Is 10,000 Won a Lot in Korea? What It Can Buy

Ten thousand Korean Won (KRW) is a common denomination in South Korea’s currency, equivalent to approximately $7.15 to $7.20 USD as of August 2025. While exchange rates fluctuate, understanding its practical purchasing power better indicates its value for daily transactions. This article explores what 10,000 KRW can typically buy, providing a general sense of its utility for everyday spending in South Korea.

Everyday Items and Small Purchases

Ten thousand Korean Won covers several common, small-scale expenses, offering a practical sum for daily incidentals. A basic meal at a casual restaurant, such as kimbap (seaweed rice roll) or a bowl of noodles, often falls within the 8,000 to 12,000 KRW range. A single kimbap roll typically costs around 3,500 KRW, allowing for two to three rolls with 10,000 KRW. A serving of kimchi-jjigae, a popular stew, is priced around 7,923 KRW.

Beyond meals, 10,000 KRW is sufficient for various beverages and convenience store items. A canned or cold coffee from a convenience store costs approximately 1,000 KRW, while brewed coffee might be less than 1,400 KRW. A small bottle of soju, a traditional Korean alcoholic beverage, is typically less than 1,500 KRW. This amount also allows for the purchase of snacks or a small bottle of water from convenience stores.

Transportation and Quick Bites

This amount is useful for navigating South Korea’s efficient public transportation system and enjoying quick local treats. A single ride on the Seoul subway, using a transportation card, costs 1,550 KRW as of June 28, 2025, covering approximately six subway journeys with 10,000 KRW. Bus fares in Seoul are similarly priced, with a basic fare of 1,500 KRW for card users, allowing for several rides. Transportation cards, such as T-money, offer cost savings and free transfers.

For quick and affordable food options, 10,000 KRW provides ample choice among street food vendors. Popular items like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) typically range from 3,000 to 5,000 KRW per serving. Hotteok, a sweet pancake, can be purchased for 1,000 to 2,000 KRW, while odeng (fish cake skewers) are often 1,000 to 2,000 KRW per skewer. This allows for multiple portions, making 10,000 KRW practical for a satisfying snack.

The Relative Value of 10,000 Won

While 10,000 Korean Won is valuable for covering numerous small, everyday expenses, it is not considered a substantial amount for larger purchases. This sum functions as “pocket money,” enabling quick transactions for food, drinks, and local transport. It is comparable in purchasing power to a $5 to $10 bill in the United States, useful for daily incidentals rather than significant expenditures.

For example, 10,000 KRW would not cover a full, sit-down meal at a mid-range restaurant. Accommodation, even at budget hostels, costs significantly more than this amount per night. It is also insufficient for purchasing clothing, electronics, or long-distance travel tickets, which require much larger budgets. Therefore, 10,000 KRW is best utilized for frequent, low-cost needs throughout the day.