Catalog
5 Won
| Issuer | Central Bank of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea |
|---|---|
| Year | 1978 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | North Korean Won (1959-date) |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Size | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Printer | Log in to see details |
| Designer(s) | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse lettering | 조선민주주의인민공화국 중앙은행 위대한 령도자 김일성 동지의 탄생 60돐 주체71(2002)년 4월 15일 오원 |
| Reverse description | The reverse presents a sweeping panoramic landscape of the Diamond Mountains (Kumgangsan), rendered in fine intaglio linework in soft blue, green, and purple hues, with mist-veiled rocky peaks receding into the distance and pine trees in the foreground. A spray of white magnolia blossoms occupies the lower left corner, and the denomination numeral '5' is printed at both upper right and lower left within decorative guilloche frames. The issuer's name in Korean script runs along the bottom centre. |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Signature(s) | Log in to see details |
| Protection type | Log in to see details |
| Protection description | Log in to see details |
| Variants | Log in to see details |
| Comments |
North Korea's 1978 issue was a parallel currency series — the "Chongsong" notes, printed specifically for foreign visitors and diplomats rather than the general population. This 5 Won belongs to that system, which ran alongside the domestic currency but was not interchangeable with it. The scheme allowed the state to extract hard currency from foreigners while keeping them insulated from the actual domestic economy.
Different colored serial numbers distinguished which category of foreigner was meant to hold the note — socialist-country visitors received different denominations and color coding than those from capitalist nations.