Money in Korea: cash, cards and the tax refund

How much cash you really need, where your card fails, what things cost and how to get the tax back.

6 guides and tools · Updated October 12, 2026 · By Cho

Korea runs on cards, and most visitors get by with a small amount of won. Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards work at most shops, restaurants and taxis. The gaps are transit card top-ups, some market stalls and a lot of apps and booking sites that only take Korean cards.

Read the card guide first, then decide how much cash to change and where. If you plan to shop, the tax refund is worth knowing before your first purchase, because you have to ask for it at the register before you pay.

Paying for things

Your card works at most counters. Carry some cash for transit top-ups, markets and the odd small shop.

Paying in Korea with a foreign card in 2026: what works and what doesn't Your card will work at most counters. It's the apps, kiosks and booking sites that catch visitors out, and that's where you need a plan. Checked October 9, 20265 min read
Exchanging money for Korea: home, airport, Myeongdong or ATM? You need less cash in Korea than you think, and where you change it matters more than how. A short guide to getting won without overpaying. Checked October 9, 20266 min read

What it costs

Is Korea expensive? Real daily costs in 2026 Getting around and eating simply is cheap. Barbecue, cafes and taxis are where the money goes, and they add up faster than you'd think. Checked October 9, 20266 min read
Korea transit card pickerFour questions, then the cheapest card for how you'll actually travel.

Getting the tax back

Korea tax refund for tourists, step by step (2026) You can get the tax back at the register, in town or at the airport. Which one makes sense depends on how much you spend and how you pack. Checked October 9, 20267 min read
Korea tax refund calculatorEnter your receipts and see which refund method fits each one and roughly what comes back.