JPY to KRW: Japanese Yen to Korean Won Exchange Rate Guide 2026
Live rate, conversion table, and Japan-Korea travel money guide — Updated May 15, 2026
Table of Contents
1. JPY to KRW Conversion Table
Use the table below for quick reference conversions of common Japanese Yen amounts to Korean Won. Rates shown are based on the live mid-market rate of 100 JPY = 944.10 KRW as of May 15, 2026. Actual exchange rates from banks or money changers will vary slightly.
| Japanese Yen (JPY) | Korean Won (KRW) — Approx. | Approx. USD Value |
|---|---|---|
| ¥1,000 JPY | ₩9,441 KRW | $6.67 |
| ¥5,000 JPY | ₩47,205 KRW | $33.33 |
| ¥10,000 JPY | ₩94,410 KRW | $66.67 |
| ¥30,000 JPY | ₩283,230 KRW | $200.00 |
| ¥50,000 JPY | ₩472,050 KRW | $333.33 |
| ¥100,000 JPY | ₩944,100 KRW | $666.67 |
| ¥200,000 JPY | ₩1,888,200 KRW | $1,333.33 |
| ¥500,000 JPY | ₩4,720,499 KRW | $3,333.33 |
Mid-market rates as of May 15, 2026. For exact real-time conversion, use our live JPY to KRW calculator. Rates at banks and money changers will differ by 0.5%–3% from the mid-market rate.
How to Convert JPY to KRW Manually
To convert Japanese Yen to Korean Won by hand:
- Find the current JPY/KRW rate (e.g., 100 JPY = 944.10 KRW)
- Divide your JPY amount by 100 to get the "per 100 yen" units
- Multiply by the rate: KRW = (JPY ÷ 100) × rate per 100 JPY
- Example: ¥50,000 ÷ 100 = 500 units × 944.10 = ₩472,050 KRW
2. Japan-Korea Exchange Rate History
The JPY/KRW exchange rate has been one of the most politically and economically significant currency pairs in Northeast Asia. Understanding its historical range helps travelers and investors put today's rate in context.
Historical JPY/KRW Rate Ranges (per 100 JPY)
| Period | Approx. Range (KRW per 100 JPY) | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| 2015–2016 | 900–1,100 KRW | Abenomics weakened yen; KRW relatively strong |
| 2017–2019 | 1,000–1,100 KRW | Japan-Korea trade dispute; tourists surged to Korea |
| 2020–2021 | 1,050–1,150 KRW | COVID-19 pandemic; both currencies weakened vs USD |
| 2022–2023 | 890–980 KRW | BOJ ultra-loose policy drove yen to 30-year lows vs USD; KRW also weakened but less severely |
| 2024 | 860–930 KRW | BOJ began rate hike cycle for first time in decades; yen recovered somewhat |
| 2025–2026 | 944.10 KRW (current) | BOJ gradual normalization continues; yen modestly stronger than 2023 lows |
Why the JPY/KRW Rate Has Been Unusually Low in Recent Years
Between 2022 and 2024, the JPY/KRW rate fell to historically low levels primarily because the Bank of Japan maintained ultra-low or negative interest rates while the Federal Reserve aggressively raised US rates. This made the yen deeply unattractive to investors seeking yield, pushing USD/JPY above 150 and indirectly weakening the JPY/KRW rate.
This created a significant opportunity for Korean tourists visiting Japan — their won bought far more yen than usual. Japanese tourism from Korea surged as a result. As the BOJ has begun cautiously raising rates since 2024, the yen has partially recovered.
3. What Drives the JPY to KRW Exchange Rate?
Bank of Japan (BOJ) Monetary Policy
The single biggest driver of the JPY/KRW rate in recent years has been BOJ policy. Japan maintained ultra-loose monetary policy (zero or negative rates, yield curve control) for over a decade, which consistently weakened the yen. As the BOJ gradually exits this policy, the yen tends to strengthen against KRW.
Bank of Korea (BOK) Interest Rate Decisions
South Korea's central bank sets rates based on domestic inflation and economic conditions. When the BOK raises rates relative to Japan, Korean Won tends to strengthen versus the yen, pushing the JPY/KRW rate higher (more KRW per JPY).
Japan-Korea Trade Relations
Japan and South Korea have a deeply intertwined trade relationship. Japan exports precision machinery, semiconductor materials, and chemicals to Korea; Korea exports electronics, ships, and automobiles. Trade disputes (such as Japan's 2019 export control restrictions) can create short-term volatility in the JPY/KRW rate.
Tourism Flows
Tourism has become a meaningful driver. Post-COVID, Korean tourists to Japan surged dramatically (Japan became Korea's most popular travel destination), creating demand for JPY among Koreans. Japanese tourists visiting Korea also generate JPY-to-KRW conversion demand.
Global Risk Appetite
The yen is a traditional safe-haven currency — investors buy JPY during global crises. The Korean Won is a risk-sensitive currency. When global markets panic (e.g., stock market crashes, geopolitical crises), JPY typically strengthens against KRW, causing the JPY/KRW rate to fall.
