Credit cards in Korea: how far they go and when to have cash

Can you pay by credit card in Korea? The overview

In big cities such as Seoul and in tourist areas, visitors commonly find they can pay by card or tap in shops, restaurants, convenience stores and many forms of transport. Habits still vary by area, and some small shops or street stalls may mainly use cash or transfers. Look for the sign and ask.

Using a credit card in Korea: shops, restaurants and convenience stores

• Convenience stores and department stores commonly take cards, including contactless.
• Most city restaurants take cards, but some small ones may not. Ask before ordering if unsure.
• Markets and street stalls may lean more towards cash.
• Some places take only certain networks; check the stickers at the door and carry a backup card.

Credit card for a Korea trip: transit cards and getting around

Getting around cities often uses a rechargeable transit card or another payment method the system accepts. Which cards work, where to top up and how to refund the remaining balance differ by city and operator and can change. Check directly with the transport operator, and do not rely only on paying with a foreign card at the gate unless you have checked.

• If you need to top up a transit card, carry a little cash in case the machine does not accept foreign cards.
• Check usage and balance-refund conditions with the operator before you buy.

Korean apps that may not accept some foreign cards

Ride-hailing, restaurant booking, food-delivery and other apps designed for local users sometimes need a Korea-issued card or local identity verification, and may reject foreign cards. If you hit this, see whether the app offers a tourist mode or pay-on-arrival option, or use alternatives such as taxis that accept cards or cash, and check the app's own terms.

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Tax refund at shops in Korea when paying by card

Many tourist-facing shops offer tax refund, which may be a reduction at the till or a claim afterwards. Conditions, minimums and paperwork are set by the authorities and providers and can change. Ask at the counter, get the form, keep receipts, and check official information before buying big items.

Shopping in Korea by card: DCC and checking the amount

Some shops offer to charge in baht at the terminal, called DCC. Read the screen to see which currency you are choosing, compare with your card's terms (see our DCC guide), and check the slip before confirming.

Card or cash in Korea: how to split

1. 1Default to card where acceptedConvenience stores, department stores and most city restaurants.
2. 2Keep cash for specific situationsMarkets, street stalls, some transit top-up machines, and when a foreign card does not work in an app.
3. 3Have a backup cardA second card on a different network or bank helps if your main card is declined; see our payment set-up guide.

Which credit card for Korea: criteria, not a list

We do not recommend or rank any card. You can check for yourself: accepted networks where you will shop, foreign-currency terms, how points work, included perks and the lock feature in the app. Read your issuing bank's documents.

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