The official currency of South Korea is the South Korean won, symbolized as ₩ and abbreviated as KRW. The won has a long history, with its origins dating back to the Korean Empire in the late 19th century. After the division of Korea, the South Korean won became the official currency of South Korea, while the North Korean won was established in the North. The value of the won can fluctuate against other currencies, and it plays a significant role in the global economy, particularly in trade involving South Korea, which is known for its advanced technology and manufacturing industries.