4. Japan to Korea Travel Money Guide
If you are traveling between Japan and South Korea, here is a practical guide to managing your currency exchange.
Option A: Exchange JPY to KRW in Japan Before Departure
Where: Major banks in Japan (Mizuho, MUFG, SMBC) and dedicated FX bureaus at Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and Fukuoka airports (Travelex, airport exchange booths).
Pros: Convenient; you arrive in Korea with KRW ready to use.
Cons: Airport rates are typically 2%–4% worse than mid-market. Major bank rates are better but still 1%–2% from mid-market. Japan Post Bank also offers competitive rates at post offices.
Option B: Exchange JPY to KRW in Korea on Arrival
Where: Incheon Airport FX booths (3%–5% markup — emergency only), Myeong-dong money changers in Seoul (0.5%–1.5% from mid-market — excellent), Korean bank branches with FX desks (1%–2% from mid-market).
Best practice: Exchange a small amount at the airport for transport and meals, then visit a Myeong-dong money changer for bulk exchange at much better rates.
Option C: Use a Multi-Currency Travel Card
Cards like Wise or Revolut allow you to convert JPY to KRW at or near the mid-market rate digitally, then spend in Korea using the card. This is convenient if you do not want to carry large amounts of cash. Withdraw KRW from Korean ATMs (7-Eleven, Post Office, Global Blue ATMs) using the card.
Option D: Use Your Japanese Credit/Debit Card in Korea
Visa and Mastercard credit cards issued by Japanese banks work in Korea, but your Japanese bank will apply their own foreign transaction fee (typically 1.6%–3.0%) plus a currency conversion markup. This is convenient for emergencies but not the cheapest option for large purchases.
Practical Tips for the Japan-Korea Route
- Gimhae Airport (Busan) has exchange booths on the arrival floor — rates slightly better than Incheon arrivals
- Myeong-dong money changers are the best cash exchange option in Seoul; staff often speak basic Japanese
- Hana Bank has favorable JPY-KRW exchange rates as it descends from Korea Exchange Bank, historically strong in Japan corridor
- Bring crisp, undamaged JPY banknotes — Korean money changers may refuse worn or torn bills
- T-money card in Korea uses KRW only — charge it at convenience stores using local currency
5. Best Exchange Methods: Japan to Korea Comparison
Comparing ¥100,000 JPY converted to KRW using different methods (mid-market rate: 944.10 KRW per 100 JPY):
| Exchange Method | Rate Markup | Flat Fee | KRW Received (¥100K) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise (multi-currency card) | 0.6% | None | ₩938,435 | Online transfer / card spending |
| Myeong-dong Money Changer (Seoul) | 1% | None | ₩934,659 | Cash exchange in Seoul |
| Korean Bank Branch | 1.5% | ₩5,000 | ₩924,938 | Bank customers, large amounts |
| Japan Post Bank | 2% | None | ₩925,218 | Exchange before leaving Japan |
| Narita/Haneda Airport | 3.5% | None | ₩911,056 | Last resort in Japan airport |
| Incheon Airport | 4.5% | None | ₩901,615 | Avoid – worst rates |
Figures are illustrative based on current mid-market rate. Actual rates vary by day and provider. Data as of May 15, 2026.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current JPY to KRW exchange rate?
As of May 15, 2026, the live mid-market rate is 100 JPY = 944.10 KRW (or 1 JPY = 9.4410 KRW). This rate changes continuously during Asian market hours. Use FXKRW's live calculator for the current real-time rate, updated every minute.
Q: Where is the best place to exchange Yen to Korean Won?
For cash exchange in Korea, Myeong-dong money changers in Seoul offer the best rates — often within 0.5%–1% of the mid-market rate. For digital conversion, Wise uses the exact mid-market rate. Avoid airport exchange booths in both Japan and Korea where possible, as they charge 3%–5% markups.
Q: Should I exchange Yen to Won in Japan or Korea?
Exchanging in Korea (at Myeong-dong money changers) typically gives slightly better JPY-to-KRW rates than exchanging at Japanese bank branches or airport booths. Bring a small amount of KRW for your arrival (¥10,000–¥20,000 worth), then exchange the bulk of your budget at a Myeong-dong money changer.
Q: What factors drive the JPY/KRW exchange rate?
The main drivers are: Bank of Japan monetary policy (the biggest factor in recent years — ultra-low rates weakened JPY dramatically), Bank of Korea interest rate decisions, Japan-Korea bilateral trade flows and relations, global risk sentiment (JPY is a safe haven, KRW is risk-sensitive), and US Federal Reserve policy which affects both currencies through their USD crosses.
Q: Can I use Japanese Yen in South Korea?
No. South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW) exclusively. Japanese Yen is not accepted as payment anywhere in South Korea. You must exchange JPY for KRW at a bank, money changer, or airport FX booth before or upon arriving in Korea.
Convert JPY to KRW Live Now
Use FXKRW's real-time currency calculator for the latest Japanese Yen to Korean Won rate, updated every minute from reliable financial data sources.
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