우엉일상

Korea is a highly card-friendly country where digital and plastic payments dominate daily transactions. But despite this, there are still limited moments when cash is useful—especially for very specific situations. Here’s your go-to guide on using cash in Korea.

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💳 Korea Is Mostly Card-Based

• Credit & Debit Cards Accepted Almost Everywhere: Visa, MasterCard, and even some foreign cards are widely accepted.
• Mobile Payment Popularity: Korean apps like KakaoPay and NaverPay dominate, but tourists can use Apple Pay or Google Pay in select places.
• No Tipping Culture: One price covers all; no need to carry extra cash for service tips.

Tip: Always notify your bank about international travel to avoid card declines!

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💡 When Do You Still Need Cash?

Even in a modern and hyper-connected country like Korea, here are some limited situations where cash is still useful:

• Street Food Vendors & Traditional Markets: While many vendors accept KakaoPay or bank transfers, some still only accept cash
• Tmoney Card Charging: Some machines only accept cash
• Coin Laundromats: Many operate on coin-based systems
• Rural or Less Touristy Areas: Small-town shops may prefer cash

Note: Most buses and public transportation no longer accept cash. They require a Tmoney card.

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🏧 Where to Get Korean Won (₩)?

🏦 Currency Exchange

• Airport Exchange Counters: Convenient but slightly higher rates
• Myeongdong Exchange Shops: Competitive rates for tourists
• Bank Branches: Reliable but may have limited English support

🏪 ATM Withdrawal

• Look for “Global ATM” or “Foreign Cards Accepted” signs
• Convenience Stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) often have ATMs that accept international cards
• Use debit cards with lower international withdrawal fees

📲 Digital Option

• Wise or Revolut Cards: Pre-load money and withdraw in KRW
• KakaoBank & Toss: Useful only if you have a Korean bank account

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💱 How Much Cash Should You Carry?

• Daily suggestion: 20,000 – 30,000 KRW is usually enough for snacks, Tmoney charging, or traditional markets
• Keep some coins for lockers or laundromats

Tip: Korea is very safe, but always carry your cash in a secure wallet.

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🛒 What Can You Buy with Cash?

• Street food (tteokbokki, hotteok, fish cake) – sometimes cash, sometimes bank transfer
• Traditional market items
• Charging your Tmoney card
• Coin laundromat services

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📎 Extra Travel Tip

If you’re worried about not having enough cash, you can also:

• Preorder a Tmoney card with balance and pick it up at the airport
  Buy a Tmoney Card on Klook