USD to KRW in August 2026: high, low, average
Updated September 26, 2026
The South Korean won had a remarkable August 2026. The dollar averaged 1,402.99 won across 21 ECB-based cross rates, 5.89% below the July average of 1,490.85. Within the month the dollar fell from 1,427.05 on August 3 to 1,368.03 on August 31, a drop of 4.14%, and the last fixing was the lowest of the month.
August in numbers
| USD/KRW | |
|---|---|
| Average | 1,402.99 |
| High | 1,427.11 on August 4 |
| Low | 1,368.03 on August 31 |
| First fixing | 1,427.05 |
| Last fixing | 1,368.03 |
| Range | 4.32% |
| July 2026 average | 1,490.85 |
| August 2025 average | 1,390.35 |
A month-long rally in the won
The dollar fell on 13 of 21 fixings and rose on only 6. The declines were often large:
- August 3: down 1.15% on the first day of the month.
- August 14: down 0.63%, to 1,411.27.
- August 19: down 1.32%, the biggest move of the month, to 1,391.48.
- August 21: down 0.87%, to 1,384.23.
The rises were small by comparison. The largest, 0.35%, happened twice, on August 12 and August 20. In the final week the won gained on almost every fixing, closing the month at its strongest level.
Daily USD/KRW rates
| Day | Rate (KRW) | Daily change |
|---|---|---|
| August 3 | 1427.05 | -1.15% |
| August 4 | 1427.11 | 0% |
| August 5 | 1423.72 | -0.24% |
| August 6 | 1423.57 | -0.01% |
| August 7 | 1415.95 | -0.54% |
| August 10 | 1416.62 | +0.05% |
| August 11 | 1412.17 | -0.31% |
| August 12 | 1417.13 | +0.35% |
| August 13 | 1420.29 | +0.22% |
| August 14 | 1411.27 | -0.63% |
| August 17 | 1411.91 | +0.05% |
| August 18 | 1410.07 | -0.13% |
| August 19 | 1391.48 | -1.32% |
| August 20 | 1396.35 | +0.35% |
| August 21 | 1384.23 | -0.87% |
| August 24 | 1384.26 | 0% |
| August 25 | 1383.07 | -0.09% |
| August 26 | 1383.49 | +0.03% |
| August 27 | 1380.38 | -0.22% |
| August 28 | 1374.55 | -0.42% |
| August 31 | 1368.03 | -0.47% |
Big monthly swing, small yearly change
Against July, the won gained a lot. Against August 2025, the picture is almost flat: the dollar averaged 1,390.35 won a year ago, so this August it was 0.91% more expensive. July was the outlier with a weak won, and August brought the rate back near last summer's level.
What it means in practice
Korean travellers to the United States. A trip paid in dollars was cheaper in won in August than in July. The best rates came at the very end of the month.
Korean exporters. Car makers, chip producers and shipbuilders earn much of their revenue in dollars. A stronger won means fewer won per dollar of sales, which can weigh on reported profits even when sales volumes hold.
US and foreign investors in Korean assets. A stronger won raises the dollar value of Korean shares and bonds. At the monthly average, one won was worth 0.00071289 dollars.
Students and families. Korean students in the US, and parents paying their fees, saw their costs in won fall over the month.
For planning, the lesson of August is about scale: a move of more than 4% in a month is unusual for a major Asian currency against the dollar, and it can reverse just as quickly.
A reminder about cross rates
The ECB publishes both currencies against the euro. USD/KRW is calculated from those two fixings each day. The Bank of Korea and commercial banks in Seoul quote their own rates, which can differ, especially in a month as active as this one.
What to do
- Check the rate for any date on USD/KRW daily rates in August 2026.
- Look at the start of the month on USD/KRW on the high day of the month.
- Compare the monthly averages of the year on USD/KRW in 2026.
- See the USD to KRW exchange rate today, and the 100 USD to KRW converter for quick sums.
Questions and answers
What was the average USD to KRW rate in August 2026?
The dollar averaged 1,402.99 South Korean won across 21 ECB-based cross rates in August 2026.
How much did the won strengthen in August 2026?
The dollar fell from 1,427.05 won on August 3 to 1,368.03 on August 31, a drop of 4.14%.
How does August 2026 compare with July 2026 for USD/KRW?
The August average of 1,402.99 was 5.89% below the July average of 1,490.85 won per dollar.