Paying in Korea

Korea is almost cashless for locals. For visitors, cards work in most places, but a few gaps catch people out.

Cards

• Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most shops, restaurants and convenience stores. Other brands work less widely — bring a backup.
• Apple Pay works only at some terminals, so do not rely on it.
• Local wallets like Kakao Pay and Naver Pay usually need a Korean phone number and bank account.
• If a terminal asks whether to pay in your home currency or KRW, choose KRW — the home-currency option usually costs more.

When you need cash

• Topping up a T-money card at most machines
• Street food stalls and traditional markets
• Some small local shops and older taxis

Around ₩30,000–50,000 in small notes is plenty for most trips.

Getting cash

• ATMs: look for "Global ATM" or "Foreign Card" on the machine — found in convenience stores, banks and subway stations.
• Exchange shops: private money changers in Myeongdong and Hongdae often give better rates than the airport.

WOWPASS

A prepaid card for visitors: load it with your own currency at its kiosks (in stations, hotels and airports) and pay like a local debit card. It includes a T-money transit function, but the shopping and transit balances are separate — top up both.

Tips

• Tax refund: shops with a Tax Free sign can refund VAT on purchases above a set amount — bring your passport.