South Korea to Launch 24-Hour Currency Trading in 2026
South Korea announced plans to introduce 24-hour currency trading from July 2026, aiming to internationalize the won and seek MSCI developed-market status. The move signals a major shift from decades of restrictions following the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
洞察:
In a landmark move, South Korea has announced plans to open its currency market for 24-hour trading starting in July 2026. This initiative is part of a broader roadmap aimed at internationalizing the South Korean won and securing an upgrade to developed-market status from Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI). The announcement, made by the South Korean Finance Ministry on January 9, 2026, marks a significant shift in the country's financial policy landscape, which has been characterized by stringent controls since the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
The liberalization plan includes loosening reporting requirements, easing market participation registration, and introducing systems for offshore won trading. These changes are designed to align with MSCI's criteria, which have identified currency market restrictions as a barrier to developed-market classification. The South Korean government, under President Lee Jae Myung lee jae myung, has been actively pursuing market reforms since he took office in June 2025, with this initiative being a key policy pledge.
