Seoul Extends Won-Dollar Trading to 24 Hours Amid Persistent Weakness

South Korea's foreign exchange market commenced 24-hour trading of the won and dollar on Monday, July 6, 2026. This significant policy shift arrives during a period of intense pressure due to the local currency's sustained weakness, reaching levels not observed since the 2009 global financial crisis.

Starting this morning, the exchange of won and dollars in the Seoul market is permitted from Monday 6:00 AM local time (Sunday 9:00 PM GMT) until Saturday 6:00 AM local time (Friday 9:00 PM GMT). Following the end of daylight saving time in the United States in early November, trading hours will adjust slightly.

Previously, the exchange of won and dollars in Seoul's forex market operated only during business days, from 9:00 AM local time (12:00 AM GMT) to 2:00 AM (5:00 PM GMT). Trading with other currencies will continue during the usual hours of 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM local time.

The adjustment follows months of considerable currency volatility. Since mid-May, the won has hovered around 1,500 units per dollar, a threshold not seen in over a decade. Experts cited by The Korea Times suggest that the new 24-hour trading system is expected to help stabilize the foreign exchange market in the long run. It should allow the market to absorb the impacts of international events in real-time and potentially encourage greater foreign investment.