Home Currency Guide

💱 Korea Currency & Money

Everything you need to know about Korean Won (₩), exchanging money, and budgeting your trip.

📊 Exchange Rates

● Live

ECB 기준 실시간 환율 (6시간 캐시) — 실제 환전 시 환율은 다를 수 있습니다. Updated: 2026-07-16.

🇺🇸
1 USD
≈ ₩1,471
🇪🇺
1 EUR
≈ ₩1,695
🇬🇧
1 GBP
≈ ₩2,000
🇯🇵
100 JPY
≈ ₩912
🇦🇺
1 AUD
≈ ₩1,042
🇨🇦
1 CAD
≈ ₩1,053
🇨🇳
1 CNY
≈ ₩219
🇮🇳
100 INR
≈ ₩1,535
🇻🇳
10,000 VND
≈ ₩579

🏦 Where to Exchange Money

⭐⭐⭐
Myeongdong & Hongdae Exchange Shops Best Rate

Best rates in Seoul. Private money changers on the street offer better rates than banks. No commission.

⭐⭐⭐
Sinchon & Itaewon Great Rate

Good rates, popular with expats. Multiple competing shops keep rates competitive.

⭐⭐
Airport Banks (Arrivals) Moderate

Convenient but rates are 3–5% worse than city. Good for initial small amount.

⭐⭐
Korean Banks (KEB Hana, Shinhan) Moderate

Safe and reliable. Bring your passport. Rates slightly worse than private shops.

Hotel Exchange Desks Poor Rate

Worst rates — only use in emergencies.

🏧 Using ATMs in Korea

7-Eleven ATMs — accept most foreign cards, English interface
Global ATM signs at major banks — Citibank, KEB Hana
Withdrawal limit: typically ₩700,000 per transaction
Check your home bank's foreign transaction fees first
Some Korean bank ATMs only work with Korean cards
Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks
💡 Pro tip: Use a Wise or Revolut card to get near-interbank rates with low fees — much better than airport exchange or hotel rates.

🙏 Tipping Culture in Korea

Korea is a NO-TIP country 🎉

Tipping is not customary in Korea and can sometimes be considered rude. You do not need to tip at restaurants, cafes, hotels, taxis, or tour services.

The only exception is high-end hotels where a small service charge (보통 10%) may already be included in the bill.

💰 Daily Budget Guide

Category Budget Mid-Range Premium
Accommodation $15–25/night (hostel) $60–100/night (hotel) $150+/night (luxury)
Meals $5–8 (street food/kimbap) $12–20 (restaurant) $30+ (fine dining)
Transport $3–5/day (subway) $10–15/day (subway + taxi) $20+ (taxis)
Activities $0–15 (temples/palaces) $30–60 (tours) $80+ (premium tours)
Total/day ~$35–55 ~$100–150 $250+