Korean money. · Let's Master English

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Korean money.

There are four kinds of bills used in Korea, but I only have three of them with me right now. I don’t have the 5,000 won bill. I haven’t really used it in the past few years, so unfortunately, I can’t show it to you.

On the 1,000 won bill, there's Toegye Yi Hwang - 퇴계 이황 a smart teacher.

The back shows a peaceful landscape by Jeong Seon - 정선.

The 10,000 won bill shows King Sejong- 세종대왕, who made Korean - Hangeul - 한글!

The back has a star-watching tool called Honcheonsigye - 혼천의.

And then, there’s the 50,000 won bill — the biggest one!

It was first made in 2009, because before that, the highest bill was only 10,000 won. Carrying a lot of cash was pretty inconvenient, so Korea needed a bigger bill.

When deciding who should be on it, the Bank of Korea asked for opinions from experts and the public. They considered many famous people.

So, why did they choose Shin Saimdang - 신사임당?

The Bank of Korea explained that since this was a brand-new, high-value bill, they wanted someone symbolic.

Also, no Korean bill had ever featured a woman before, so picking a female figure was a meaningful choice.

Shin Saimdang was not only talented in art and writing, but she was also seen as a great mother — she raised Yulgok Yi I - 율곡이이, who is on the 5,000 won bill.

Her story showed the importance of education, family, and creativity.

On the back of the 50,000 won bill, there’s a painting of plum blossoms, painted by Eo Mong-ryong- ‘어몽룡, another famous artist.

All the people on Korean bills are from the Joseon Dynasty, a long time ago.

And the backs of the bills show paintings or inventions from that time!

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