing country, and any code shown beside the symbol. For the north korean won, the compiled information clearly gives KPW and identifies it as the official currency of North Korea. It also points to a current series of banknotes introduced after the 2009 currency reform.

If you only see ₩, ask yourself: what country or code is shown with it? That question usually clears up the confusion fast.

The Won Symbol in Currency Conversion Tools

In currency conversion tools, the north korean won can show as ₩, but you will often find it written as KPW. This is because many international tools have to be clear about each similar symbol. A converter might use the sign, but the code gives the most exact information.

When you want to check a currency or the exchange rate, you will likely find the north korean won as a code. You may also see a note that says the unofficial rate could be not the same as the formal rate, so people should look out for how the currency is named.

Common ways you’ll see this in tools are:

• ₩ beside an amount

• KPW as the currency code

• North Korean won written in full on international menus

For each day, the symbol is fast to spot. For the right identity, mostly online, use KPW to be sure what you get.

Typing and Writing the North Korean Won Symbol

If you want to write the north korean won symbol, you need to use ₩. This is the same mark used for the official currency in North Korea. You will see it in writing, lists, or price tags.

Many people do not ask what the sign is. They want to know where to find it on the keyboard or in unicode. Because the symbol is needed for text used around the world, it can show up in standard sets of characters. The next parts show you more in an easy way.

How to Type the Won Symbol on Different Keyboards

To type the won symbol for the Korean won or North Korean won, you need to use this character: ₩. The information here says that ₩ is the symbol for the official currency, though it does not give steps for each device. So the main thing to know is the won symbol is ₩ when you talk about the official currency.

If your keyboard does not have this symbol, you can use other ways to get it. Most people use a character menu, copy and paste, or they pick a keyboard setup that has this sign. This works well for normal writing, mainly if you need to type it just once or twice.

Simple ways to enter it include:

• Copying and pasting the won symbol: ₩

• Using a character or symbol picker on your device

• Choosing a keyboard with Asian currency marks

For some people in New Zealand, it can be easier to type “KPW” for North Korean won in plain text. But if you want the right symbol, ₩ is the one to use.

This tip will help you use the symbol for the north korean won or any other korean won wordings.

Unicode and Other Special Character Sets for the Won Symbol

Yes, you can find the north korean won currency symbol in unicode and many other special characters sets. The sign ₩ is used in digital text around the world. So, it can show up on websites, in documents, and on currency lists.

The important thing to know is this symbol is not only a picture found on paper money. It is a real text character. This means it can go into databases, online articles, menus, and any digital forms where you need a currency symbol to be seen the same way each time.

If you are in New Zealand, you do not need a special font just for north korea to use the korean won sign. Most places that show common world currency symbols will show ₩ with no problem. To make things clear, a lot of people still write KPW next to the symbol so no one gets mixed up about what currency it is.

What the North Korean Won Symbol Looks Like on Money

On north korean money, you can see the ₩ symbol next to note values and coin amounts. The official currency of north korea includes both banknotes and coins. But coins are not used much these days. So, most people spot this sign on north korean paper money first.

Banknotes in north korea show a lot more than numbers. You will find places, political signs, and the coat of arms on them. If you want to see how the symbol fits with everything else, you need to look at both the notes and coins close up.

Appearance on Banknotes and Coins

On banknotes of North Korea, you will see the Korean won symbol as part of the printed value. For example, there will be ₩100 or ₩5000 on the front. It is the same for coins, but coins are not often used, and there is not much information about them. The symbol looks like the well-known won sign and sits right next to the note’s amount.

The official currency in North Korea has a lot of denominations. You can find ₩5, ₩10, ₩50, ₩100, ₩200, ₩500, ₩1000, ₩2000, and ₩5000 notes or coins. When you see North Korean banknotes, the north korean won symbol is used straight with the number, not just on its own as a design.

North Korean banknotes show a lot of detail. The notes feature scenes, people, important places, and big political ideas in the country. At the top left of each note, you can see the coat of arms. This makes it easy to see it is a note from North Korea right away.

Visual Examples and Images of the Symbol

If you want to see what the north korean won currency symbol looks like, the best way is to find pictures of real north korean money. The collection of info shows what is on different banknotes to help you spot the korean won symbol and designs.

You can look for the north korean won symbol and other features by checking:

• The value shown on notes, like ₩100, ₩200, or ₩5000

• The coat of arms in the top left corner of the note

• The themed pictures, such as famous landmarks, bright flowers, and places from history

From these sets of north korean money, you will see the Magnolia sieboldii flower used on the ₩100 note. The Chollima Statue is on the ₩200 note. The Arch of Triumph is shown on the ₩500 note. When you see the ₩5000 note, there are both old and new types of this note around, and both could still be found up until 2020.

Use of the North Korean Won Symbol Internationally

The north korean won is the official currency of North Korea. But, its symbol is not used much for business or shopping outside the country. In fact, people often use foreign currency if they visit, or they use it for other needs.

