How to Withdraw Cash in Korea: ATMs, Korean Won & Foreign Cards

You have arrived in Korea with a credit card in your wallet.

Do you still need Korean cash?

For most visitors, the answer is:

You probably do not need much cash — but having some Korean won is still useful.

Cards are widely used in Korea, but cash can still be helpful as a backup, for topping up a standard T-money card, and in situations where your foreign-issued card does not work.

So how should you get Korean won?

This guide explains how to withdraw cash from ATMs in Korea, what to check before using a foreign card, where to find ATMs at Incheon Airport, and the Korean expressions that can help when something goes wrong.

The Short Answer: How Should Tourists Get Korean Won?

For many visitors, a practical approach is:

Bring a working international card → Get a modest amount of Korean won → Keep another payment method as backup

You do not necessarily need to carry a large amount of cash.

Instead, have enough Korean won for situations where cash is useful and use your card for ordinary purchases when it works.

What Currency Does South Korea Use?

South Korea uses the Korean won.

The currency symbol is:

₩

The international currency code is:

KRW

Common Korean banknotes are:

₩1,000
₩5,000
₩10,000
₩50,000

Common coins include ₩10, ₩50, ₩100 and ₩500.

For current official travel information about Korean currency and money exchange, check:

Official VisitKorea – Korean Currency & Exchange Information

Can You Withdraw Korean Won With a Foreign Card?

Many international visitors use ATMs to get Korean won during their trip.

However, do not assume that every Korean ATM will work with every foreign-issued card.

Whether a withdrawal works can depend on:

your card network
your home bank
the particular ATM
international withdrawal settings on your account
your daily withdrawal limit
security or fraud-prevention settings

If one ATM does not accept your card, that does not necessarily mean your card cannot be used anywhere in Korea.

Before You Fly: Check Your Card

Before traveling, check whether your debit or ATM card is enabled for international withdrawals.

Also check:

your international ATM withdrawal fee
your daily withdrawal limit
your card's foreign transaction or currency-conversion fees
whether you need to enable overseas transactions
what to do if your bank blocks a transaction
how to contact your bank while overseas

It is also sensible to travel with more than one payment method.

If one card is blocked, lost or rejected, you should have another way to pay.

Can You Find ATMs at Incheon Airport?

Yes.

Incheon International Airport currently lists multiple ATMs in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.

The airport's official facilities information includes ATMs operated by Korean banks such as KB Kookmin Bank, Woori Bank and Hana Bank, as well as other ATM facilities.

Some airport ATMs operate 24 hours, while others have limited operating hours.

Because locations and operating hours can change, check the official Incheon Airport facilities page before your trip rather than relying on an old airport map or travel post.

Official Incheon Airport – Convenience & Public Facilities

First-Time Visitor Tip:

Incheon Airport has two main passenger terminals. Check whether you are arriving at Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 before looking for a particular bank or ATM.

Should You Withdraw Cash at the Airport?

You do not have to withdraw a large amount immediately after landing.

However, having some Korean won before leaving the airport can be convenient.

Cash can be useful for:

topping up a standard prepaid T-money card
small purchases where cash is easier
situations where your foreign card is not accepted
emergencies if your main card is blocked or lost

The goal is not to carry as much cash as possible.

It is to avoid depending on a single payment method.

ATM Fees: Check Both Sides of the Transaction

An international ATM withdrawal can involve more than one type of fee.

Your home bank may charge an international withdrawal fee or a foreign transaction fee.

The ATM operator may also display a fee before you confirm the withdrawal.

Read the screen carefully before accepting the transaction.

Travel Tip:

Do not focus only on how much Korean won you receive. Check the ATM fee and your own bank's international withdrawal policy as well.

What If the ATM Offers Currency Conversion?

Some international ATM transactions may offer to convert the withdrawal into your home currency.

Do not automatically choose an option simply because your home currency looks more familiar.

Read the exchange-rate and fee information shown on the screen before confirming the transaction.

It is also useful to understand how your own card issuer handles overseas ATM withdrawals and currency conversion before you travel.

ATM vs Currency Exchange: Which Is Better?

There is no single answer for every traveler.

