Money: How to Get Cash, ATMs & Currency
South Korea is mostly cashless, but not completely—so you’ll want to be ready for both card swipes and won bills. Here’s how to keep your travel wallet ready, whether you’re café-hopping in Seoul or buying fishcakes at a market in Busan.
🪙 The Basics
Currency: South Korean Won (KRW / ₩)
Common Bills: ₩1,000 / ₩5,000 / ₩10,000 / ₩50,000
Common Coins: ₩10 / ₩50 / ₩100 / ₩500
💱 Quick conversion tip:
₩1,000 = ~US$0.75 = ~€0.70 = ~SGD$1.00
Always check current rates before you go!
🏧 Getting Cash: ATMs in Korea
You’ll find ATMs everywhere—but not all of them work with international cards.
✅ Use These:
Global ATMs: Marked with “Global, “Foreign Cards Accepted,” or Visa/Mastercard signs
Found in convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven), airports, train stations, and banks
🚫 Avoid These:
ATMs that are inside local bank branches may reject foreign cards
Machines that don’t have English instructions
💡 Tip: Always choose the option to be charged in KRW, not your home currency—this gives a better exchange rate.
💳 Card vs. Cash: When to Use What
💳 Credit/Debit Cards
Widely accepted in cities, chain stores, restaurants, cafes, and transit systems
Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere; American Express is hit-or-miss
You can also link foreign cards to Korean payment apps like Kakao Pay or Naver Pay (if you’re staying longer)
💵 Cash
You’ll still need cash for:
Street food and market stalls
Some small restaurants (especially in the countryside)
Hanok stays, guesthouses, or older taxis
Topping up T-money cards (for subway/buses)
🧠 Pro tip: Keep some small bills (₩1,000 / ₩5,000) for public lockers, drinks, or temple donations.
💱 Currency Exchange
Where to exchange:
Airports: Okay in a pinch, but rates aren’t the best
Myeongdong (Seoul): Known for competitive money changers
Major banks: Like KB Kookmin, Woori, or Hana Bank
What to bring:
Passport (for larger amounts or formal bank exchanges)
Preferably crisp, new bills if exchanging cash
🧳 Can I Travel Cashless?
Almost! South Korea is one of the most card-friendly countries in Asia, but it’s still smart to have about ₩50,000–₩100,000 in cash on you for small purchases and emergencies.
🧠 WRUGoing Tips
Use multi-currency travel cards (like Wise or Revolut) for good rates + ATM access
Withdraw larger amounts less frequently to reduce ATM fees
Some ATMs limit withdrawals to ₩100,000–₩300,000 per transaction
Always keep a little emergency stash of cash in your bag—just in case
