Paying in Korea: cards, cash, transit cards and wallets
Short version: a Visa or Mastercard covers most of your trip, but keep some cash for markets and street food, and sort out a transit card on day one.
CardsCashTransit cardsMobile walletsExchange tips
Foreign cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, UnionPay)
- Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most shops, restaurants, cafés, convenience stores and taxis in cities.
- Amex, JCB and UnionPay work at many larger stores, hotels and chains, but less reliably at small shops — bring a Visa or Mastercard as a backup.
- If the terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, choose Korean won (KRW). The “home currency” option usually comes with a worse exchange rate.
- Since 17 March 2026, the new ticket machines in Seoul subway stations (Lines 1–8) accept foreign-issued cards — see transit cards.
Sources: Seoul Metropolitan Government (subway machines, brands accepted) · Korea Visit Guide (card acceptance)
Where you still need cash
- Traditional markets and street food stalls — many are cash-first.
- Some small, older restaurants and shops.
- Topping up a regular T-money card at convenience stores and many station machines.
Carrying a small amount (for example ₩50,000–100,000) is usually enough. ATMs marked Global ATM in convenience stores and at airports generally accept foreign cards; your bank may charge a fee.
Source: Korea Visit Guide
Transit cards: T-money, Climate Card, WOWPASS
T-money (physical card)
The standard transit card for subways, buses and many taxis. Buy it at convenience stores or station machines and top it up there. Topping up a regular T-money card has traditionally been cash only; check the machine screen, as payment options are being expanded.
Seoul subway machines that take foreign cards (from 17 Mar 2026)
440 new machines at 273 stations on Seoul Metro Lines 1–8 accept foreign-issued credit and debit cards for single-journey tickets and the Climate Card short-term pass (1, 2, 3, 5 and 7 days). A service fee of about 3.7% on average applies to foreign-card payments.
iPhone: T-money in Apple Wallet
With the Mobile Tmoney app you can add T-money to Apple Wallet and top it up with a Mastercard, then tap your iPhone or Apple Watch on subways, buses and taxis. Check the app for which other card brands are currently supported.
WOWPASS
A prepaid card for foreigners that combines a payment card and a T-money function. You can exchange cash into it at WOWPASS machines (airports, stations, hotels) or top up through the app. Note that the shopping balance and the T-money (transit) balance are separate — check the WOWPASS app or FAQ for how to load transit money.
Sources: Seoul Metropolitan Government · Mastercard newsroom (T-money on iPhone) · WOWPASS FAQ · VISITKOREA transportation cards
Mobile wallets for visitors
- Alipay+ wallets: through Alipay+, visitors can pay with some home-country e-wallets (for example Alipay) at shops that accept Kakao Pay QR codes. Which wallets work depends on your app — check it before you travel.
- Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Toss (the wallets Koreans use): full sign-up is mainly aimed at residents with a Korean phone number and bank account. Naver has added some features for tourists, such as ordering and paying in Naver Map with an overseas card — check the app for what works with your card.
Sources: The Korea Times (Alipay+ in Korea) · The Korea Herald (Kakao Pay for foreign residents) · The Asia Business Daily (Naver Map ordering for tourists)
Money exchange tips
- Exchange only a little at the airport; licensed money changers in the city (e.g. Myeongdong) usually offer better rates.
- Compare the rate and any fee — a “no commission” sign can still mean a wide rate spread.
- Tell your bank you are travelling so your card isn’t blocked, and keep a second card separate.
- Shopping? Tourists can get part of the 10% VAT back — estimate your tax refund.
Source: Korea Visit Guide
Last checked: September 2026. Payment options change often — check the machine, app or shop if something here doesn’t match.