March 20, 2026

Cash in Korea: How Much to Bring, Where to Exchange, and What to Use Instead

If you’re traveling to Korea, you might be wondering:

How much cash should you actually bring?

The answer is simple — you don’t need much, but having some will make things easier.

💳 Can You Use Card in Korea?

Korea is one of the most card-friendly countries in the world.

You can pay almost everywhere using:

👉 In most situations, you won’t need cash at all.

Yes — but only a small amount.

Cash is mainly used for small or occasional payments, not daily spending.

For most travelers:

👉 70,000 to 100,000 KRW is a safe starting amount

This covers:

👉 If needed, you can always get more later.

You will likely use cash for:

👉 These are not large expenses, but they happen regularly.

Using an ATM is usually the easiest and most flexible option.

👉 You can find international ATMs at:

👉 This is often better than exchanging a large amount in advance.

You can exchange money at the airport — and if you get a good rate, it’s perfectly fine.

But here’s something many travelers don’t know:

👉 If you visit Myeongdong (명동), you’ll find many exchange shops with better rates than banks.

👉 This is a common choice for locals and long-term visitors.

👉 This helps avoid unnecessary fees.

Once you have some cash, the first thing you should do is get a T-money card.

👉 It allows you to use:

👉 Full guide here:

T-money Card: The One You Need to Get Around Korea

Korea is very convenient when it comes to payments.

You don’t need much cash — but having a small amount makes everything smoother.

Travel Korea, made simple.
Your first friend in Korea.