South Korean won leads gains among Asian currencies
Reuters reported that the South Korean won rose 0.18% against the dollar in early trading, the strongest move among Asian currencies, and is up 8.78% so far this year.
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what happened
According to Reuters, at 0207 GMT the won gained 0.18% to 1324.30 per dollar, compared with 1326.71 the previous day. That was the best performance among Asian currencies at that moment.
Since the start of 2026, the won has appreciated 8.78% from its end-2025 level of 1440.51 per dollar. Regional peers were mixed: the yuan added 4.68% and the Singapore dollar 0.61%, while the Japanese yen lost 0.90%.
Most other currencies in the table weakened against the dollar. The Philippine peso fell 7.12%, the Indonesian rupiah 7.52%, the Indian rupee 4.86%, the Taiwan dollar 3.21% and the Thai baht 6.37% over the same period.
why it matters
The won's move stands out against broad weakness in Asian currencies versus the dollar. The exchange rate matters directly for South Korean exporters and importers, and for investors holding Korean assets it shapes returns measured in dollars.
market impact
Korean won: stronger currency eases import costs but adds pressure on exporters
tags
instruments
sources
- South Korean won strengthens most among Asian currencies — Reuters, 22 October 2026 at 02:10 UTC
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