Foreign‑Exchange Update: U.S. Dollar versus Korean Won
The U.S. dollar (USD) has maintained a steady stance against the Korean won (KRW) during the week of 14–16 September 2026. At the close on 14 September, the pair traded at KRW 1,345.61 per USD, a level that sits well below its 52‑week high of KRW 1,587.70 (achieved on 8 July) and above its 52‑week low of KRW 1,322.42 (recorded on 27 November 2025). The current rate is roughly 0.8 % stronger than the 14‑September level, indicating a modest appreciation of the dollar over the past week.
Market Drivers
South Korean Equity Market Volatility – The KOSPI index fell by 0.85 % to 6,627.26 points on 15 September, marking the fourth consecutive trading day of decline. The downturn was attributed to macro‑economic uncertainty and sensitivity to U.S. interest‑rate expectations after the 10‑year Treasury yield surpassed 5 %. Oil prices, which have been rising, added to the risk‑off sentiment.
Extended Trading Hours in Seoul – On 14 September, the Korea Exchange (KRX) inaugurated extended after‑hours trading from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. local time. This move, aimed at improving market liquidity, generated additional selling pressure on key stocks such as Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which closed the day down by 4.24 % and 7.12 % respectively. The heightened volatility in equities has pressured the won, contributing to its depreciation against the dollar.
Global Commodity and Interest‑Rate Environment – Brent crude oil prices climbed to just above USD 107 per barrel, while the U.S. Treasury market signaled tightening monetary policy. The combination of higher commodity prices and rising U.S. yields typically supports the dollar relative to other currencies, including the won.
Technical Snapshot
| Date | Close (KRW per USD) | 52‑Week High | 52‑Week Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Sept | 1,345.61 | 1,587.70 | 1,322.42 |
| 15 Sept | 1,335.00 (est.) | 1,587.70 | 1,322.42 |
| 16 Sept (current) | 1,330.00 (est.) | 1,587.70 | 1,322.42 |
The 15‑September and 16‑September figures are estimated based on intraday range and market sentiment indicators.
Outlook
The dollar’s trajectory against the won is likely to remain influenced by:
- U.S. Monetary Policy – Any further indications of tightening by the Federal Reserve could reinforce the dollar’s strength.
- South Korean Economic Data – Stronger-than‑expected growth or inflation figures could mitigate the won’s weakness.
- Commodity Price Movements – Sustained oil price gains would continue to favor the dollar, while a pullback could provide relief to the won.
Investors and traders should monitor the KRX after‑hours session outcomes and U.S. Treasury yields closely to gauge potential shifts in the USD/KRW exchange rate.
