Money in Korea: Cards, Cash and ATMs

Prices are quoted in won. Official banknotes include KRW 1,000, 5,000, 10,000 and 50,000 denominations, while coins cover smaller amounts. Keeping a few smaller notes can reduce friction for low-value cash purchases, but this is practical planning advice rather than a claim that every small merchant refuses cards.

KTO says credit cards are widely used and accepted at most businesses, including major hotels, department stores and general shops. The same official paragraph says to check service availability because some stores may not provide it. That qualification matters: bring a second payment path instead of treating a single card as guaranteed everywhere.

KTO directs travelers to banks or authorized exchange service centers. It gives general weekday bank hours of 09:00 to 16:00 and says operating hours vary by bank and region. Verify the branch and rate before going. This guide does not rank airport, downtown or neighborhood counters because no same-time total-cost comparison was collected.

An ATM logo or physical presence does not prove that your foreign card will work, what your issuer will charge or how much the operator allows per withdrawal. Those dimensions remain unverified here. Keep issuer contact options available and avoid relying on one machine for a time-critical cash need.