Guide to Detecting Counterfeit Korean Won (KRW) Notes

How to Identify Counterfeit KRW (₩)Currency Notes

Planning an exciting trip from India to South Korea? As you prepare for the vibrant culture, delicious food, and stunning sights, one practical step is getting to know the local currency: the South Korean Won (KRW). When you exchange your Indian Rupees (INR) for Won, whether in India before you leave or upon arrival in Seoul, being able to quickly check the authenticity of your cash provides great peace of mind. This guide is designed specifically for you, making it simple to recognise genuine banknotes so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your Korean adventure.

Key Security Features of Korean Won Bank Notes

Motif:

Each denomination features a significant historical figure from Korean history, paired with symbolic items and artwork.

Raised Printing (Intaglio):

The portrait of the historical figure, the large denomination numerals, and the Korean text for the Bank of Korea are printed with raised ink.

Holographic Foil/Strip:

This foil contains multiple images, such as the Korean map and the Taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol, which change the appearance and colour when the note is tilted.

Colour-Shifting Ink (OVI):

The denomination number on the back of the note is printed with Optically Variable Ink. This special ink makes the numeral change colour when the note is viewed from different angles.

Watermark:

When you hold the note up to the light, a watermark of the note’s main portrait is visible.

Embedded Security Thread:

A dark security thread is embedded within the paper.

UV Features:

Under an ultraviolet (UV) light source, genuine notes reveal hidden fluorescent images, patterns, or glowing fibres that are completely invisible in normal light.

Microprinting:

Extremely small letters and numbers (e.g., "BANK OF KOREA") are printed in various locations, such as within the lines of the portrait. This text is only legible with a magnifying glass.

Tactile Marks for the Visually Impaired:

Each note has a unique pattern of raised dots or lines, allowing visually impaired individuals to identify the value by touch.

See-Through Register:

A design element (often a circle or symbol) is printed in parts on both the front and back of the note. When held up to the light, the parts align perfectly to form a single, complete image.

A Detailed Guide to Identifying Counterfeit KRW Currency by Denomination

Feature	₩1000	₩5000	₩10,000	₩50,000
Motif (Front & Back)	Yi Hwang / Gyesangjeonggeodo	Yi I / Chochungdo	King Sejong / Astronomical themes	Shin Saimdang / Wolmaedo
Raised Printing (Intaglio)	Portrait, numeral, text	Portrait, numeral, text	Portrait, numeral, text	Portrait, numeral, text
Holographic Foil/Strip	Not present	Present	Present	Present
Colour-Shifting Ink (OVI)	Green to Blue	Magenta to Green	Green to Blue	Magenta to Green
Watermark	Yi Hwang	Yi I	King Sejong	Shin Saimdang
Security Thread	Embedded vertical thread	Dark embedded thread	Windowed thread with hologram	Windowed thread with hologram
UV Features	Fluorescent Myeongnyundang	Fluorescent Chochungdo	Fluorescent celestial globe	Fluorescent Wolmaedo painting
Microprinting	"BANK OF KOREA", "1000"	"BANK OF KOREA", "5000"	"BANK OF KOREA", "10,000"	"BANK OF KOREA", "50,000"
Tactile Marks (for Visually Impaired)	1 dot (front right)	2 dots (front right)	3 dots (front right)	5 horizontal lines (right edge)
See-Through Register	Circle with a Taegeuk-like design	Circle with a central square	Circle with a square	Circle with a unique design

1. ₩1000 (One Thousand Won)

Motif: The front features the portrait of Yi Hwang, a prominent Joseon Dynasty scholar, against a backdrop of Myeongnyundang Hall in Sungkyunkwan. The back side features "Gyesangjeonggeodo," a painting by Jeong Seon.
Raised Printing (Intaglio): You can feel a distinct, rough texture on the portrait of Yi Hwang, the large "1000" numerals, and the Korean characters for Bank of Korea.
Holographic Foil/Strip: This note does not have a hologram. In its place, on the right side of the portrait, is a vertical bar with the denomination "1000" visible within it.
Colour-Shifting Ink (OVI): The large numeral "1000" located on the bottom left of the note's back changes colour from green to blue when the note is tilted.
Watermark & Embedded Security Thread: Hold the note to the light to see a watermark of the portrait of Yi Hwang in the unprinted white area.
Security Thread: A thin, dark security thread is embedded in the paper and runs vertically through the note.
UV Features: When viewed under ultraviolet light, the front of the note reveals a fluorescent green image of Myeongnyundang Hall.
Microprinting: Using a magnifying glass, you can see the tiny letters "BANK OF KOREA" and "1000" printed within the lines of the design elements on both the front and back.
Tactile Marks for the Visually Impaired: There is one raised dot located below the main denomination numeral on the front right side of the note.
See-Through Register: A circle with a Taegeuk-like design is printed on the front. When held up to the light, it perfectly aligns with the corresponding design on the back to form a complete, single symbol.

