What Currency Does North Korea Use?
Facts last checked 31 August 2026.
Travel Money Card
Travelling to North Korea? Avoid poor airport exchange rates — a prepaid travel money card or multi-currency card usually gets you a far better deal on North Korean won spending.
What is money called in North Korea?
Money in North Korea is called the North Korean won — its ISO 4217 currency code is KPW, and its symbol is ₩. The North Korean won is the official legal tender in North Korea and is used for all everyday transactions — from paying for goods and services to converting money at banks and exchange bureaus. When travelling, you may also see it referred to as the North Korea currency or simply money in North Korea.
Is the North Korean won used anywhere else?
No — North Korea is the only country on this site using the North Korean won as its official currency.
Practical money tips for North Korea
Card payments are widely accepted in most cities, but it's still worth carrying some North Korean won in cash for smaller vendors, local transport and rural areas. Notify your bank before travelling to avoid transactions being blocked, and compare card fees — many cards charge a foreign transaction fee that a dedicated travel money card avoids.
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Money essentials for North Korea
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North Korea currency — FAQ
What is the currency of North Korea?
The currency of North Korea is the North Korean won (currency code: KPW, symbol: ₩).
What is the currency code for North Korea?
The ISO 4217 currency code for the North Korean won is KPW.
What is the North Korean won symbol?
The symbol for the North Korean won is ₩. You will see this on price tags and receipts throughout North Korea.
What currency is used in North Korea?
The official currency used in North Korea is the North Korean won (KPW).
Can I use US dollars in North Korea?
The official currency of North Korea is the North Korean won, not the US dollar. While USD may be accepted in some tourist hotels and major cities, you will generally get better rates paying in North Korean won and should exchange money before or on arrival.
What is money called in North Korea?
Money in North Korea is called the North Korean won (KPW).
Do other countries use the North Korean won?
No — North Korea is the only country on this site using the North Korean won as its official currency.
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