East Asia

Money, cards and tipping in South Korea

Capital: SeoulKorean, EnglishUpdated October 2026

KRWWon

Money in South Korea

Cards almost everywhere Cards work almost everywhere, even taxis and many market stalls; carry some cash for street food, older markets and topping up T-money. US$1 ≈ ₩1,347.39 (03 Oct 2026).

Key facts

Tipping: Not expected anywhere; upscale hotels and restaurants may add a 10% service charge.
ATMs: Use 'Global ATM' machines at banks, airports and convenience stores; fees of a few thousand won per withdrawal are common.
Paying by phone: Foreign chip cards work widely; Apple Pay only at NFC terminals; Alipay+ wallets at many shops; WOWPASS card for visitors.
Price level: about 57% of US prices (World Bank PPP).

Cash or card, by place

Place	Cards	Notes
Seoul	Cards almost everywhere	Cards and contactless almost everywhere, even street stalls and taxis. Carry a little cash for older markets and some street food.
Busan	Cards almost everywhere	Cards and contactless work nearly everywhere; carry some cash for Jagalchi market stalls, street food and older shops.
Jeju	Cards almost everywhere	Cards work in most places; carry cash for rural shops, tangerine stalls and some ferries.
Gyeongju	Cards almost everywhere	Cards work nearly everywhere, but bring cash for market stalls, hanok homestays and some local restaurants.
Seogwipo	Cards almost everywhere	Cards accepted widely; carry cash for market stalls, tangerine farms and small cafés.
Incheon	Cards almost everywhere	Cards and contactless work nearly everywhere; carry some cash for Chinatown stalls and island shops.
Jeonju	Cards almost everywhere	Cards work nearly everywhere; carry cash for night market stalls, street snacks and hanok guesthouses.
Sokcho	Cards almost everywhere	Cards work widely; bring cash for market stalls, seafood vendors and small mountain-gate shops.
Gangneung	Cards almost everywhere	Cards work widely; carry cash for market stalls and small seafood stands.
Daegu	Cards almost everywhere	Cards work almost everywhere; carry cash for Seomun Market stalls and street snacks.
Yeosu	Cards almost everywhere	Cards work widely; carry cash for seafood stalls, ferries and small markets.

Quick answers

Do you tip in South Korea?

Not expected anywhere; upscale hotels and restaurants may add a 10% service charge.

Is South Korea cashless?

Cards almost everywhere. Cards work almost everywhere, even taxis and many market stalls; carry some cash for street food, older markets and topping up T-money.

What currency does South Korea use?

The Won (KRW). US$1 ≈ ₩1,347.39 (03 Oct 2026).

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.