Before coming to Korea, I thought it was a completely cashless society—just bring a credit card and you're good to go, right? Turns out... not exactly!

Yes, you can use cards pretty much everywhere in convenience stores, malls, and cafes. But once you head to traditional markets, street food stalls, or small local shops, it’s a different story. Many of them only accept cash or bank transfers—not card payments.

And when Koreans say “cashless,” they often mean things like Kakao Pay or instant mobile bank transfers, which require a Korean bank account. As a tourist, you likely won’t have access to those options.

So if you’re planning to explore places like Gwangjang Market, Tongin Market, or local night markets, it’s super important to carry some cash—especially ₩1,000 and ₩10,000 bills.

💡Pro tip: Some places offer a little discount if you pay cash. Don’t be shy to smile and say “깎아 주세요” (kkakka juseyo), which means “can you give me a discount?”

Also, currency exchange is easy in tourist areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, and around Seoul Station—rates are usually pretty decent.

Moral of the story: Bring both a credit card and cash to stay stress-free! Don’t let the phrase “cashless society” fool you like it did me 😂