Woman To Appear On South Korean Banknotes

Seoul: For the first time, South Korean banknotes will feature a woman in front of the bills, the central bank announced on Tuesday.

The front of the new 50,000-won ($36) bill will show a portrait of Shin Saim-dang, a well known artist who died in 1551. It will also show artwork by Shin.

Shin was also the mother of a famous Confucian scholar and is popularly referred to as "wise mother."

Shin was one of the most respected female figures in Korea's Joseon Dynasty, which ruled from 1392 to 1910.

An official with the Bank of Korea said the choice of Shin was significant because it marks the first time a woman will be featured on the banknotes of South Korea, a traditionally male-dominated society.-- (agencies)