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How to pay in Korea
with a foreign card
Foreign cards work in many places — but not everywhere. Here's exactly where they work, where they don't, and what to use instead.
Quick Answer
Foreign Visa and Mastercard work at most shops, hotels, and restaurants. They don't work on the subway or buses — get a T-money card for transit. Have ₩50,000 cash for small restaurants and markets.
Last verified: July 26, 2026
Where foreign cards work
Based on Visa and Mastercard. Amex may have lower acceptance.
Backup payment options
When your foreign card doesn't work, use these instead.
T-money Card
Get thisPrepaid transportation card
Where: Buy at GS25, CU, 7-Eleven convenience stores or subway station
Cost: Card: ₩4,000 deposit. Load with cash.
Use for: Subway, buses, some taxis, some convenience stores
WOWPASS
Get thisPrepaid travel card with exchange
Where: Buy at airport kiosks or online
Cost: Card: ₩5,000. Load with foreign currency.
Use for: Works like a debit card. Accepted widely.
Cashbee
Alternative to T-money
Where: Buy at Home Plus, Lotte Mart, E-Mart
Cost: Card: ₩3,000. Load with cash.
Use for: Subway, buses
Cash (Korean Won)
Always works as backup
Where: Exchange at airport or Myeongdong money changers
Cost: Exchange rate varies
Use for: Markets, small restaurants, taxis
Paying for Seoul transit with a foreign card
Here's something that changed recently and most guides haven't caught up on. As of March 2026, the newer ticket machines in Seoul subway stations take foreign cards. Not all of them, and not for everything, so it's worth knowing what you can actually do before you're standing at the machine.
So the one thing people assume will work — topping up a T-money card with their Visa — is the one thing that still doesn't. That part's cash.
The Climate Card is worth a look if you're staying in Seoul. It's an unlimited pass rather than a top-up card, so you tap as much as you want for the days you paid for. The short passes go from ₩5,000 for a day up to ₩20,000 for a week.
It covers the subway, Seoul city buses, and the Ttareungi rental bikes. What it doesn't cover is anything leaving the city — no airport buses, no airport train, no intercity. So it's a "getting around Seoul" card, not a "getting to Seoul" one.
One catch if you're on an iPhone: you can't make a mobile version, only the physical card. Grab it at one of the new machines or a convenience store near a station and register it. Android phones can just issue it in the Mobile T-money app.
If your trip runs past Seoul, or you need to get to the airport, T-money is still the one that goes everywhere. You just top it up with cash instead of a card.
When payment fails
Common payment problems and what to do.
⚠️ My foreign card was declined online
Korean websites often require Korean phone verification or a Korean card. Use Klook, Trip.com, or KKday instead — these accept foreign cards without verification.
⚠️ Card declined at a restaurant
Try a different card. Some merchants only accept Korean cards. Have ₩50,000–100,000 cash as backup for meals at smaller local spots.
⚠️ I need to pay for the subway
Buy a T-money card at any convenience store (₩4,000 card + load amount). Pay with cash. T-money works on all subway lines and buses in Korea.
⚠️ ATM won't accept my card
Look for ATMs labeled 'Global ATM' or 'Foreign Card Accepted'. Woori Bank, KEB Hana Bank, and Post Office ATMs typically work with foreign cards. Most convenience store ATMs also accept foreign cards.