Seoul Currency Exchange Guide for New Visitors

South Korean Won

The official legal currency of Korea is South Korean Won (₩ or KRW)

In Seoul, one can exchange currency at the airport, hotels, Banks, or Currency Exchange counters.

Incheon Airport and Gimpo Airport in Seoul has Currency Exchange counters in the Arrival and Departure areas.

Most bank counters at the Airport are closed by 10-11 pm.

However, a few bank's currency exchange counters in the Customs area are open 24x7 at Incheon Airport for arriving passengers.

In Seoul city, currency exchange counters are available in tourist areas like Myeongdong, Itaewon, and Dongdaemun.

1). Myeongdong Currency Exchange Counters

     In Myeongdong Shopping Market, you will find many Currency Exchange counters all over on inside streets.

     There are many Currency Exchange counters in the small street from Olive Young shop and Skypark Hotel.    

     Shinhan Bank and Woori Bank also have Foreign Exchange counters near the Olive Young shop square.

2). Itaewon Currency Exchange Counters

     Itaewon has many Currency Exchange counters near and across the street from Hamilton Hotel.

     Take Exit 4 at Itaewon station, which is across the street from Hamilton Hotel, and the Royal Exchange counter is just behind exit 4.

     Itaewon main street and side streets also have many currency exchange counters, including banks like KEB, Shinhan bank, etc.

3). Dongdaemun Money Exchange Counters

     Many Currency Exchange counters are available all over the Dongdaemun market area.

     Take Exit 7 of Dongdaemun Station, and just outside this exit, you will find a few currency exchange counters next to Lotteria Restaurant.

     Inside Street at the main square next to the Shoe market also has Money Exchange counters.

     Also, in the Dongdaemun Cloth Market square near the main gate has one Money changer counter.

Some exchange counters in Myeongdong provide the best exchange rates in Seoul.

If you are changing a significant amount, then check around for the best rate.

Banks are available all over town.

Shinhan Bank, Woori Bank, and KEB Bank have Foreign Exchange Counters in major Tourist areas like Myeongdong, Itaewon, etc.

Business hours of Seoul exchange counters:

- Bank: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm except for Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays

- Private Exchange service Counters: 9:30 am - 10 pm (Daily)

Credit Cards in Seoul

Your credit card provides you with the absolute best exchange rate for purchases in South Korea.

Please check beforehand with your bank for additional fees before you decide to use your credit card.

Major credit cards, including Visa and Master cards, are widely accepted all over Seoul area establishments.

ATM Cards in Seoul

Many ATMs allow cash withdrawal in local South Korean Won using international credit cards like Visa/Plus.

Please check with your bank for any additional fees for using your ATM card in a foreign country before you decide to use it.

Traveler's Cheques in Seoul

Traveler's cheques are accepted by hotels, banks, and currency exchange counters in South Korea.

Traveller cheques may be subject to a fee.