Budget

Korea Payment Guide: Cards, Cash, Exchange, and Fees

How to pay smart in Korea with card and cash, avoid DCC, and manage exchange fees.

📅 2026-03-28⏱ 8 min read

1. Foreign Card Payments

Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most Korean merchants. Always choose "KRW payment" if offered DCC — selecting USD adds extra fees.

Traditional markets, small restaurants, and some transport options require cash. Carry ₩100,000-150,000 in small bills at all times.

City center exchange offices (Myeongdong, Dongdaemun) offer better rates than Incheon Airport. Some airport bank branches have discount programs.

Samsung Pay, Naver Pay, and Kakao Pay are widely used. Foreign visitors may find setup difficult, so use card as your primary payment method.

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