Can I travel in Korea without carrying cash?

Mostly yes, because cards and transit cards are widely accepted, but keep some won for traditional markets, street food, small restaurants and machines that reject foreign cards.

• ✓Cards are accepted at most shops, restaurants and convenience stores, and Seoul-area taxis take cards.
• △Some kiosks and older machines only take Korean-issued cards.
• △Traditional markets, street food and small restaurants may prefer cash.

• •A modest amount of won as backup
• •Two payment methods

• 💳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 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.✓YESMoney & PaymentsView answer →
• 💳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 →

• VisitKorea: Taxi
• VisitKorea: Transportation Cards

Acceptance details also come from the money guide on this site.