The final cost can depend on:

the exchange rate
ATM operator fees
your home bank's fees
the bank or exchange counter you use
the amount of money you exchange or withdraw

For that reason, be careful with simple claims such as “ATMs are always cheaper” or “airport exchange is always more expensive.”

Compare the actual exchange rate and fees available to you.

How Much Cash Should You Carry in Korea?

There is no fixed amount that every visitor needs.

Your needs will depend on your itinerary and payment habits.

If your international card works reliably, you may use cards for many everyday purchases and keep a smaller amount of Korean won as backup.

If you plan to visit traditional markets, smaller businesses, rural areas, or places where you are unsure about foreign-card acceptance, having some additional cash may be useful.

Do You Need Cash for T-money?

Yes. This is one important reason to have some Korean won after arriving in Korea.

For a standard prepaid T-money card, cash is commonly needed when purchasing or topping up the card at convenience stores and subway stations. Foreign-issued credit cards should not be relied on for these transactions.

So even if you plan to use a credit card for most of your trip, having some Korean won can make it easier to get started with public transportation.

For a full comparison of transportation cards, read:

T-money vs Climate Card: Which Transportation Card Should Tourists Use in Seoul?

Useful Korean at an ATM or Bank

Korean	Meaning
현금	cash
ATM	ATM / cash machine
출금	withdrawal
입금	deposit
환전	currency exchange
수수료	fee

5 Useful Korean Phrases

ATM이 어디예요?
ATM-i eodiyeyo?
Where is an ATM?

환전할 수 있어요?
hwanjeonhal su isseoyo?
Can I exchange money?

해외 카드 사용할 수 있어요?
haeoe kadeu sayonghal su isseoyo?
Can I use a foreign-issued card?

카드가 안 돼요.
kadeuga an dwaeyo.
My card isn't working.

수수료가 얼마예요?
susuryoga eolmayeyo?
How much is the fee?

A Realistic First-Day Scenario

Imagine you have just arrived at Incheon Airport.

Your foreign credit card works, but you also want some Korean won as backup.

You enter the arrival hall, connect your phone, and use the airport facilities information to find an ATM.

Before confirming the withdrawal, you check the amount and any fee shown on the screen.

You withdraw a modest amount rather than carrying a large amount of cash.

Now you have:

Card + Korean Won + Transportation Card

That gives you more flexibility for the rest of your trip.

What If Your Foreign Card Does Not Work?

Do not assume that your card is unusable after one failed transaction.

Try these steps:

1. Check that you entered the correct PIN.

2. Check whether international withdrawals are enabled.

3. Try another suitable ATM.

4. Check your banking app for a security alert.

5. Contact your card issuer if the card continues to be rejected.

6. Use your backup card or another payment method if necessary.

This is why traveling with only one payment method is risky.

Cash and ATMs in Korea FAQ

Do tourists need cash in Korea?

You can use cards for many everyday purchases, but carrying some Korean won is useful as a backup and for situations where cash is required or more convenient.

Are there ATMs at Incheon Airport?

Yes. Incheon Airport currently lists multiple ATMs in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, including some 24-hour locations. Check the official airport facilities page for current locations and operating hours.

Will every Korean ATM accept my foreign card?

No. Compatibility can vary by ATM, card network and issuing bank. If one ATM rejects your card, try another suitable ATM and check your bank's international-withdrawal settings.

Should I exchange all my money before traveling?

Not necessarily. Many visitors use cards for much of their spending and keep some Korean won as backup. Compare exchange rates and fees based on your own cards and the exchange services available to you.

Should I bring more than one card?

If possible, yes. A second payment method is useful if your main card is lost, blocked or rejected.

The One Rule to Remember

The easiest payment strategy in Korea is not:

Card or cash?

It is:

Card + some Korean won + a backup payment method

That combination gives you flexibility without forcing you to carry a large amount of cash.

At Korean For You, the goal is to understand what will happen in the real situation, know what to do next, and learn the Korean that can actually help you.

Continue Planning Your Korea Trip

These guides will help with your next steps:

Official information: ATM locations and operating hours can change. Check the Incheon International Airport official facilities guide for current airport ATM information, and VisitKorea's official currency information for general information about Korean currency and money exchange.