5.000 Won
Korea (North) · Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea
The North Korean 5,000 Won Donpyo (돈표, 'money coupon') is an emergency currency issued in the second half of 2021 because COVID-19 border lockdowns prevented North Korea from importing the specialized paper and inks needed to produce regular banknotes from China. Printed in red ink on ordinary white paper, the donpyo lacks the security features and durability of standard won notes. It circulated at a discount — roughly 3,800–4,000 won — in informal markets, and many merchants refused to accept them, questioning whether they would ever be redeemable for regular currency.
Highlights
ReasonEmergency currency issued due to COVID-19 border closures that cut off supplies of banknote-grade paper and printing ink from China.
DesignObverse: Red-ink printed text in Korean script stating denomination and issuer (Juche 110/2021). Reverse: Plain or minimally printed.
Security featuresNo formal security features; plain low-quality white paper with red-ink text only.
Sources