The South Korean won remained stable during the first day of historic 24-hour trading that launched on June 26, 2026 [1, 2].
This transition marks a significant shift in Seoul's financial strategy. By removing the constraints of traditional business hours, the government aims to lower barriers for international investors and integrate the local currency more deeply into the global financial system.
During the initial trading period, the won-dollar exchange rate held at 1,531.40 [1]. Other reports noted the currency remained within the 1,530 range [3]. The stability observed at Hana Bank’s dealing room in Seoul suggests a smooth technical transition as the market entered this new era of accessibility [2].
The move is part of a broader effort to modernize the nation's capital markets. For years, the limited window for currency exchange created friction for global funds attempting to enter or exit South Korean positions. The new schedule eliminates these gaps, providing a continuous window for liquidity.
"The round-the-clock trading is the centrepiece of South Korea’s years-long effort to improve foreign access to local markets," Reuters said [1].
Market participants in Seoul have spent nearly two decades adapting to the city's evolving currency landscape. Namkoong Taehun has spent 18 years trading currencies in Seoul, witnessing the gradual shift toward a more open environment [2].
By allowing the won to be traded at all hours, South Korea aligns its infrastructure with other major global financial hubs. This change is expected to reduce volatility caused by overnight gaps in trading and provide a more accurate, real-time reflection of the currency's value based on global events.
“The South Korean won remained stable during the first day of historic 24-hour trading.”
The shift to 24-hour trading transforms the South Korean won from a regionally constrained asset into a more liquid global instrument. By eliminating the 'dead zones' between trading sessions, Seoul reduces the risk of price gaps and makes the market more attractive to institutional investors who operate across multiple time zones. This is a critical step in South Korea's ambition to elevate its financial status and potentially seek inclusion in major global bond indices.
