Money in South Korea

Cards and contactless work almost everywhere in cities

South Korea is one of the world's most card-friendly countries. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at effectively every shop, restaurant, convenience store, hotel and taxi in Seoul, Busan and the other cities, and contactless works at most terminals — Apple Pay arrived in 2023 and Samsung Pay has been established far longer, with unusually wide acceptance. The domestic mobile-payment platforms that Koreans themselves use require a Korean bank account and are not an option for visitors, so an international card with contactless is the practical answer. Cash matters mainly at traditional markets, some small neighbourhood restaurants and in rural areas.

Look for the “Global ATM” or “Foreign Cards” machines

Not every Korean ATM accepts international cards, and the ordinary domestic machines will simply refuse yours. Look for the ones marked “Global ATM” or “Foreign Cards” — they are found in convenience stores, at the major banks and throughout the airports, and they are common enough that this is a minor inconvenience rather than a hunt. Per-transaction withdrawal limits apply and vary by machine and by your own bank, as do fees, so check both with your bank before travelling rather than discovering them at the slot. Always decline dynamic currency conversion and take the withdrawal in won.

Buy a T-money card on arrival

The T-money card is the country's integrated transport and small-payment card, and it is the most useful minor purchase you will make. Buy one at any convenience store or subway station for a small fixed amount, then load credit onto it in cash or by card; it is rechargeable anywhere the same shops are, which is to say everywhere. Beyond transport it works in convenience stores and some vending machines. Unused balance is refundable at convenience stores less a small handling charge, so there is no need to spend down the last of it before flying home. What the card does on the transport network itself, including the transfer discounts, is covered on the getting-around guide.

Tipping is not part of Korean culture

South Korea does not have a tipping culture. Do not tip at restaurants, cafés, taxis or hotels — it causes confusion and can read as faintly insulting rather than generous. Service is included in the price where a charge applies. This is a genuine cultural norm rather than politeness that can be overridden by insisting. The narrow exceptions are some international-brand hotels, where Western expectations have been imported, and private tour guides, who may accept a gratuity. Otherwise pay the bill and leave.