How Much Cash to Bring to Korea for 1 Week: A Local Guide for Tourists
Many travelers ask how much cash they need for Korea because cards are common, but cash is still useful in specific travel situations. You do not need to carry a huge amount, but arriving with no Korean won can make your first day harder.
As a Korean local, my practical answer is this: for a one-week Korea trip, bring or withdraw about ₩100,000 to ₩200,000 in cash as a starter amount, then use cards for most larger payments. Adjust upward if you plan to visit markets, small restaurants, rural areas, or use cash-heavy transport card top-ups.
Quick Answer
- Light cash user: ₩50,000–₩100,000
- Average 1-week visitor: ₩100,000–₩200,000
- Markets, snacks, transport card top-ups: ₩200,000–₩300,000
- Most hotels, malls, restaurants: card is usually fine
Why You Still Need Some Cash in Korea
Korea is card-friendly, but cash is still useful for traditional markets, street food, small shops, older restaurants, coin lockers, laundry, emergency taxis, and some transport-card situations.
If you are using a T-money style transport card, keep some cash available. Payment and recharge options can vary by machine, store, and card type, so cash is the safest backup.
Related guide: How to use Seoul subway as a tourist.
When Cards Usually Work Well
- Hotels
- Department stores
- Shopping malls
- Most cafés and restaurants
- Convenience stores
- Many tourist attractions
When Cash Is Useful
- Traditional markets
- Street food stalls
- Small local eateries
- Transport card top-ups
- Emergency backup when a foreign card fails
- Splitting small payments with travel companions
How Much Cash for 5 Days, 1 Week, or 2 Weeks?
- 5 days: ₩70,000–₩150,000 is enough for many travelers
- 1 week: ₩100,000–₩200,000 is a practical range
- 2 weeks: ₩200,000–₩400,000 if you use markets and local food often
These are not total trip budgets. They are cash amounts to carry or withdraw for situations where cash is easier than card.
Local Cash Strategy
I would not carry all my cash at once. Keep a small amount in your wallet and leave some backup separately. If your hotel has a safe, use it for extra cash and passport storage when appropriate.
Common Mistakes
- Arriving with zero Korean won
- Assuming every foreign card works everywhere
- Using only large bills at small stalls
- Forgetting cash before visiting markets
- Not keeping emergency transport money separate
FAQ
Can I use credit cards in Korea?
Yes, cards are widely used in Korea, especially in cities. Still, carry some cash for smaller or more local situations.
Should I exchange money before arriving in Korea?
You can bring a small starter amount or withdraw/exchange after arrival. The key is not starting your trip with no Korean won at all.
Is Korea cashless?
Korea is very card-friendly, but not fully cashless for tourists. Cash remains useful for markets, street food, and backup situations.
Written by a Korean local for travelers who want a practical cash plan for Korea without overthinking it.
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