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Going to Seoul. Payment?
Will my bank card work in Korea? I have looked extensively onlin… I am living in Canada going to Seoul for a vacation. I will bring some Korean won but I'm wondering how to pay for majority of things?
Will my bank card work in Korea? I have looked extensively online and can't find any straight answers.
I have seen adverts for a so called "T Money" card available in Korea, any experience with this?
Are there any payment apps that a non Korean can use?
Thanks 🙏
t money card is solid for transit and convenience stores, you can get one at any gs25 or cu when you land. your canadian bank card should work at most atms, look for the global atm logo at banks like shinhan or woori, just call your bank first to let them know you're traveling. for apps, kakao pay is everywhere but setting it up as a foreigner is a hassle, i'd just stick to cash and card. myeongdong exchange shops give better rates than the airport if you need more won once you're here
Your bank card should work fine at any ATM with the global network logo, which is pretty much all of them in convenience stores and subway stations. Just make sure you've got a chip and PIN card, not one that relies on swiping and signing.
The T Money card is really just a reloadable transit card that also works at most convenience stores and some taxis. You can pick one up at any GS25 or CU for about 2,500 won and load it with cash right there.
For apps, you're out of luck as a short-term visitor. Kakao Pay and Naver Pay require a Korean bank account and phone number to set up, so they're not worth the hassle. I'd suggest bringing maybe 200,000 won in cash for street food and small shops, then using your card for restaurants and stores that are more modern.
yeah your bank card should work fine, just make sure it has a chip. most places in seongsu or hongdae will take it no problem. the issue is smaller spots like a gimbap joint in jongno or a market stall in gwangjang where cash is king.
t money is just for transit and convenience stores, you can load it at any subway station machine with cash. no use for restaurants or shopping though.
skip the apps, they're a pain without a local bank account. bring about 300k won in cash for markets and street food, then use your card for everything else. the exchange at myeongdong station exit 6 has decent rates, way better than the airport.
Seoul on a Budget: Tips 2026
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,… 🏠 Affordable Accommodation
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,000 won per month. Book directly with the property or use local platforms like Yanolja for discounts.
🍜 Cheap Eats
A bowl of bibimbap or kimchi jjigae at a local restaurant costs 6,000-8,000 won. For budget meals, visit convenience stores like GS25 or CU for triangle kimbap (1,200 won) and instant ramen. Street food like tteokbokki (3,000 won) is filling and cheap.
🚇 Transportation Savings
Use a T-money card for subway and bus rides at 1,400 won per trip, with free transfers within 30 minutes. A day pass costs 5,500 won for unlimited rides. Walk between nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung and Insadong to save even more.
🎫 Free Attractions
Many palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, offer free admission on the last Wednesday of each month. Cheonggyecheon Stream and Namsan Park are always free to explore. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Seoul without spending a won.
💰 Local Money-Saving Tips
Locals often use apps like Coupang Eats for discounted meal deliveries or visit traditional markets like Gwangjang Market for cheap, fresh food. Avoid tourist-heavy areas for souvenirs; instead, shop at Daiso for affordable Korean snacks and gifts.
🎭 Free Cultural Experiences
Watch a free traditional performance at the Korea House or at the Namsangol Hanok Village on weekends. Many museums, like the National Museum of Korea, have free permanent exhibitions. Check out Hongdae street performances for live music and dance.
🍺 Nightlife on a Budget
Join a free walking tour of Hongdae or Itaewon to discover cheap bars and pubs. Many places offer happy hour deals from 5-7 PM with 50% off drinks. For a unique experience, visit a pojangmacha (street tent bar) for soju and anju under 10,000 won.
📱 Essential Apps
Download Naver Map for accurate transit directions and KakaoTaxi for affordable rides. Use Mango Plate to find restaurant discounts and coupons. For free Wi-Fi, connect to the city's public network at subway stations and parks.
this is a solid list, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card also works for the airport railroad express (arex) and you can get a discount if you buy a "climate card" from the subway machines for like 62,000 won a month, unlimited rides on seoul metro and buses. also, for free stuff, the seoul city wall hiking trail from naksan park gives you amazing views of the city and bukchon without paying a thing, plus it's way less crowded than namsan. gwangjang market is great but go for the sundubu (7000 won) at the stalls in the back, not the front ones near the entrance which are pricier for tourists
honestly the guide nails it, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card deposit is refundable at any convenience store when you leave, most people forget and just toss it. also for free stuff, the seoul philharmonic does free outdoor concerts at seoul plaza in spring and fall, just show up with a blanket. if you're near hongdae on a friday night, the playground area has buskers that are genuinely talented, way better than the overhyped clubs
i live here and a few things this guide nails. one tip that saves me money is the "climate card" for 62,000 won a month, unlimited subway and bus, even works on the airport express if you're staying a while. for cheap eats, skip the main streets in hongdae and go into the alleys behind the art center, there's a place that does dwaeji gukbap (pork soup) for 7,000 won and it's way better than the tourist spots. also, the seoul city wall trail from naksan park is free and gives you killer views without the namsan tower price tag, way less crowded too