Best Way to Exchange Currency in Korea

 





👋 Introduction: Avoiding Stress with Money in Korea

Planning your Korean trip is exciting—delicious food, vibrant culture, and amazing shopping! But many travelers worry about one important detail: how to exchange currency in Korea without losing money on bad rates or high fees. Don’t worry—I’ve been through this process many times, and I’ll share everything you need to know so you can enjoy your trip stress-free.

🏦 Background: Korean Currency Basics

Korea uses the Korean won (KRW). The bills are 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 50,000 won, while coins are smaller values. Most places accept credit cards, but having cash is still useful for street food, traditional markets, and small local shops. That’s why exchanging money wisely is key during your Seoul travel guide journey.

📍 Best Places to Exchange Currency in Korea

  • Airport Exchange Counters: Convenient but usually lower rates. Good only for small emergency amounts.
  • Myeongdong Money Exchange Shops: Famous for giving the best rates, especially in Seoul. Easy to find, with English-friendly service.
  • Banks (KB, Woori, Shinhan): Reliable and safe, but may require your passport and take more time.
  • Automated Currency Exchange Machines: Found in major tourist spots, offering decent rates with English instructions.
  • Global ATMs: You can withdraw won directly using your debit card, but check your home bank’s overseas fees first.

🚇 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Exchange Money in Seoul

  1. Bring your passport—required at banks and some exchange shops.
  2. Head to Myeongdong or Namdaemun for the best cash rates.
  3. Compare at least 2–3 exchange booths before deciding.
  4. Ask for smaller bills (₩1,000 and ₩5,000) for street markets.
  5. Keep your receipt—sometimes required for re-exchange when leaving Korea.

💡 Pro Tips for Travelers

  • Don’t exchange everything at the airport. Just get enough for transportation (about 50,000 won).
  • Use a travel card or Korean SIM-linked payment app for convenient payments. For example, buy KT&G SIM card and use mobile payments like KakaoPay or NaverPay.
  • Get a T-money card for public transportation. You can purchase T-money card at convenience stores and load it with cash easily.
  • Hotels often charge higher exchange fees. Skip this option unless it’s an emergency.
  • Always double-check the rate displayed. In Myeongdong, rates are usually posted clearly in English and Chinese.

🏨 Related Travel Resources

Looking for more than just money tips? You can also:

🌟 Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Money in Korea

Exchanging money in Korea doesn’t have to be stressful. For the best rates, head to Myeongdong, carry a little cash for local markets, and rely on cards for big purchases. With these tips, your Korea trip will be smoother and more budget-friendly. 🌏💸

What about you—where do you usually exchange money when you travel? Share your experience in the comments below, and let’s help other travelers enjoy Korea worry-free!

🏷️ Labels

#bookhotelinSeoul #buyKTGSIMcard #purchaseTmoneycard #rentWiFiKorea #orderKoreancosmetics #currencyexchange #Koreatravel #Seoulguide

Disclaimer: The information provided here is based on personal experience and publicly available sources as of 2025. Actual experiences may differ depending on exchange rates, policies, and locations. Please use this guide as a reference only.

Information may vary slightly depending on environment and region, so please use it as a reference only.




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