Korea Travel: Korean Currency & Exchange Info
Korean Currency
Korea's official monetary unit is the won.
Bills
Coins
<Source: Korea Tourism Organization>
Traveler’s Check
Traveler's checks can be exchanged for cash at any bank or currency exchange office. Many stores still accept checks instead of cash. Nonetheless, credit and debit cards have become a more preferred payment method for travelers. Therefore, transaction checks are rarely observed these days, since the number of stores offering this service is decreasing.
Credit Card
Most companies in Korea widely use credit card payments at major hotels, department stores, and general stores. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and other credit cards are accepted. However, some stores may not offer this service, so check availability before purchasing.
Money Exchange
If you need to exchange foreign currency into Korean Won, visit a bank or an authorized currency exchange service center. Banks are generally open from 09:00 to 16:00 on weekdays. However, some banks such as EVERRICH Bank that are open from 09:30 to 16:30 are an exception. Please note that some locations may not allow exchange to older currencies. Check in advance whether your bank or authorized exchange office accepts old currency.
Currency Converter
www.xe.com/currencyconverter (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Swedish, Arabic)
Foreign Exchange Banks in Airports
Incheon International Airport
Upon arrival at the airport, incoming travelers can easily exchange their money to local currency at bank branches and currency exchange offices located within the airport. Business hours and locations vary by bank, so it is best to check in advance. Standard operating hours for currency exchange offices are 06:00 to 21:00, but some branches may operate until 22:00 or 24:00.
* Incheon International Airport bank page: www.airport.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Shinhan Bank – Incheon International Airport Branch
Services provided: General banking, currency exchange, traveler's checks, etc.
Operating hours:
Passenger Terminal 1 & 2: 09:00-16:00 (Closed weekends & public holidays)
Locations:
Passenger Terminal 1: B1F, Transportation Center East Wing
Passenger Terminal 2: B1, West Wing
Inquiries:
Passenger Terminal 1: +82-32-743-5100 (Korean, English, Japanese)
Passenger Terminal 2: +82-32-226-5100 (Korean, English, Japanese)
Website: www.shinhan.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
KEB Hana Bank – Incheon International Airport Branch
Services provided: General banking, currency exchange, traveler's checks, etc.
Operating hours:
Passenger Terminal 1 & 2: 09:00-16:00 (Closed weekends & public holidays)
Locations:
Passenger Terminal 1: BF 1, West Wing
Passenger Terminal 2: BF 1, East Wing
Inquiries:
Passenger Terminal 1: +82-32-743-2220 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Passenger Terminal 2: +82-32-875-1111 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Availability of language assistance depends on staff work schedule.
Website: www.kebhana.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese)
Woori Bank – Incheon International Airport Branch
Services provided: General banking, currency exchange, traveler's checks, etc.
Operating hours:
Passenger Terminal 1: Weekdays 09:00-16:00 / Weekends 07:00-21:00 (currency exchange only)
Operating hours vary by branch.
Passenger Terminal 2: 09:00-16:00 (Closed weekends & public holidays)
Locations:
Passenger Terminal 1: 1F, East Wing
Passenger Terminal 2: 1F, East Wing
Inquiries:
Passenger Terminal 1: +82-32-743-1050 (Korean, English)
Passenger Terminal 2: +82-32-743-2050 (Korean, English)
Availability of language assistance depends on staff work schedule.
Website: www.wooribank.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Mongolian)
Gimpo International Airport
Upon arrival or prior to departure, travelers can exchange currency and perform other banking transactions at booths throughout the airport. Business hours and locations vary by bank, so it is best to check in advance. Standard operating hours for currency exchange offices are 06:00 to 19:30, but some branches may operate until 21:30 or 23:30.
* Gimpo International Airport bank page: www.airport.co.kr/gimpo (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Shinhan Bank – Gimpo International Airport Branch
Services provided: General banking, currency exchange, traveler's checks, etc.
Operating hours: 09:00-16:00 (Closed weekends & public holidays)
Location: Domestic Terminal 1F, located on the right of Arrival Gate
Inquiries: +82-2-2662-1342 (Korean, English)
Website: www.shinhan.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Woori Bank – Gimpo International Airport Branch
Services provided: General banking, currency exchange, traveler's checks, etc.
Operating hours: 09:00-16:00 (Closed weekends & public holidays)
Location: International Terminal 1F, located on the left of Arrival Gate
Inquiries: +82-2-2667-0236 (Korean only)
Website: www.wooribank.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Mongolian)