South Korea’s won strengthened to around 1,336 per dollar, its highest level since late October, as robust exports, easing foreign selling pressure and improved risk appetite supported the currency. Exports rose 111.9% year on year to $33.5 billion in the first 10 days of November 2026, the highest value recorded for that period and above the previous November record of $18.2 billion set in 2021. Cumulative exports reached $963.663 billion, up 62% from the comparable period and $36.3 billion below the $1 trillion threshold, putting the country on track for its first annual export milestone of $1 trillion. Semiconductor shipments surged 331.2% to $16.632 billion, while computer-peripheral exports increased 237.7% to $1.046 billion. Exports to China, the United States and Vietnam climbed 148.0%, 163.6% and 113.3%, respectively, and the three markets accounted for 57.3% of total shipments. Imports rose 45.0% to $24.71 billion, producing a trade surplus of $8.8 billion, while the cumulative trade surplus was reported at $303.7 billion. Employment increased by 139,000 in October, extending job growth to a fourth consecutive month, and foreign investors were net buyers of Korean equities in the previous session. Hopes for a diplomatic resolution between the United States and Iran improved risk appetite, while reduced expectations of further US military strikes eased concerns about prolonged disruptions to Middle Eastern oil supplies. The won’s gains nevertheless faced pressure from a stronger dollar after hotter-than-expected US inflation and hawkish Federal Reserve comments reinforced expectations of further rate hikes.