Money in Korea: cards, cash and currency exchange
Seoul is largely cashless — you can pay by card at convenience stores, cafés and even in taxis. A little cash still helps for street food, traditional markets and topping up your transit card.
Last checked: October 2026
Ways to pay at a glance
| Method | Accepted at | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Credit or debit card | Almost all shops and taxis | Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted; Amex less so |
| Mobile wallets (Alipay+ partners) | Shops showing Alipay+ or ZeroPay logos | Works with several Asian wallets; fees vary |
| Cash (won) | Street stalls, markets, transit-card top-ups | A few tens of thousands of won is usually enough |
| Prepaid travel cards (e.g. WOWPASS) | Wherever cards are accepted | Load with foreign cash; some include a transit-card function |
Cards
Most shops in Korea accept cards even for small amounts, and many payments need no signature or PIN. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere; American Express and some other networks are not, so bring a backup card.
If the terminal asks whether to pay in your home currency or in won, choose won. Paying in your home currency usually adds a poor exchange rate.
Mobile payments
Shops displaying the Alipay+ or ZeroPay logo accept a range of overseas wallets, such as Alipay and several other Asian e-wallets (and Japan's PayPay). Check your wallet's fees and setup requirements before you leave home.
Contactless payments such as Apple Pay with an overseas card are not yet accepted everywhere, so always carry a physical card.
When you need cash, and where to exchange
Street food, some stalls in traditional markets and transit-card top-ups at stations and convenience stores often need cash. Carrying a few tens of thousands of won is usually plenty.
Exchange rates are generally better at money changers in the city than at the airport, and Myeongdong has many of them — change just what you need at the airport and the rest in town. You can also withdraw won with an overseas card at bank ATMs and ATMs marked "Global" (fees apply).
Prepaid travel cards such as WOWPASS
WOWPASS is a prepaid card for foreign visitors. Feed foreign cash into one of its kiosks (at stations, hotels and elsewhere) and it is converted to won and loaded onto the card, which you then use like a debit card. It also works as a transit card for the subway and buses (the transit balance is topped up separately).
It reduces the cash you carry, and the app shows what you have spent.
Fares and times are estimates as of 2026-10 and may change. Check official sources for the latest information.
FAQ
Do I need to tip in Korea?
No. Tipping is not customary, and some hotels and restaurants already include a service charge.
How much cash should I carry?
A few tens of thousands of won per person covers street food and transit-card top-ups in most cases. Change or withdraw more in the city if needed.
Where is the best place to exchange money?
Money changers in central Seoul, especially Myeongdong, usually beat airport rates. Compare the posted rates at a few shops first.
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