South Korea
Korea marks purity by the numbers, not by symbol — there's no national punch. Gold skews very high, and bullion is reserved the four-nines “9999”.
In the atlas: Jongno 3‑ga Jewellery Street
Mandatory maker's mark
Korea has no royal-style assay office. The national standard KS D 9537 (2011) and trade rules require a maker's mark and accurate fineness; a mis-marking scandal pushed the consumer standard from 995 to 999.
National standard (KS) + trade rules; maker's mark required, no state punch.
What you'll see struck
585 · 750 · 999
Fineness numbers
Millesimal or karat (14K/18K/24K). Traditional pieces skew toward 24K/999.
순금 / 9999
Pure gold
“Sunkeum” means pure gold; 9999 (four-nines) is reserved for bullion after the 995→999 reform.
돈 (don)
Traditional weight unit
A traditional unit of 3.75 g — a way pieces are priced, usually on the receipt rather than stamped.
Fineness
- Gold
- 585 (14K) · 750 (18K) · 999 (24K)
- Silver
- 925
- Platinum
- 900 · 950
Hallmark Calculator
See how South Korea's standards line up with any other country — translate a grade, or compare side by side.
* Korea uses a numeric, self-declared system with no pictorial national mark; the legal force of the trade rules versus statute is partly self-regulatory.
A reference guide, not an authentication service. Marks vary by date and metal; consult the relevant assay office or standards body for definitive identification.