Yes, you can use Apple Pay in South Korea, as it is supported at many major retailers, convenience stores, hotels, and cafes that accept NFC contactless payments. While adoption is growing, it is not universally accepted everywhere, particularly at smaller, traditional, or local, independent shops. It is highly recommended to carry a physical card or cash as a backup.
First things first: not all Korean-issued cards play nice with Apple Pay right away. But don't rage-tap your screen yet! Make sure your card is from a supported bank (e.g., Shinhan, KB Kookmin, Woori, Hana – yes, the big ones). Some smaller regional banks still lag behind.
You should get into the habit of carrying more cash than you would at home. Crime levels in Korea are relatively low, but you should remain vigilant. Credit cards are accepted at most major hotels, department stores, and better restaurants but cannot be relied upon.
💳💸📱 A lot of visitors are surprised by how card friendly and mobile friendly Korea is. In most cities, you can tap a credit or debit card for restaurants, cafés, big shops, and even many smaller places. Mobile payments like Samsung Pay, Apple Pay, and local apps are also common, especially with younger people.
Most places accept contactless credit card payments, even the smallest vendors you can imagine. There are some comparable systems locally to ali/wechat but those are normally quite restricted to locals only for a short stay it would be quite difficult for you to obtain access.
On-point: Will Apple Pay in S. Korea be a game changer in simplified payment method market?
Is Apple Pay used in Seoul?
While globally popular wallets like Apple Pay and Samsung Pay are available in South Korea, Apple Pay is rarely accepted due to the country's different payment technology. Be sure to check with the vendor beforehand to see if this option is available.
T-Money Card: Buy one at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Emart24) or subway stations for around ₩2,500–₩4,000. Recharge at kiosks or stores. Apple Pay / Samsung Pay: Since 2025, you can now tap your phone or watch directly instead of carrying a separate card.
The 2/3/4 rule for credit cards is a guideline, notably used by Bank of America, that limits how many new cards you can get approved for: no more than two in 30 days, three in 12 months, and four in 24 months, helping manage hard inquiries and credit risk. It's a strategy to space out applications, preventing too many hard pulls on your credit report and helping maintain financial health by avoiding over-extending yourself.
With the acceptance of PayPay in South Korea, Alipay+ now supports 17 payment partners in the country. Those include e-wallets and bank apps from Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR, Southeast Asia and Italy, with growing adoption across shopping, transportation, dining, and other key traveller touchpoints.
Do all restaurants in Korea accept Apple Pay on Reddit?
As a recent tourist, Apple Pay is generally accepted there. It's not 100% accepted there. You'll definitely get to a point where you either need a physical card in some places, or more often you'll need cash to pay in one of the markets or to charge your T-Money card, or something like that.
Apple Pay works in countries and regions that support contactless payments. Confirm with your bank, and ask about any fees they may charge for overseas usage.
Contactless is common in Korea, but Apple/Google Pay isn't accepted everywhere. It's best to carry a physical credit card for taxis, small shops, and backups.
There is also a foreigner-exclusive Tmoney card called Mpass Card that offers tourist-friendly and money-saving benefits, so travelers are recommended to compare the benefits before selecting a card.
To pay the right fare on buses and trams: Always touch your contactless card, device, or Oyster card on the yellow card reader at the start of your journey. You don't need to touch out at the end of your journey. If you do, you may pay more than you need to.
On August 24, 2025, South Korea's National Assembly voted to approve amendments to the Trade Union and Labour Relations Adjustment Act (the “Act”), also known as the “Yellow Envelope Act.” The reform, long resisted by prior governments and business groups, expands the scope of who qualifies as an “employer,” broadens ...
The 4B movement is a lifestyle choice for women, rejecting four traditional expectations: marriage, childbirth, dating, and sex with men. The 4B ideology first emerged in South Korea around 2015, following the rise of 'Megalia', a radical feminist online community.
Tourists in South Korea are subject to the same laws as locals. Some important laws to be aware of include the strict anti-drug policy, with severe penalties for possession or use of illegal substances. Smoking is prohibited in many public places, including restaurants, bars, and public transportation.
' That shows just how lightly Korean society treats sleep,” said Shin, who is also president of the Korean Society of Sleep Research (KSSM). According to a 224 KSSM report on sleep habits, Koreans sleep for an average of six hours and 58 minutes, which is 18 percent less than the OECD average.
A total of 118 days off will be available for South Korean workers throughout the year, including Saturdays and 70 so-called “red days” -- public holidays and Sundays -- marked in red ink on standard Korean calendars, according to the Korea Aerospace Administration's official calendary.
