The Korean won symbol (₩) is the currency sign for the South Korean won and North Korean won, officially named WON SIGN at code point U+20A9. The fastest way to use it is to click the copy button below, then paste it wherever you need it. If you would rather type it, this guide covers every method on Windows, Mac, mobile, and the major apps.
Copying is the most reliable route because the won sign has no dedicated key on any standard keyboard. The reference table gathers every verified code you might need, and the sections after it explain each typing method in plain steps.
Korean won symbol codes at a glance
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Glyph | ₩ |
| Unicode name | WON SIGN |
| Code point | U+20A9 |
| Hex / decimal | 20A9 / 8361 |
| Windows Alt code | No standard Windows Alt code |
| Decimal input (Unicode-aware apps) | 20A9 then Alt+X in Word |
| Word hex method | Type 20A9, then press Alt+X |
| HTML numeric | ₩ or ₩ |
| HTML named entity | None — use numeric |
| CSS escape | \20A9 |
| Mac | Character Viewer (Ctrl+Cmd+Space) |
| Chromebook / Linux | Ctrl+Shift+U, then 20a9 |
| Excel / Sheets | =UNICHAR(8361) |
How to type the won symbol on each platform
Each entry below gives the exact keys or menu path. Where a numeric keypad or special mode is required, that is noted, along with the best fallback if the shortcut fails.
Windows
There is no standard Windows Alt code for the won sign in the CP1252 layout, so ignore any random four-digit number you see quoted online. In Unicode-aware programs you can hold Alt and type 8361 on the numeric keypad, then release Alt; this needs a real keypad with Num Lock on.
The most dependable route is the emoji and symbol panel: press Win+. (period), search for “won,” and click the result. On laptops without a keypad, this panel is the recommended fallback.
Mac
macOS has no direct won-sign shortcut. Open the Character Viewer with Ctrl+Cmd+Space, type “won” in the search box, and double-click the ₩ to insert it. You can drag it to your Favorites so it stays one click away.
Microsoft Word
Word has a built-in hex converter that works anywhere in a document. Type the code 20A9, then immediately press Alt+X, and Word replaces the digits with ₩. Pressing Alt+X again toggles back to the code if you need to check it.
If Alt+X does not fire, place the cursor tight against the code with no trailing space, or use Insert > Symbol > More Symbols and search by the code point 20A9.
Excel and Google Sheets
In both apps, the formula =UNICHAR(8361) returns ₩ in a cell. Wrap it with text using concatenation, for example =UNICHAR(8361)&A1, to prefix an amount.
For a currency-formatted number rather than a literal glyph, apply a custom cell format instead so the symbol displays without changing the underlying value.
PowerPoint and Google Docs
In PowerPoint, use Insert > Symbol and search for the code 20A9, or simply paste the copied glyph onto a slide. Google Docs offers Insert > Special characters, where you can type “won” or draw the shape to find ₩.
iPhone and Android
On both mobile systems, switch to the numeric-and-symbol keyboard (the 123 key), then the second symbols page, and press and hold the generic currency or dollar key to reveal a popup of world currency signs that includes ₩. If your popup omits it, add the Korean keyboard in language settings, where the won sign sits on the symbol layer.
Chromebook, Notion, Slack, Discord, and Canva
On a Chromebook or Linux, press Ctrl+Shift+U, type 20a9, then press Enter or Space to convert it to ₩. Notion, Slack, Discord, and Canva have no special code entry of their own, so the cleanest method in all four is to paste the copied character or use your operating system’s symbol picker.
Slack and Discord will accept the pasted glyph in any message or channel name, and Canva keeps the symbol crisp inside text boxes because it is a real font character, not an image.
Common lookalikes to avoid
The won sign is a capital W with two horizontal strokes, and several characters resemble it closely enough to cause confusion. Picking the wrong one can break search, sorting, or currency parsing in software.
- The Japanese yen sign ¥ (U+00A5) uses a Y with strokes, not a W, and represents a different currency entirely.
- The fullwidth won sign ₩ (U+FFE6) is a wide East Asian variant meant for CJK typesetting, not general text.
- A plain capital “W” is sometimes typed as a stand-in but carries no currency meaning and fails any automated check.
Practical use cases
The won sign shows up wherever South Korean or North Korean prices appear. Common situations include e-commerce listings, invoices for Korean clients, travel budgets, and financial spreadsheets tracking KRW conversions.
On the web, use the numeric entity ₩ in HTML and \20A9 in CSS content values so the glyph renders correctly regardless of the page encoding. In data files, storing the plain Unicode character in UTF-8 is the safest choice.
Troubleshooting
If the symbol appears as a box, question mark, or garbled text, the font in use lacks the glyph. Switch to a broad Unicode font such as Arial, Segoe UI, or Noto Sans, and confirm the document is saved as UTF-8.
When 20A9 then Alt+X in Word does nothing on Windows, the app is not Unicode-aware or you are using the top-row number keys; use a numeric keypad with Num Lock on, or fall back to Win+. and the emoji panel. If a pasted won sign turns into a different currency, you likely copied a lookalike, so re-copy from the button at the top of this page.
Related guides
If you regularly type currency signs, the copy and paste symbols tool keeps them all one click away, and our complete list of world currency symbols covers every sign with its codes. You can also browse the full currency symbols collection for related walkthroughs.
Readers often confuse the won with other Asian and European currencies. See how to type the Japanese yen symbol (¥), the Indian rupee symbol (₹), the Turkish lira symbol (₺), and the Russian ruble symbol (₽) for the same fast methods.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Windows Alt code for the won symbol?
There is no standard CP1252 Alt code for ₩. In Unicode-aware programs you can hold Alt and type 8361 on the numeric keypad, but the emoji panel (Win+.) or a copy-paste is more reliable.
What is the Unicode code point for the won sign?
The won sign is U+20A9, officially named WON SIGN. Its decimal value is 8361, which is what you use in the HTML entity ₩ and the Excel formula =UNICHAR(8361).
How do I type the won symbol in Microsoft Word?
Type the hex code 20A9 and then press Alt+X. Word converts the code into ₩ instantly, and pressing Alt+X again switches it back to the code.
Why does the won symbol show as a box or question mark?
That means the current font does not include the glyph or the file is not UTF-8. Switch to a comprehensive font like Segoe UI or Noto Sans and save the document as UTF-8.
Is the won symbol the same as the yen symbol?
No. The won sign ₩ is a W with two strokes (U+20A9), while the yen sign ¥ is a Y with strokes (U+00A5). They are different currencies, so the codes are not interchangeable.
How do I get the won sign on my phone?
Open the symbols keyboard, then press and hold the currency or dollar key to reveal a popup that includes ₩. If it is missing, add the Korean keyboard in your language settings.