Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Money
The South Korean unit of currency is the won (
₩
), with
₩
10,
₩
50,
₩
100 and
₩
500 coins.
Notes come in denominations of
₩
1000,
₩
5000,
₩
10,000 and
₩
50,000.
ATMs
ATMs that accept foreign cards are common: look for one that have a 'Global' sign or the
logo of your credit-card company. ATMs often operate only from 7am to 11pm, but some
are 24-hour. Restrictions on the amount you can withdraw vary. It can be as low as
₩
100,000 per day.
Changing Money
Many banks in Seoul offer a foreign exchange service. There are also licensed
moneychangers, particularly in Itaewon, that keep longer hours than the banks and
provide a faster service, but may only exchange US dollars cash.
Credit Cards
More upmarket hotels, shops and restaurants accept foreign credit cards, but plenty of
places including budget accommodation, stalls and restaurants require hard cash. Cash
payment is still common in Seoul, so a stash of
₩
10,000 notes will almost certainly be
needed.
Post
common and have a red/orange sign.
Central Post Office
(Sogong-ro, Myeong-dong;
9am-8pm Mon-Fri, to 1pm Sat & Sun)
