10 Korean Money Words You Need to Know Before Visiting Korea
Planning a trip to Korea? You don't need to speak Korean fluently — but knowing a few key money-related words will save you from confusion, help you bargain at markets, and make you look impressively prepared. Here are 10 essential Korean money words, with pronunciation guides and real-life examples of when you'll use them. 1. 돈 (Don) — Money The most basic word of all. "돈" simply means money. You'll hear this everywhere — in shops, on the street, in cafés. If someone asks "돈 있어요?" (Don isseoyo?), they're asking "Do you have money?" — usually in a playful or casual context. How to say it: Don (rhymes with "cone") 2. 원 (Won) — Korean Currency Korea's currency is the Korean Won (₩) . As of 2026, roughly 1,400 won equals 1 US dollar. Don't be shocked when you see prices like ₩15,000 for a meal — that's only about $10. Once you get used to the zeros, everything starts to feel very affordable. How to say it: W...