Can I pay with cash in Korea?

Korean won in cash works everywhere and is still the easiest way to pay at traditional markets, street food stalls and small local restaurants.

• ✓Taxis accept cash as well as cards and transport cards.
• ✓Cash is useful for markets, street food and small local restaurants.
• •ATMs dispense won in ₩10,000 notes, so small amounts are easier with a convenience-store purchase or a transit card top-up.

• •A modest amount of won for the first days
• •Your passport if you exchange money at a counter

• •Exchanging far more than you need, because converting leftover won back can be costly

• •Withdraw won at a Global ATM
• •Exchange a small amount at the airport or in the city

• 💳Can I withdraw Korean won from an ATM?Yes, at machines marked “Global ATM”, which accept many foreign cards. Not every machine or card works, and fees and limits apply.✓YES, WITH CONDITIONSMoney & PaymentsView answer →
• 💳Can I use my foreign credit card in Korea?Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted at most shops, restaurants and convenience stores, but some self-service kiosks and older machines only take Korean-issued cards.✓YES, WITH CONDITIONSMoney & PaymentsView answer →
• 💳Can I pay for a taxi with a foreign card?Almost all taxis in the Seoul area accept credit cards, and taxi apps such as k.ride and Uber Taxi accept overseas cards. Some taxis in outlying regions take cash only.✓YES, WITH CONDITIONSMoney & PaymentsView answer →

• VisitKorea: Taxi
• Incheon International Airport