The Korean won is moving against the broader regional pattern. Reporting on August 31 showed the dollar-won rate reaching the 1,360 range for the first time in about 13 months even as the dollar remained firm and the Japanese yen weakened.
The divergence also pushed the won-yen cross toward 850 won per 100 yen, a level not seen in about 25 months. That matters for travelers, importers and exporters because the relative value of the won against the yen can affect Japan-related costs and price competitiveness even when the dollar gets most of the attention.