South Korea used Japanese yen coins until 1948, when the South Korean won was introduced. The initial coins were made of bronze and featured simple designs. In the 1960s, South Korea began minting coins in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 50, and 100 won, each featuring a range of designs that included national symbols and historical figures.
In the 1980s, the South Korean government introduced new coin designs and denominations, frequently incorporating elements of Korean history and culture. The coins currently in circulation in South Korea are in denominations of 1 won, 5 won, 10 won, 50 won, 100 won, and 500 won.
These coins are made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, aluminum-bronze, bronze, and cupronickel. These compositions are selected to balance durability, cost-effectiveness, and functionality, while also reflecting different aspects of South Korean culture and heritage in their designs.