The South Korean won sharply weakened against the U.S. dollar on Monday, quoted at 1,343.8 won per dollar at 3:30 p.m., down 9.5 won from the previous close. This marks the first time since Oct. 15 that the Korean currency hovered around 1,340 won to the greenback, as institutional traders appeared to have locked in gains after the won's recent advance. Traders have also kept a watchful eye on the US midterm elections.