The 5 Won banknote of 1978, issued by the Central Bank of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, reflects the socialist values of the country during this period.
On the obverse, it features the national emblem of North Korea, with inscriptions in Korean and the denomination shown in both Hangul and numerals. The overall design follows a simple yet strong socialist aesthetic with floral and geometric patterns.
The reverse depicts an industrial scene, symbolizing progress and economic self-reliance, one of the central ideas of the Juche philosophy. Printed mainly in shades of brown and green, the note measures 125 × 58 mm and includes a watermark of geometric figures.
Obverse
Worker with a cogwheel and holding a political book, and a peasant woman holding a sheaf of wheat symbolizing industry and agriculture, and City view with factories in the background
Script: Hangul
Lettering:
조선민주주의인민공화국
중앙은행
5 오원
Translation: Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, The Central Bank, Five Won
Reverse
Taebaek Mountains with waterfalls, and Mt. Gumgang in the middle, and Green seal
Script: Hangul
Lettering: 5 조선민주주의인민공화국중앙은행 오원
Translation: Central Bank of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Five Won
Features
| Issuer | North Korea |
|---|---|
| Issuing bank | Central Bank of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (조선민주주의인민공화국중앙은행) |
| Period | Democratic People’s Republic (1948-date) |
| Type | Standard circulation banknotes |
| Year | 1978 |
| Value | 5 Won (5 KPW) |
| Currency | Second Won (1959-2009) |
| Composition | Paper |
| Size | 140 × 70 mm |
| Shape | Rectangular |
| Demonetized | 1992 |
