Learn more about the North Korean won, the official national currency of North Korea. Learn about the official currency of North Korea, its history, regulation, and exchange rates. Compare KPW with other currencies and send money with Instarem. While the South Korean won is a widely traded and stable currency, its northern equivalent remains heavily controlled and largely inaccessible to global markets. For a deeper insight into the uniqueness of North Korea’s currency compared to others, check out facts on the South Korean won. Is the North Korean Won Becoming More Accessible? The North Korean Won (KPW) is the official currency of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, managed by the Central Bank.