Korea Shopping Guide

Payment Methods

Korea is one of the most cashless countries in the world. Most stores, restaurants, hotels, and transportation services accept electronic payments.

Payment Methods infographic
01 — Overview

Quick Summary

Visitors can easily travel without carrying large amounts of cash.

Key takeaways

  • Credit Cards — Commonly Accepted Cards: Visa · Mastercard · American Express · JCB · UnionPay
  • Debit Cards — ATM Withdrawals · Daily Purchases · Transportation
  • Cash — Traditional Markets · Small Shops · Street Food Vendors · Rural Areas
  • ATM Withdrawals — Global ATM · Global Service · Visa Plus · Mastercard Cirrus
  • Mobile Payments — Samsung Pay
02 — Full Guide

The Complete Guide

What Payment Methods Are Used In Korea?

Korea is one of the most cashless countries in the world.

Most stores, restaurants, hotels, and transportation services accept electronic payments.

Visitors can easily travel without carrying large amounts of cash.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are the most commonly used payment method in Korea.

Always choose to pay in Korean Won (KRW) when using foreign cards.

  • Commonly Accepted Cards: Visa · Mastercard · American Express · JCB · UnionPay
  • Best For: Hotels · Restaurants · Shopping · Transportation · Tourist Attractions

Debit Cards

Most international debit cards work in Korea.

  • Best For: ATM Withdrawals · Daily Purchases · Transportation

Cash

Although cards are widely accepted, cash is still useful in some situations.

  • Useful For: Traditional Markets · Small Shops · Street Food Vendors · Rural Areas
  • Recommended Amount: ₩50,000 ~ ₩100,000

ATM Withdrawals

Foreign visitors can withdraw cash from international ATMs.

Some convenience store ATMs may charge higher withdrawal fees.

  • Look For: Global ATM · Global Service · Visa Plus · Mastercard Cirrus
  • Common Locations: Airports · Banks · Subway Stations · Convenience Stores

Mobile Payments

Korea is highly advanced in mobile payment technology.

Most tourists use credit cards rather than local mobile payment services.

Foreign-issued cards may not work with all Korean mobile payment services.

  • Popular Services: Samsung Pay
  • Apple Pay: Naver Pay
  • Kakao Pay: Important

Transportation Payments

Most convenient option for public transportation.

  • Can Be Used For: Subway · Bus · Convenience Stores · Some Taxis

Currency Exchange

Visitors can exchange money at airports, banks, and exchange offices.

Major Banks

  • Common Currencies: USD · EUR · JPY · CNY

Major Korean Banks

  • KB Kookmin Bank: https://www.kbstar.com
  • Shinhan Bank: https://www.shinhan.com
  • Woori Bank: https://www.wooribank.com
  • Hana Bank: https://www.kebhana.com · Common Foreigner Mistakes · Carrying too much cash · Not informing the bank before travel · Using only one payment method · Not carrying a backup card · Forgetting ATM withdrawal fees

Hotels

  • Credit Card

Shopping

  • Credit Card
  • Cash

Subway & Bus

  • T-money

Street Food

  • Cash
  • T-money

Convenience Stores

  • Card
  • T-money

Taxi

  • Credit Card
  • T-money (Some Taxis)
Pro Tips

Pro Tips

  • Bring at least two cards.
  • Carry a small amount of cash.
  • Use T-money for transportation.
  • Check foreign transaction fees.
  • Keep emergency cash separately.
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