Money in South Korea
South Korea uses the South Korean won. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- KRWSouth Korean won
- Symbol
- ₩
- Tipping
- Not expected
Paying in South Korea
Cards are accepted in most shops, restaurants and cafes in cities. Carry some won for traditional markets, street food and small shops.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- Cash is needed at traditional markets, street food stalls, small shops and some smaller restaurants (Trip.com, Bamboo Travel, Frommer's). Frommer's also lists bus fare as cash only.
- ATMs
- ATMs are widespread, but not all accept foreign cards, so look for a Global ATM sign or your card logo. Bamboo Travel says cash advances can carry a relatively large fee and gives no amounts.
- Foreign currency
- Bamboo Travel says US dollars and most other foreign currencies are not accepted in most places.
- Exchanging money
- Airports, banks and major hotels have money changers, and airport ATMs and changers are available on arrival (Bamboo Travel). Bamboo Travel says exchanging before you arrive usually gives worse rates.
- Watch out for
- Some banks may freeze cards after overseas withdrawals, so tell your bank before you travel. Trip.com says Kakao Pay and Naver Pay are hard for most tourists to use because they can need local identity verification or a Korean bank account.
Tipping in South Korea
Tipping isn't customary, and some places add a service charge.
Not expected: Tipping isn't customary, and you can skip it without offence.
Sources checked: Trip.com, Bamboo Travel, Frommer's, Wendy Wu Tours, Red Savannah, Lonely Planet.
Convert to and from KRW
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1,345 KRW | 1,507 KRW | 1,805 KRW |
| 10 | 13,448 KRW | 15,066 KRW | 18,045 KRW |
| 50 | 67,240 KRW | 75,328 KRW | 90,227 KRW |
| 100 | 134,479 KRW | 150,656 KRW | 180,453 KRW |
| 500 | 672,395 KRW | 753,279 KRW | 902,266 KRW |
What each amount is worth in KRW. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does South Korea use?
South Korea uses the South Korean won (KRW).
Do you need to tip in South Korea?
Not expected. Tipping isn't customary, and some places add a service charge.
Can you pay by card in South Korea?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. Cash is needed at traditional markets, street food stalls, small shops and some smaller restaurants (Trip.com, Bamboo Travel, Frommer's). Frommer's also lists bus fare as cash only.
Are there ATMs in South Korea?
ATMs are widespread, but not all accept foreign cards, so look for a Global ATM sign or your card logo. Bamboo Travel says cash advances can carry a relatively large fee and gives no amounts.