Korea is highly card-friendly — credit and debit cards are accepted at most shops, restaurants, and cafés. Still, it's useful to carry some cash for traditional markets, street food, and small vendors.
One thing that surprises many visitors: tipping is not part of the culture here, so you don't need to add a tip at restaurants or taxis.
- Cards work almost everywhere — bring one that does contactless.
- Carry some cash for traditional markets, street food and small shops.
- No tipping in Korea — the price you see is the price you pay.
- Changing money? City exchange booths usually beat the airport; always pay card charges in KRW, not your home currency.
✓ Verified facts
- CurrencySouth Korean won
- CodeKRW
- Symbol₩
ⓘ Cards are widely accepted; cash is handy for small vendors and traditional markets.
- Tippingnot customary
ⓘ Some luxury hotels may add a service charge, but generally no tip is expected.
Credit and debit cards (and phone contactless) are accepted almost everywhere — shops, restaurants, cafés, taxis, convenience stores. A Visa/Mastercard works in the vast majority of places.
Traditional markets, street-food stalls and some small local shops are cash-first. A little won in your pocket avoids awkward moments.
Tipping isn't part of the culture. You don't tip at restaurants or in taxis — the listed price is the final price.
Loading live rates…
Indicative mid-market rate for reference only. Exchange booths, ATMs and card networks apply their own (usually less favourable) rates and fees. Source: open.er-api.com
Where to change money
You rarely need much cash, but when you do, rates vary a lot by where you change it.
City exchange booths
Licensed booths in areas like Myeongdong and Namdaemun usually give the best rates. Compare a couple and check for 'no commission'.
Banks
Reliable, fair rates, but weekday hours only and slower. Good for larger amounts.
'Global' ATMs
ATMs marked 'Global' accept foreign cards and dispense won. Handy, but watch for a per-withdrawal fee (often ₩3,000–5,000).
Airport booths
Convenient on arrival, but rates are usually the worst. Change just enough to get into the city, then use a city booth or card.
Cards, contactless & prepaid cards
How to actually pay day to day:
Tap or insert almost anywhere. Tell the terminal to charge in KRW (won), not your home currency — see the pitfalls below.
The transit card also pays at many convenience stores and vending machines. Top it up with cash.
A popular tourist prepaid card: load foreign cash at a kiosk to get a Korean card that also works as T-money. Useful if your card gets declined.
Apple Pay / Google Pay work in many places now, but coverage still trails physical cards — carry a card too.
Money mistakes to avoid
If a card terminal offers to charge in USD/EUR/etc. instead of KRW, decline — 'dynamic currency conversion' adds a poor markup. Always choose KRW.
Airport rates are usually the worst. Change only what you need to reach the city.
Foreign-card ATMs may charge ₩3,000–5,000 per withdrawal. Take out a bit more at once rather than many small withdrawals.
Cards cover most spending. You usually need far less cash than you think.
It's simply not expected and can cause confusion. Don't add a tip.
Money FAQ
Do I need cash, or is a card enough?
A card covers almost everything. Bring some cash for traditional markets, street food and small shops — but you'll likely use less than you expect.
Where do I get the best exchange rate?
City exchange booths (e.g. Myeongdong) usually beat the airport and often beat ATMs. Banks are fair but weekday-only. The live rate above is a mid-market reference — booths and cards apply their own rates.
Should I tip?
No. Tipping isn't customary in Korea; the price shown is what you pay, at restaurants and in taxis alike.
My foreign card was declined — what now?
Try a 'Global' ATM or another card, or load a WOWPASS prepaid card with cash. Notify your bank before travel so they don't block foreign transactions.
Is Apple Pay / Google Pay usable?
Increasingly yes, but acceptance still trails physical cards. Carry a chip-and-contactless card as your main method.
Official sources
Travel facts are checked against official sources with a verification date. Prices, schedules and visa rules change — always confirm at the linked official source before you travel.