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South Korea South Korea Currency Guide

The currency of South Korea and how to prepare for payments — all on one page.

Currency

South Korean Won

KRW · ₩

Checking rates

Check with your bank app or card issuer before you go

The rate and fees you actually pay differ by bank and card issuer.

Payment Tips to Remember

Always pay in the local currency

If a terminal asks whether to charge in your home currency, always choose the local currency. Choosing your home currency triggers DCC (dynamic currency conversion), which adds a hidden markup.

Set up a travel card before you fly

Prepaid multi-currency travel cards let you convert money in the app beforehand and pay like a debit card locally. Fees are usually lower than cash exchange counters, and you can freeze the card instantly from the app if lost.

Airport exchange counters: last resort

Airport counters are convenient but tend to offer some of the worst rates. If you need cash, exchange via your bank's app before departure or consider withdrawing from a local ATM.

Check ATM fees on screen

Local ATMs may add their own operator fee. Check the fee shown on the confirmation screen before proceeding. If the ATM offers conversion to your home currency (DCC), choosing the local currency is usually better.

Keep some small cash

Every country has places that don't take cards — markets, tips, small transport. Carrying a small amount of cash in separate places keeps you covered.

Cards for Abroad

Explore the Wise multi-currency card

One account holding 40+ currencies, converting and paying at mid-market based rates. Handy for multi-country trips — no need to exchange for each currency separately.

Learn more

Local data

Get an eSIM for South Korea before you go

Activate mobile data with a QR code instead of swapping SIM cards. Buy it before departure and switch it on the moment you land.

Airalo Airalo Yesim Yesim Saily Saily Drimsim Drimsim

Check prices and availability on the booking sites.

City Guides in South Korea

Seoul

Seoul is South Korea's capital and its political, economic, and cultural center. As the country's leading city at the heart of the greater metropolitan area, it offers a wealth of diverse attractions.

Busan

Busan is a port city on South Korea's southeastern coast, home to attractions like Haeundae Beach, Beomeosa Temple, and the Gaya tumuli. Centered on its busy harbor, the city has the distinctive energy of a maritime hub.

Daegu

Daegu is an inland metropolitan city in southeastern South Korea that served as the administrative center of Gyeongsang Province during the Joseon dynasty. It grew into a textile industry hub in modern times and served as a temporary capital during the Korean War.

Gwangju

Gwangju was a metropolitan city in southwestern South Korea. In July 2026, it merged with South Jeolla Province to form the newly launched Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Self-Governing City.

Daejeon

Daejeon is a metropolitan city in south-central Chungcheong, South Korea. With a population of 1.45 million, it is the region's leading city.