At a glance

Cards
Widely accepted at restaurants, cafés, convenience stores and malls
Cash still needed for
Small street food stalls, some traditional markets, small guesthouses
ATMs for foreign cards
Look for machines at convenience stores (7-Eleven, etc.) and post offices
Currency
South Korean Won (KRW)

Cards work almost everywhere — almost

South Korea has one of the highest card-payment rates in the world, and most restaurants, cafés, convenience stores and shops in Busan accept international cards without issue. Contactless and chip-and-pin are both common.

The exceptions are smaller, cash-oriented businesses: some street food stalls, stands inside traditional markets, and small family-run guesthouses may not have card terminals at all. It's worth carrying some cash specifically for these situations rather than assuming a card will always work.

Withdrawing cash

Not every Korean ATM accepts foreign-issued cards — many bank ATMs are domestic-only. The more reliable option for international cards is ATMs inside major convenience store chains and at post offices, which are widely available throughout Busan and generally support major international networks.

Check your card's foreign transaction and withdrawal fees before you travel, since these vary significantly between banks and can add up if you withdraw small amounts frequently.

Good to know: ATM networks and fee structures change over time and vary by bank. Confirm current terms with your own card issuer before relying on a specific machine or network.

Currency exchange

Currency exchange counters are less common in Busan than in Seoul's major tourist districts, though they exist around Nampo-dong and near the airport. For most visitors, withdrawing Korean Won directly from an ATM works out simpler than exchanging cash, provided your card doesn't carry excessive fees.

Practical tips

  • Keep a mix of small bills (1,000 and 10,000 KRW notes) for street food and markets
  • T-money and other transit cards can also be used for small purchases at many convenience stores
  • Notify your bank of your travel dates if your card has fraud-detection features that might flag overseas use
  • Budget for the fact that tipping is not customary in Korea and is not expected at restaurants or taxis