1950 South Korea 1000 Won – King Sejong & Early Republic Issue
The 1950 1000 Won note (P‑8a.2) is one of the earliest high‑denomination issues of the Bank of Korea, released during the formative years of the Republic. With its portrait of King Sejong the Great, revered for creating the Korean alphabet Hangul, this note embodies national pride and cultural resilience in the aftermath of war and political upheaval.
Historical Context
Issued in 1950, just as the Korean War erupted, this note reflects South Korea’s struggle to stabilise its economy while asserting cultural identity. King Sejong (1397–1450) was chosen as the central figure to symbolise wisdom, literacy, and unity — ideals critical to the nation’s survival and recovery. The 1000 Won denomination represented significant value at the time, underscoring the inflationary pressures of the early post‑war period.
Key Features & Specifications
Pick Number: P‑8a.2
Denomination: 1000 Won
Material: Paper
Issuing Authority: Bank of Korea
Date of Issue: 1950
Size: Approx. 160 × 85 mm
Printer: Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation
Watermark: Bank of Korea emblem
Security Thread: None (early issues lacked embedded threads)
Signature: Bank of Korea Governor
Design Elements
Front: Portrait of King Sejong the Great at left, engraved with solemn detail. Korean text and denomination “천원” (1000 Won) prominently displayed.
Back: Stylised patterns and national motifs, with “Bank of Korea” in English and Korean.
Colour Scheme: Brown and olive tones with intricate guilloché engraving.
Security Features
Watermark: Bank of Korea emblem, visible when held to light
Serial numbers: Printed twice for verification
Design Complexity: Fine engraving and guilloché to deter counterfeiting
Collector’s & Gift Appeal
National hero theme – King Sejong, creator of Hangul, symbolising literacy and unity
1950 birth year keepsake – A meaningful memento from the Korean War era
High denomination rarity – Early 1000 Won issues are scarcer than lower values
Post‑war currency history – Reflecting South Korea’s economic challenges and resilience
Why Collect This Banknote?
The 1950 South Korea 1000 Won note is more than currency — it’s a tribute to cultural identity and survival during one of the nation’s most turbulent periods. With King Sejong’s portrait and early Republic symbolism, it remains a cornerstone for collectors of Asian and world paper money.
