South Korea Dismantles Won Trading Rules Built After 1997 Crisis
Deputy Prime Minister Koo Yun Cheol set 24-hour won trading for July 2026 and offshore settlement for January 2027.
- DPM Koo unveiled the overhaul May 12, 2026, calling it Korea's first FX reform since 1997.
- Round-the-clock won trading for foreign investors begins July 2026, ending decades of restricted hours.
- Offshore won settlement starts January 2027, letting foreign banks clear trades without routing through Seoul.
Why it matters: The ministry that restricted the won after 1997 is the ministry now courting the capital it once feared.
Republic of Korea Ministry of Economy and Finance (English) — Press Release ↗ · Jul 19, 20267/19/26 · ✓ Checked✓ Check