Across Asia: Republic of Korea

Banknote issuing held

The Republic of Korea has shelved plans to issue a 100,000 won ($75 dollar) banknote because a map printed on its back was found to have omitted islands also claimed by Japan, an official said yesterday.

The central Bank of Korea decided in May last year to issue 50,000 won and 100,000 won bills, adding to the existing 1,000, 5,000 and 10,000 won notes. The famous 19th-century map fails to include Dokdo, a group of islets in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) which are disputed with Japan.