💳 Credit Card vs. Cash: How Do Koreans Pay the Most?

Ever wondered how people in Korea prefer to pay—credit card or cash? From the bustling streets of Seoul to cozy neighborhood cafés, payment habits reveal much about convenience, culture, and economic change. Whether you're planning a trip or just curious, let’s explore what Koreans actually use and why it matters. 🌏

📘 Table of Contents

1. Cash, Cards, or Mobile?
2. Credit Card Usage: Key Advantages
3. Where Cash Still Reigns
4. Smart Ways to Pay in Korea
5. 💡 Did You Know?
6. 🎓 Want to Learn More Korean & Culture?

1. Cash, Cards, or Mobile?

Over the past decade, Korea has become one of the world's most digitally-savvy countries. Credit/debit cards and mobile payments dominate daily life—especially in cities. According to recent stats, over 90% of domestic retail transactions are by card or mobile app.

🏧 However, you’ll still encounter cash usage in places like traditional markets, street food stalls, and rural areas. So, it's wise to carry a small amount of Korean ₩ when you travel.

2. Credit Card Usage: Key Advantages

✅ Wide acceptance – Most businesses, even small cafés, take cards.
✅ Perks & rewards – Points, cashback, mileage programs are popular in Korea.
✅ No need for change – Tap, wave, swipe, and you're done.
✅ Integration with apps – Mobile wallets like Samsung Pay & KakaoPay make payments seamless.

💬 Many Koreans choose mobile QR payments for safety and convenience, saying:
“카드 갖고 다니기 귀찮아—핸드폰으로 찍어!”
("I don't feel like carrying my card—just scan with my phone!")

3. Where Cash Still Reigns

Despite the digital boom, cash remains relevant in:

🧧 Traditional markets (시장) – Sellers still prefer 💵 cash due to simpler settlements.
🍢 Street food & pojangmacha (snack stalls) – Quick, small transactions favor cash.
🚍 Local buses & small taxis – Some are cash-only or convenience-focused.
🙏 Temples and donation boxes – Cash offerings are the norm.

Tip: Always keep some small bills (₩1,000–₩10,000) for these situations. They may also be useful when bargaining at markets!

4. Smart Ways to Pay in Korea

Get a local debit/credit card – International-friendly cards like Kookmin or Shinhan Bank.
Use mobile wallets – Install both Samsung Pay and KakaoPay for maximum convenience.
CARRY some cash – ₩20,000–₩50,000 for backup in cash-only places.
Activate overseas usage – Inform your bank to avoid transaction blocks.
Compare fees – Choose cards with low foreign transaction fees and travel perks.

🖥️ Kiosks Make Shopping & Dining Easier — Even Without Korean

One of the biggest travel-friendly trends in Korea is the widespread use of self-order kiosks in cafés, restaurants, fast food chains, and retail stores. You’ll find them everywhere from McDonald’s and convenience stores to local Korean eateries.

Most kiosks offer language options — including English, Chinese, and Japanese — making it easy to order food, buy tickets, or pay without needing to speak Korean.

✅ Touch screen
✅ Choose language (EN/中文/日本語)
✅ Tap to order, customize, and pay (card or mobile app)
✅ No speaking required!

Kiosks are especially helpful for:

🧍 Solo travelers who feel shy speaking Korean
🗣️ Non-Korean speakers who want to order fast & privately
🤖 First-time visitors unsure of pronunciation or etiquette

You can also use your credit card, Samsung Pay, or even T-money at most kiosks. Just look for the “결제 (payment)” button and follow the icons!

5. 💡 Did You Know?

💡 In 2022, Korea was ranked one of the top 5 most cashless countries in the world by Mastercard. Yet ironically, Korea still prints the ₩50,000 bill — one of the highest-valued paper currencies in Asia.

💡 During the COVID-19 pandemic, many mom-and-pop shops started accepting credit cards and mobile payments for the first time. Digital payment adoption rose by over 30% among people aged 50+.

💡 You can even pay for things like **church offerings, parking meters, or photo booths** with a QR code or mobile wallet in Korea. The culture of "편리함 (convenience)" is everywhere.

6. 🎓 Want to Learn More Korean & Culture?

Want to practice real-life phrases like:
“카드로 할게요.” (I’ll pay by card.)
“현금 있어요.” (Do you have cash?)
or even understand how to use a kiosk entirely in Korean?

👉 Book a 1:1 Korean session on italki We’ll role-play payment situations, order food, and make you confident to travel and shop in Korea!