This means the symbol has a very small role in the world. You might see it in writing, research, travel stories, or collecting information. But it is not often used or seen when people pay for things overseas. The next parts will talk about how the korean won is used and how well people in New Zealand and other places know the symbol and the official currency of north korea, especially with foreign visitors.

Official and Unofficial Uses Outside North Korea

The north korean won symbol is not often used outside of North Korea for payments. The north korean won is the official currency inside North Korea, but people also use foreign currency there. That has been the case for a long time. For example, since 2002, foreigners in the country have been allowed to use foreign money.

The symbol for the north korean won does not get used every day outside the country. You see the symbol more in reference books, with collectors, and in chats about the black market rate. Its use around the world is not big.

You will likely see the symbol shown in these cases:

• In articles, guides, or learning pages about North Korea

• With people who collect korean won banknotes and old notes

• When talking about the exchange rate or black market price

So, if you live in New Zealand or anywhere else, the ₩ sign for North Korea is more for information, not for buying things.

Recognition of the Symbol in New Zealand and Globally

In New Zealand, most people would not know the north korean won just by looking at the symbol. The sign ₩ may look like something you have seen, but you will not connect it to North Korea right away. This is why using the currency code for the north korean won is important.

When people look at money from other places, the same thing happens. You might spot the currency symbol in global writing, but the code KPW tells you that it is the north korean won. This helps when there are many types of foreign currency shown together or when someone talks about both North Korea and South Korea.

If you live in New Zealand, remember these two things. The money sign for the north korean won is ₩. The currency code is KPW. Using both lets you know the north korean won better. This works well when dealing with global or online content, instead of using the symbol alone.

Additional Facts About the North Korean Won

There is the korean won’s symbol, but the story behind it is deeper. The north korean won, the official currency of north korea, came in after replacing the korean yen. The north korean currency system grew along with changes like exchange controls, rules for foreign visitors, and currency reform. These things shaped how north korean banknotes were put out and how people used them.

The korean won symbol stayed the same as ₩. But the way money moves in north korea got more tricky over time. You could see changes with old notes, updates to the current series, and the use of unofficial prices or talk about the black market. Let’s see two facts for background.

Historical Evolution of the Won Symbol

The korean won became the official currency of North Korea on 6 December 1947. It took the place of the korean yen. From then on, the won sign has always been the main currency symbol. The information put together does not show there was ever a different symbol for the old or new won.

What did change with time were the currency system and the banknotes. The north korean won has had a few forms, and the currency reform in 2009 was a big moment. Old notes were no longer legal tender from November 30th. The new north korean won notes began to be used from December 7th.

So, is there a difference in design between the old and new won symbols? Based on the information, most of the difference is with the notes, the names for money, and the pictures on them. The ₩ symbol stayed the same even with new won, and the new notes that came with currency reform.

Role of the Won Symbol in North Korean Society

In North Korea, the korean won symbol shows the north korean won, which is the official currency in the country. The symbol looks simple, but it is part of a bigger system made by state control, note design, and the central bank.

The Central Bank of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in Pyongyang gives out this money. You will see the symbol on the notes with pictures that show national identity, political ideas, and important places. This means the symbol is part of daily cash, but it is also used to show a bigger message from the state.

You can notice this by looking at the note designs. The notes have images of landmarks, the national flower, military scenes, special places from the revolution, and the coat of arms. So, even though ₩ is a small mark, it stays on money that is made to share ideas about the state and north korean society.

Conclusion

To sum up, knowing the North Korean won symbol is very important if you are interested in international money or how it works in the world. The Korean won has a look that is different, and this helps it stand out. It is used in currency conversion tools a lot. We talked about simple ways to type the north korean won symbol on different keyboards. You now know how it shows up on banknotes and coins too. This will help you when you deal with north korea, north korean won, or anything using this money.

It is also good to know its place not just in North Korea but in New Zealand as well. This means you now understand a bit more about how international money works. If you want to know more or need help with korean won, north korean won, or north korean currency exchange, you can always ask for information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I find and use the North Korean won symbol in New Zealand?

Yes, you can see the korean won or north korean won currency symbol in New Zealand if you look at digital text, articles, or lists with many international currencies. The symbol for north korean won is ₩. But the official currency of north korea is not something people in New Zealand use every day. So, you will most often see KPW being used in books or on websites about north korea and its official currency.

Is it legal or practical to own North Korean won in New Zealand?

The north korean won is the official currency in North Korea. It is the legal tender there. In New Zealand, the korean won is a foreign currency, but people do not use it for normal shopping. Most new zealanders see it as a collector’s item or for reference. The won is not used day-to-day in New Zealand.

Are there any design differences between old and new won symbols?

Based on what we know, the won symbol is still ₩. The main changes are in the series of banknotes, most of all after the currency reform in 2009 and new note updates. So, the symbol did not change in a big way, but the series of banknotes and the images on them did.