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Money

πŸ’³ Cards almost everywhere, cash for the edges

Korea is a card country. Still carry some won for street stalls, small taxis that glitch, and temple donation boxes. Contactless usually works in chains.

Tell your bank you are traveling. Use ATMs labeled for foreign cards (often in subway stations and convenience stores). Decline dynamic currency conversion β€” pay in KRW.
Minimum spends exist in a few tiny shops. A β‚©10,000 note solves it. See currency converter.
T-money is its own prepaid rail/bus wallet β€” not a substitute for a credit card at Olive Young. T-money.
Markets (Gwangjang, some fish stalls) still like cash. ATMs nearby. Do not flash a thick wad.

Apple Pay / Google Pay adoption is better than a few years ago but not universal. Always have a physical chip card.

Currency tool β†’ Tax refund β†’