Is South Korea cashless?
Go cashless#10 of 197 in The Cashlessy Index 2026 · #1 of 32 in Asia
Short answer: Your card works almost everywhere. Get a WOWPASS or T-money card for buses and the subway.
South Korea is one of the most card-heavy countries in the world. Almost everything takes cards, and some places no longer take cash.
Will my card work?
Yes. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in South Korea, and contactless is common.
Do I need cash?
Rarely. You can get by in South Korea with a card or phone almost everywhere.
Local currency: South Korean won (KRW)
How does tipping work?
Not practised.
Mobile payments
Local apps often need a local bank account or phone number.
Apps you can use as a visitor
Locals here pay with apps as much as cards. These work without a local bank account.
WOWPASS
A prepaid card for visitors that pays like a Korean debit card and doubles as a T-money transit card.
- How to set it up
- Get one from the yellow WOWPASS kiosks at airports and subway stations and load it with foreign cash, or reserve it online. Manage it in the WOWPASS app.
- Fees and limits
- The shopping and transit balances are separate, so top up T-money on its own. Refunding leftover money to a foreign card costs about ₩2,000-5,000.
Getting cash: ATMs
Expect a fee at every ATM
Bank and convenience-store ATMs charge foreign cards about ₩3,500-5,000 per withdrawal. Look for a "Global ATM" sign.
Cheapest options
- Woori Bank and Hana Bank (about ₩3,500-4,000)
Your own bank may charge extra. When an ATM offers to convert to your home currency, decline and pay in the local currency.
Good to know
- Buy a T-money card for transport; it is topped up with cash at stations and convenience stores.
- Some Korean websites and apps do not accept foreign cards.
Frequently asked questions
Is South Korea cashless?
South Korea scores 90/100 on Cashlessy (go cashless), ranking #10 of 197 countries. South Korea is one of the most card-heavy countries in the world. Almost everything takes cards, and some places no longer take cash.
Do I need cash in South Korea?
Rarely. You can get by in South Korea with a card or phone almost everywhere.
Are credit cards accepted in South Korea?
Yes. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere in South Korea, and contactless is common.
Do you tip in South Korea?
Not practised.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay in South Korea?
Yes. Phone wallets work at most terminals that accept contactless cards in South Korea.
Which ATMs are free in South Korea?
Bank and convenience-store ATMs charge foreign cards about ₩3,500-5,000 per withdrawal. Look for a "Global ATM" sign. Best options: Woori Bank and Hana Bank (about ₩3,500-4,000).
What payment apps can tourists use in South Korea?
WOWPASS: A prepaid card for visitors that pays like a Korean debit card and doubles as a T-money transit card.
Compare with Asia
Sources
Checked against sources in September 2026. Payment habits change quickly; see how we score.