How to Pay in South Korea

Google Maps has severe limitations in South Korea due to government mapping restrictions, so Naver Map is non-negotiable. Most Koreans pay via app, but full access to Korean fintech requires a local bank account. Bring a card that works with international POS terminals.

Payment & Finance Apps

WOWPASSEssential

A prepaid card and app built for foreign visitors to Korea. Load it with your own currency at kiosks and pay where foreign credit cards often fail.

Pro tip: Grab the physical card at airport counters or subway kiosks, which take cash in 16 currencies and increasingly foreign cards. The built-in T-money transit balance is separate from your spending balance, so top up both before riding the subway.

App Store Play Store

Kakao Pay

Korea's dominant mobile wallet from the maker of KakaoTalk, used for QR and barcode payments in convenience stores, cafes and online checkouts nationwide.

Pro tip: Registration needs a Korean phone number and bank account, so short-term visitors cannot use it. Korea is notorious for terminals and online shops that reject foreign cards, which is exactly the gap WOWPASS and ATM cash are there to fill.

App Store Play Store

App details

WOWPASS in other countries Kakao Pay in other countries

These apps need data

Guac eSIM covers South Korea with plans from $1.50 per GB. Install it before you land and activate instantly.

Get an eSIM

All apps in South Korea→South Korea Payments guide→Is Uber available in South Korea?→