The won is the currency of North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). It is subdivided into 100 chon. The won is issued by the Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Won is a cognate of the Chinese yuan and Japanese yen. All three names derive from the Chinese character 圓 (원), which means "round shape".
This 10 won banknote ceased to be legal tender on November 30, 2009, when it was replaced by the new series of banknotes.
Reverse: Western sea barrage
and locks at Taedong Gang
and locks at Taedong Gang
Watermark: Chollima statue
The won became the currency of North Korea on December 6, 1947, replacing the Korean yen that was still in circulation. North Korean won are intended exclusively for North Korean citizens, and the Bank of Trade issued a separate currency (or foreign exchange certificates) for visitors, like many other socialist states. However, North Korea made two varieties of foreign exchange certificates, one for visitors from "socialist countries" which were colored red, and the other for visitors from "capitalist countries" which were colored blue/green.
