April 2, 2026 USD/KRW Exchange Rate and Major Currency Analysis Recap
Analysis of the USD/KRW exchange rate, major currency pairs, and commodity trends on April 2, 2026, providing valuable insights for export-import companies and overseas investors.
Daily Exchange Rate Summary
On April 2, 2026, the USD/KRW exchange rate closed at 1,514.79 KRW/USD. The dollar’s strength continued amid the US Federal Reserve’s policy to maintain interest rate hikes, while the Bank of Korea's decision to keep the base rate unchanged helped stabilize the market. The Japanese yen traded at 949.29 KRW per 100 JPY, the euro closed at 1,746.88 KRW per EUR, and the Chinese yuan ended at 219.79 KRW per CNY.
Major Currency Pair Analysis
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USD/KRW: The dollar’s ongoing strength has pushed the Korean won to hover around the 1,514 KRW level. This is driven by stable US economic growth and the Fed’s continued rate hike stance, prompting increased investor preference for dollar-denominated assets. Conversely, the Bank of Korea has kept its base rate steady, aiming to avoid pressure on won liquidity while monitoring market conditions.
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JPY/KRW: With the Bank of Japan maintaining its ultra-loose monetary policy and a weaker yen trend, the yen continued to depreciate against the won, settling at 949.29 KRW per 100 yen. This yen weakness could improve price competitiveness for Korean exporters against Japanese products.
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EUR/KRW and EUR/USD: The euro showed slight weakness against the dollar, trading near 1.15 USD per euro. This reflects the European Central Bank’s rate hold and concerns over delayed eurozone economic recovery, combined with relative dollar strength.
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CNY/KRW: The yuan remained stable at around 219.79 KRW, supported by Chinese government stimulus measures and expectations for economic normalization in the first half of 2026. This stability can aid Korean import-export firms in developing currency hedging strategies.
Commodity Trends
Precious metals such as gold and silver showed stable or modestly declining prices, influenced by easing global economic uncertainties and subdued commodity demand. The ongoing dollar strength is acting as a limiting factor on price increases. Currently, gold is trading around $1,850 per ounce and silver near $24.
Korean commodity importers should consider the cost pressures arising from a strong dollar and regularly monitor volatility in commodity prices.
Exchange Rate Outlook and Key Issues
The USD/KRW exchange rate is expected to be significantly influenced by the US Federal Reserve's interest rate policy, global geopolitical risks, and South Korea’s economic indicators and monetary decisions. While sustained Fed rate hikes coupled with easing uncertainties could stabilize the exchange rate, escalating geopolitical tensions may reinforce dollar demand as a safe haven, exerting further depreciation pressure on the won.
Key factors impacting exchange rate volatility include changes in the Bank of Korea’s base rate, US-China trade relations, and the pace of eurozone economic recovery. Export-import companies and overseas investors should prudently manage foreign exchange risk in response to these macroeconomic shifts.
Investor Guidance
This report is prepared for informational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Movements in the USD/KRW and major currencies directly affect export-import pricing competitiveness, foreign direct investment, and portfolio foreign exchange risks, underscoring the need for continuous monitoring of exchange rates and economic indicators.
Given the continued dollar strength and associated currency loss risks, companies and individual investors are advised to consider currency hedging and flexible response strategies. Additionally, tracking global commodity price trends in conjunction with exchange rates remains critical for effective cost management.