50 South Korean Won Banknote (Tapgol Park)

50 Won Won (Issued 1969)

The 1969 issue of the South Korean 50 Won banknote belongs to a period of rapid economic transformation in the Republic of Korea, when the country’s modernisation drive under the Third Republic was reshaping both industry and national institutions. The Bank of Korea’s Won Reform series represented a consolidation of monetary policy at a time when South Korea’s development programme was gaining international momentum. Issued as part of the broader Won Reform series, this note reflects the architectural and cultural pride that characterised South Korean currency design during the 1960s and 1970s. It stands today as a tangible artefact from one of the most consequential decades in modern Korean financial history.

On the front, the dominant central image is a detailed engraving of the Gyeongcheon-sa ten-storey stone pagoda set beside a traditional Korean pavilion, rendered in fine intaglio work against a pale golden-yellow and cream background. The architectural scene is executed with considerable precision, capturing the tiled roof of the pavilion and the tiered pagoda rising beside it, surrounded by trees depicted in a delicate etched style. To the left of the central image, the denomination numeral “50” appears in bold dark type, and is mirrored again on the right. Korean Hangul text reading “오십원” — meaning fifty won — appears prominently to the right of centre, with the issuing authority name “한국은행” (Bank of Korea) printed below it in clear serif characters. At the top of the note, the text “한국은행권” identifies this as an official Bank of Korea banknote, flanked on both sides by the series number “-16-” printed in red. Flanking the central vignette on both left and right margins are elaborate guilloché rosette patterns in dark ink, providing an ornate decorative border. A red circular seal bearing official Korean characters and what appears to be an official stamp device is visible to the right of centre, serving as an authorisation mark. Fine cross-hatching and engraved line work fill the background of the central scene, and the lower margin carries small Korean characters identifying the printer.

The reverse is printed entirely in a uniform deep blue, presenting a strikingly bold and coherent design. At the top, the text “THE BANK OF KOREA” is printed in clear Latin capitals, establishing the issuing authority in English. The central vignette features a ceremonial torch with a prominent flame rising from an ornate chalice-style torch stand, surrounded by detailed floral and foliage engravings — likely rose blossoms — arranged symmetrically on either side of the torch. Radiating lines emanate outward from behind the flame, creating a sunburst effect that fills the upper background of the central panel. On either side of this central composition, large guilloché rosettes each contain the numeral “50” in bold figures, enclosed within circular ornamental frames decorated with further floral and scroll motifs. The overall composition is enclosed within an engraved border of fine repetitive patterning, and at the base of the note the denomination “50 WON” is printed in bold, widely-spaced Latin lettering. The deep blue monochrome printing across the entire reverse gives the note a strong graphic character, with the engraved detailing providing texture and depth throughout.

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• Indicate the quantity of 50 Won Won banknotes you want to exchange
• Click the ‘Add to your account’ button
• Your online account now shows the exchange value

Got a mix of old coins and banknotes? Webuyallcurrency.com will exchange your South Korean Won banknotes alongside other leftover and foreign currency, settling the whole lot in one straightforward transaction.

Other South Korean Won you can exchange: 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 100, 500, 1000, 2000, 5000.