ATMs and cash

Yes. ATMs marked Global ATM or showing foreign card logos let you withdraw won with an overseas card. Many of them are found at airports, subway stations, convenience stores and banks. Not every ATM accepts foreign cards, so check the signs.

Withdrawing with a foreign card may involve both the Korean ATM operator's fee and your home bank's overseas withdrawal fee. Fees differ by ATM and card, so read the on-screen notice before confirming. Withdrawing what you need in one go is usually better than many small withdrawals.

Some convenience store ATMs support foreign card withdrawals, but not all of them do. Before inserting your card, look for a Global sign or your card network's logo on the machine. In a 24-hour store you can use it late at night as well, and staff can tell you whether the machine takes foreign cards.

Most ATMs that accept foreign cards offer an English option, and some also support Chinese or Japanese. Tap the language button on the first screen. There is often a separate menu option for foreign card withdrawals. Press cancel to go back if needed.

If the ATM offers to charge you in your home currency, choosing Korean won is usually better. The home currency option may come with an unfavorable exchange rate and extra fees. Check the amount shown on screen carefully before confirming, and look at the receipt to see which currency you were charged in.

There is no single nationwide withdrawal limit in Korea; the maximum per transaction and per day depends on the ATM operator, the machine and your card issuer. If you need a large amount, check your bank's limit in advance. Going over the limit will get the transaction declined, so split withdrawals or try again the next day.

ATM corners inside banks or buildings often have set hours and may be closed at night or on holidays. ATMs in convenience stores and subway stations tend to operate longer. Late at night, look for a convenience store ATM. Airport ATMs are often available late.

Cards are sometimes retained because of a transaction error or timeout. Call the customer service number on the machine right away and also notify your card issuer to discuss blocking the card. Recovery can take time, so keep a spare card.

Traditional markets, street food stalls and some small restaurants and shops may prefer or only take cash. Topping up a physical transit card also usually requires cash, though some apps let you top up with a foreign card. You may need cash for things like temple donation boxes too, so carry some small notes and coins.

If cash did not come out but your account was charged, take a photo of the screen or receipt showing the transaction details. Report it to the customer service number on the machine and to your home bank so they can investigate. Resolution may take several days or longer.

Cover the keypad when entering your PIN and be aware of anyone suspicious nearby. If the card slot has any unusual attachment, do not use the machine. At night, use ATMs inside busy convenience stores or stations. Put the cash away immediately and leave.

Banks may flag overseas transactions as suspicious and block them, so notify them of your travel dates or turn on overseas use before you leave. Make sure you can still receive verification texts on your home number. Save your card issuer's customer service number.

Depending on the ATM, you may get a mix of 50,000 and 10,000 won notes or be able to choose. Small shops may lack change for large notes, so buying something small at a convenience store is an easy way to break them. Bank counters can also give you change.

Using a travel card with low or no overseas withdrawal fees can cut costs. However, the Korean ATM operator may still charge its own fee, so check the conditions. Benefits vary by issuing country and product. Read your card terms for overseas withdrawals.

Coins work in vending machines, some coin laundries and coin karaoke rooms, but with card payments so common you will rarely need them. Using coins when paying at convenience stores helps you get rid of them. Since coins are hard to exchange back, spend them before leaving or drop them in a donation box.

Withdrawing cash with a credit card is usually treated as a cash advance, which can carry high interest and fees. Use a debit card for withdrawals whenever possible. Check your card issuer's terms before you travel. A debit card keeps costs down.

Korea has widespread card acceptance and is relatively safe, but there is no need to carry large amounts. Keep a small sum in your wallet for markets, street stalls and transit card top-ups, and leave the rest in your hotel safe. Splitting cards and cash reduces the risk of losing everything.

Big cities have plenty of ATMs, but rural areas and small islands may have few that accept foreign cards. Withdraw the cash you need before heading to the countryside. Small shops and restaurants in rural areas may also prefer cash.

Many Korean ATMs use four-digit PINs, so cards with six-digit PINs may have trouble. There is no guarantee that ATMs for foreign cards will accept other PIN lengths. Before you travel, ask your card issuer whether your PIN will work at ATMs abroad, and bring a backup card or some cash just in case.

For card or ATM problems, contact the ATM operator's customer service number on the machine and your home card issuer first. If language is a barrier, the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline can help interpret. Report theft or fraud to the police at 112.