South Korea’s finance ministry chief told investors that global appetite for the country’s economy and capital markets has “clearly changed” for the better in recent years. The comment came as regulators prepare the won for 24‑hour won trading on July 6, a shift that could tighten liquidity and align the market with U.S. and European sessions, and broadening hedging tools for multinationals.

The move follows a string of reforms aimed at deepening South Korea’s bond market and attracting foreign fund inflows. By extending trading hours, issuers hope to reduce price gaps that have historically discouraged overseas investors. Market participants expect the change to improve price discovery, lower transaction costs and potentially lift the won’s standing as a regional benchmark currency. This could attract sovereign funds.

Analysts see the 24‑hour schedule as a test of South Korea’s readiness to compete for global capital. If liquidity holds, the reform could spur larger cross‑border deals and boost the country’s appeal to asset managers seeking diversified Asian exposure. Investors will now watch the first trading day for signs that the won can sustain continuous price formation without heightened volatility.