Money & duty free for South Korea
Exchange rates:
WonC$1 = ₩885.96
€1 = ₩1240
£1 = ₩1472.9
US$1 = ₩1188.15
Currency & Money
Won (KRW; symbol ₩). Notes are in denominations of ₩50,000, ₩10,000, ₩5,000 and ₩1,000. Coins are in denominations of ₩500, ₩100, ₩50 and ₩10.
Credit cards are widely accepted across South Korea, especially in cities, shopping districts, hotels, restaurants, and convenience stores. Visa, MasterCard and JCB are the most commonly used, though smaller shops and traditional markets may prefer cash. Mobile payments are extremely popular, with systems such as Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, Naver Pay and Kakao Pay used daily by locals. Some foreign-issued cards may not work with Korean mobile wallets, but contactless payments are generally accepted wherever credit cards are. Cash is still useful for street food stalls, small cafés, taxis and rural areas.
ATMs are widely available in South Korea, especially in cities, subway stations, convenience stores and banks. However, not all machines accept foreign cards, so travellers should look for ATMs labelled "Global", "Global ATM", or "International ATM", which support Visa, MasterCard, Plus and Cirrus networks. Many convenience-store ATMs (such as those in 7-Eleven, GS25 and CU) operate 24 hours and are the most reliable for overseas cards. Withdrawal fees vary by bank, and daily limits may apply. In rural areas, international-compatible ATMs can be harder to find, so it is advisable to carry some cash when travelling outside major cities.
There are no major currency restrictions for travellers entering or leaving South Korea, but amounts over USD10,000 (or the equivalent in other currencies) must be declared to customs on arrival or departure. This includes cash and bearer bonds. Travellers may also need to show documentation if carrying large sums for business or long-term stays.
Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, authorised money changers, airports and major hotels. Rates at banks and licensed exchange counters in cities are usually better than those at airports. In tourist areas such as Myeong-dong, Itaewon and Hongdae, money changers often offer competitive rates and quick service. ATMs offering cash withdrawals in Korean won can also be used, but fees vary by card issuer and bank. Always use authorised exchange facilities, as exchanging money on the street is illegal.
South Korea duty free
Travellers aged 19 and over may bring the following goods into South Korea without paying customs duty.
• Up to 200 cigarettes or an equivalent amount of e-cigarette products (including 20 ml of liquid nicotine).
• Up to two bottles of alcoholic beverages with a combined volume of no more than 2 litres and a maximum value of US$400.
• Up to 100 ml of perfume.
• In addition, travellers may bring other personal goods worth up to a total of US$800 duty-free.
South Korea prohibits the import of certain items, including illegal drugs and narcotics, firearms, ammunition, explosives, and other weapons. Counterfeit goods, pirated media, and obscene or indecent materials are also banned. Products made from endangered species, including ivory and certain types of traditional medicines, are strictly prohibited under international and Korean law. Some agricultural products, such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and plants, are restricted or require inspection to prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the South Korean embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
Tourists are not allowed to export cultural assets or antiques deemed nationally significant, including historical artefacts protected under Korea's Cultural Heritage Protection Act. Endangered wildlife products and items made from protected species are also banned from export. In addition, exporting large quantities of currency beyond the permitted limit requires a customs declaration, and failure to do so may lead to confiscation.
This list is not exhaustive. Travellers should consult the official customs website or contact the South Korean embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
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