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
| Month | Rate (KRW/USD) | I Sent | Family Received | vs January |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1,350 | ₩1,000,000 | $741 | Baseline |
| February | 1,380 | ₩1,000,000 | $725 | -$16 |
| March | 1,400 | ₩1,000,000 | $714 | -$27 |
| April | 1,450 | ₩1,000,000 | $690 | -$51 |
| May | 1,480 | ₩1,000,000 | $676 | -$65 |
| June | 1,519 | ₩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
| Rate | Your ₩1,000,000 becomes | Good 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 Range | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Below 1,350 | 🟢 Excellent | Send extra if you can |
| 1,350-1,400 | 🟢 Good | Normal sending |
| 1,400-1,450 | 🟡 Average | Normal sending |
| 1,450-1,500 | 🟠 Poor | Send minimum needed |
| Above 1,500 | 🔴 Bad | Wait if possible |
Step 2: Check Before Sending
Every time before you send:
- Google "KRW USD rate"
- Note the number
- 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 Type | My Action | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/food for family | Send immediately | They can't wait |
| Monthly support | Send on payday | Consistent is better than timing |
| Extra savings | Keep in Korea | Wait for rate below 1,400 |
My Monthly Routine
- Payday: Check rate on Google
- Same day: Compare services on RemitBuddy
- Same day: Send ₩1,000,000 (family's regular support)
- Extra money: Save in Korean bank, wait for better rate
🔮 Should You Wait for Better Rates?
The Risk of Waiting
| If You Wait... | Possibility | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Rate improves to 1,400 | 40% chance | You save $40 per ₩1M |
| Rate stays at 1,500 | 40% chance | You gain nothing, family waited |
| Rate worsens to 1,600 | 20% chance | You 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
| Service | Rate | Fee | Family Received |
|---|---|---|---|
| Service A | 1,515 | ₩5,000 | $657 |
| Service B | 1,510 | ₩4,000 | $660 |
| Service C | 1,520 | ₩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
| Lesson | Detail |
|---|---|
| Lower rate = better | 1350 is better than 1519 |
| My loss in 6 months | $242 total (vs January rates) |
| Best strategy | Send urgent amounts now, save extra for better rates |
| Always compare | RemitBuddy 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.
📚 Related Guides
- Dollar at 1519: Full breakdown
- Send now or wait? The math
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- Best remittance apps 2026
Compare remittance rates at RemitBuddy
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