South Korea uses the Korean won (KRW, ?). Rough mental math: ?1,000 ? $0.70?0.80 USD. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere; carry ?50,000?100,000 in cash for markets and street food.
Use our live currency converter to check today's rate, and withdraw won from "Global ATM" machines found in convenience stores and banks.
?? People also ask
Should I exchange money before arriving or in Korea?
Exchange a small buffer at home, but you'll get better rates in Korea. Myeongdong's licensed street booths in Seoul (around Euljiro/Myeongdong station) consistently beat airport counters and banks. Alternatively, withdraw ₩ from Woori or KB ATMs marked 'Global', which accept foreign cards.
Can I use my foreign credit card everywhere in Korea?
Almost everywhere. Visa and Mastercard work at shops, restaurants, taxis, and subway gates via tap. Amex is hit-or-miss, and tiny market stalls or street-food vendors are cash-only. Many places now accept Apple Pay and contactless, so tap-to-pay is widely usable.
How much does a typical meal or coffee cost in Korea?
Budget around ₩8,000–12,000 for a bowl of kimchi jjigae or bibimbap at a casual restaurant, ₩4,000–6,000 for an Americano at a cafe, and ₩6,000–7,000 for street snacks like tteokbokki or hotteok. A convenience-store meal runs under ₩5,000.
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