According to Yonhap Infomax, the USD/KRW exchange rate fell to 1,466.80 Korean won today (July 23) in Seoul, marking its lowest level since May 7 and a sharp 13.30-won decline from the previous close. The currency has fallen approximately 94 won from its July 1 high of 1,559.20 won.
The decline was driven by South Korea's Q2 real GDP growth surprise, which came in at 0.6% quarter-on-quarter and 3.7% year-over-year, alongside sustained foreign buying of Korean equities totaling 2.13 trillion won on the KOSPI. Market dealers noted additional dollar-selling pressure from SK Hynix ADR (American Depositary Receipt) liquidations.