2. ₩5000 (Five Thousand Won)

Motif: The front side has the Portrait of Yi I, a Joseon Dynasty scholar and statesman, with Ojukheon (his birthplace) in the background. The back side features "Chochungdo," a painting of insects and plants by Shin Saimdang (Yi I's mother).
Raised Printing (Intaglio): The portrait of Yi I, the numeral "5000," and the Korean text have a raised, tactile feel.
Holographic Foil/Strip: On the left side of the note is a holographic strip. When you tilt it, you can see three distinct images alternating: the map of Korea, the denomination "5000," and the four symbols from the corners of the Korean flag.
Colour-Shifting Ink (OVI): The large numeral "5000" located on the bottom left of the note's back changes colour from magenta (purple-pink) to green when tilted.
Watermark: A clear watermark of the portrait of Yi I is visible in the unprinted area when held to the light.
Security Thread: A dark security thread is embedded vertically.
UV Features: Under UV light, a fluorescent green image of the "Chochungdo" painting appears on the front of the note.
Microprinting: "BANK OF KOREA" and "5000" are printed in microscopic text within the design and lines on both sides of the note.
Tactile Marks for the Visually Impaired: There are two raised dots located below the main denomination numeral on the front right.
See-Through Register: A circle with a central square is printed on the front. It perfectly aligns with its counterpart on the back when held to the light.

3. ₩10,000 (Ten Thousand Won)

Motif: The front side has the portrait of King Sejong the Great, the creator of the Korean alphabet (Hangeul), with a folding screen depicting the "Irworobongdo" behind him. A 15th-century celestial globe (Honcheonsigye) and an astronomical chart (Cheonsang Yeolcha Bunyajido) are present on the back side of the note.
Raised Printing (Intaglio): King Sejong's portrait, the Hangeul characters, the "10000" numeral, and other key text have a very prominent raised texture.
Holographic Foil/Strip: There is a square holographic foil on the left side. Tilting the note reveals the Korean map, the number "10000," and the Taegeuk symbol, which changes depending on the viewing angle.
Colour-Shifting Ink (OVI): The denomination "10000" on the bottom left of the note's back changes from green to blue when tilted.
Watermark: A detailed watermark of King Sejong's portrait is visible in the unprinted white space.
Security Thread: A special windowed security thread is used. When tilted, small holographic letters move within the thread.
UV Features: Under UV light, a fluorescent image of the celestial globe and its stand appear in green on the front of the note.
Microprinting: Fine text, including parts of the Hangeul script from historical documents and "BANK OF KOREA," is integrated into the design and can be seen with a magnifier.
Tactile Marks for the Visually Impaired: There are three raised dots located below the main denomination numeral on the front right.
See-Through Register: A circle containing a square is located near the top of the note. The front and back parts align perfectly when viewed against a light source.

4. ₩50,000 (Fifty Thousand Won)

Motif: The front side has the portrait of Shin Saimdang, a 16th-century artist, calligraphist, and writer. Her painting, "Chochungdo," is in the background. The back side features "Wolmaedo," a painting of a moon and plum blossom by Eo Mong-ryong.
Raised Printing (Intaglio): Shin Saimdang's portrait and the large "50000" numeral have a very distinct and easily felt raised texture.
Holographic Foil/Strip: This note features a wide, moving holographic strip on the left. When tilted, it displays a rotating Taegeuk symbol, the Korean map, and the denomination "50000," each appearing at different angles.
Colour-Shifting Ink (OVI): The large number "50000" on the bottom left of the note's back changes colour from magenta (purple-pink) to green when the note is tilted.
Watermark: A clear watermark of Shin Saimdang's portrait is visible.
Security Thread: A windowed security thread is embedded on the right side of the portrait. When tilted, holographic patterns move along the thread.
UV Features: Under UV light, a fluorescent image of the "Wolmaedo" painting appears in green on the front of the note.
Microprinting: Intricate micro-text spelling out "BANK OF KOREA" and the denomination is located around the portrait and other design elements on both sides.
Tactile Marks for the Visually Impaired: There are five raised horizontal lines grouped in the middle of the right edge of the note.
See-Through Register: A circle with a unique design is located near the top. The front and back halves align perfectly to form a complete symbol when held to the light.

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