Bring one Visa or Mastercard for almost everything, a small amount of won for markets and street food, and buy a T-money card on day one for transit. Korea is one of the most cashless countries in the world, and foreign cards work fine in the vast majority of shops, restaurants and hotels. A handful of situations still trip people up, so here's what to carry and how.
Cards work almost everywhere
Tap-to-pay is the default in cities. International Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere; Amex is hit-or-miss. Contactless from your phone (Apple Pay and Google Pay) works at plenty of terminals now, though not all, so don't rely on the phone alone.
When you still need cash
- Small traditional markets, street-food stalls, and some family-run spots
- A few older taxis and rural buses
- Temples and small entrance fees
Keep a modest amount of won on you for these. Withdraw it from ATMs marked "Global" or "Foreign Card," which you'll find in convenience stores and at banks.
Get a T-money card first
T-money is a rechargeable card that covers subways and buses nationwide, and it also works at many convenience stores and in some taxis. Buy one at any CU, GS25 or 7-Eleven, or from a subway machine, load it with cash, and tap in and out. It's the first thing we'd pick up after landing.
Foreign-card gotcha: some Korean websites and ticket machines reject overseas cards or demand a local phone number. If that happens, pay at a staffed counter or switch to a foreigner-friendly platform. It doesn't mean the tickets are sold out.
Tax refund for tourists
Look for the "Tax Free" sign in shops. On qualifying purchases above a set minimum, you either get an immediate refund at the register (for smaller amounts) or claim it on your way out at the refund kiosks in Incheon and other international airports. Keep your receipts and your passport handy, since the refund is only for short-term visitors.
Tipping isn't expected
Korea has no tipping culture. The price on the menu or the meter is what you pay, and staff won't expect anything on top, though some upscale hotels and restaurants add a service charge automatically. Rounding up is fine but never required.
Quick checklist
- Bring one Visa or Mastercard for most payments
- Carry a small amount of cash for markets and small vendors
- Buy and load a T-money card for public transport
- Have a backup payment method in case one card is declined