Etymology of the Korean currencies
The won is the currency of both North and South Korea. "Won" is a cognate of the Chinese currency unit, the yuan (//), and the Japanese currency unit, the yen (; ¥), meaning "round object". The won is subdivided into 100 jeon ().
South Korean won (1945–53)
The won was the first South Korean currency and was in use from August 15, 1945 to February 15, 1953.