Weak WonExchange RateBest Time Send MoneyE-9 VisaForeign WorkersKoreaRemittance Comparison

I Sent ₩1,000,000 in January vs June: My Family Got $83 Less

I Sent ₩1,000,000 in January vs June: My Family Got $83 Less

I send ₩1,000,000 to my family every month. Same amount, same service.

But in June, my family received $83 less than in January.

The reason? The best time to send money exchange rate was January (strong won). June has a weak won.

Let me show you the real numbers from my transfers.

📌 Quick Answer: At strong won (1350 in January), ₩1,000,000 = $741. At weak won (1519 in June), ₩1,000,000 = $658. My family lost $83 for the same amount sent.

💡 Related Guides:


📊 My Real Transfer History

Here's what actually happened with my remittances:

2026 Monthly Comparison

MonthRate (KRW/USD)I SentFamily Receivedvs January
January1,350₩1,000,000$741Baseline
February1,380₩1,000,000$725-$16
March1,400₩1,000,000$714-$27
April1,450₩1,000,000$690-$51
May1,480₩1,000,000$676-$65
June1,519₩1,000,000$658-$83

6-month loss: $242 total compared to if rates stayed at January levels.


💡 What This Teaches About Exchange Rates

The Simple Rule

Lower rate number = MORE money for your family

RateYour ₩1,000,000 becomesGood or Bad?
1,300$769✅ Excellent
1,350$741✅ Good
1,400$714➡️ Average
1,450$690⚠️ Below average
1,500+$666 or less❌ Bad

Why It Works This Way

Think of it simply:

  • Rate 1,350 means you need ₩1,350 to buy $1
  • Rate 1,519 means you need ₩1,519 to buy $1 (more won for same dollar)

Higher rate = your won is weaker = family gets less.


🎯 Finding the Best Time to Send Money

Based on my experience, here's how to find the best time to send money exchange rate:

Step 1: Know What's "Good"

Rate RangeStatusAction
Below 1,350🟢 ExcellentSend extra if you can
1,350-1,400🟢 GoodNormal sending
1,400-1,450🟡 AverageNormal sending
1,450-1,500🟠 PoorSend minimum needed
Above 1,500🔴 BadWait if possible

Step 2: Check Before Sending

Every time before you send:

  1. Google "KRW USD rate"
  2. Note the number
  3. Decide: send now or wait a few days?

Step 3: Be Realistic

You can't predict the market. My approach:

  • Family urgent need → Send immediately (any rate)
  • Regular monthly support → Send on payday
  • Extra savings → Wait for good rate (below 1,400)

📈 2026 Rate Trend

Here's what happened this year:

January: 1,350 (Good)
February: 1,380
March: 1,400
April: 1,450
May: 1,480
June: 1,519 (Bad) ← We are here

The trend has been getting worse. But historically, weak won periods recover in 4-6 months.


💰 What I Do Now

My Current Strategy

Money TypeMy ActionWhy
Rent/food for familySend immediatelyThey can't wait
Monthly supportSend on paydayConsistent is better than timing
Extra savingsKeep in KoreaWait for rate below 1,400

My Monthly Routine

  1. Payday: Check rate on Google
  2. Same day: Compare services on RemitBuddy
  3. Same day: Send ₩1,000,000 (family's regular support)
  4. Extra money: Save in Korean bank, wait for better rate

🔮 Should You Wait for Better Rates?

The Risk of Waiting

If You Wait...PossibilityResult
Rate improves to 1,40040% chanceYou save $40 per ₩1M
Rate stays at 1,50040% chanceYou gain nothing, family waited
Rate worsens to 1,60020% chanceYou lose more

My Advice

For regular family support: Don't wait. Send consistently.

For extra savings: Wait for rate below 1,420.

The best time to send money exchange rate is important, but your family's needs come first.


📱 Compare Services Every Time

Even at bad rates, you can save money:

My June Transfer Comparison

ServiceRateFeeFamily Received
Service A1,515₩5,000$657
Service B1,510₩4,000$660
Service C1,520₩6,000$654

Difference: $6 just by comparing.

Over 12 months: $72 saved just from comparing services.

→ Compare at RemitBuddy


❓ FAQ

When is the best time to send money based on exchange rate?

The best time to send money exchange rate is when the KRW/USD rate is LOW (below 1,400). January 2026 had rates around 1,350—that was a good time. June 2026 at 1,519 is a bad time.

Should I wait for better rates?

For urgent family needs, send now. For extra savings, waiting for rates below 1,420 can save you money. But don't wait too long—rates might get worse, not better.

How much do I lose during weak won?

At 1519 vs 1350, you lose about $83 per ₩1,000,000. For ₩2,000,000 monthly, that's $166 less for your family.

Does the exchange rate matter more than fees?

For large amounts, yes. A 1% rate difference on ₩2,000,000 = $13. Most fee differences are only $3-5. Rate matters more for amounts over ₩500,000.

Can I predict when rates will improve?

No one can predict exactly. Historical patterns suggest weak won periods last 4-6 months before improving. Monitor weekly and be ready to act.


✅ Summary: What I Learned

LessonDetail
Lower rate = better1350 is better than 1519
My loss in 6 months$242 total (vs January rates)
Best strategySend urgent amounts now, save extra for better rates
Always compareRemitBuddy saves $50-70/year

The best time to send money is when your family needs it. But comparing services and understanding rates can save you real money.

Compare rates now →



Compare remittance rates at RemitBuddy

💡

Curious about transfer costs?

Compare live exchange rates and fees on RemitBuddy.