Korea ATM Travel Guide
ATMs in Korea can pose quite a challenge for travelers as most don’t accept foreign cards. When using your international debit card at a CD (cash dispenser) machine, even one displaying the debit card logo, you may get an error message.
If there are no ATMs close by or the ATMs in Korea are not working with your card, check back here for our guide/s below about how to send yourself money online and pick it up at an authorized local cash pick up point.
It is a very similar process to buying something on the internet with your debit card and is probably the quickest way to send yourself money online to Korea.
What’s more, it’s convenient, safe and cheaper than paying high ATM withdrawal fees allowing you to transfer more than the maximum ATM limit.
As Jeju is a popular destination and it is difficult to access ATMs, we have added a destination specific guide for here.
If you are having difficulties anywhere else with the ATMs in Korea, follow the general Korea guide below.
Here are two useful links to find the nearest ATMs in Korea : Visa / MasterCard
Korea ATM Fees & General Information
Many ATMs in Korea charge fees. Expect to pay around ₩3500. You will also probably get charged a fee by your own bank.
Having a Wise (formerly TransferWise) MasterCard can help reduce your home bank fees and gives a great exchange rate on purchases. With their borderless account / card you can hold your money in more than 40 currencies and use the debit card to get your cash out with low conversion fees and zero transaction fees. Click here for more info.
If you do find a cash point that works, withdrawal limits generally range from ₩700,000 to ₩1,000,000.
Many hotels, accommodations, tourist sites and restaurants take debit/credit cards.
You’ll find Visa is the most commonly accepted card at ATMs in Korea, though there are an increasing number that also accept Cirrus/MasterCard.
Whilst ATM fraud in Korea is not very common it may be worth checking out our Travel Money Tips for what to look out for if you’re concerned about this. It also covers more general information covering pre-trip planning, fees, scams, and general safety.
Getting Cash Without Using The ATMs In Korea:
– Send Money To Korea & Pick Cash Up Locally
With so many overseas workers now sending money home to their families, there are lots of local cash pick up points to collect these funds.
By tapping into this network, you can use your ATM card (debit/credit) or bank details to securely send yourself funds online through a reputable International money transfer service. See below for online services that have partnerships with domestic money transfer agents in Korea where you can pick up your money within a few hours.
This means when there’s no ATM you can still withdraw cash within a few hours, and what’s more, it’s often more convenient, safe and cheaper than paying ATM withdrawal fees.
Option 1: World Remit
Check HERE to see if there is a local authorized cash pick-up point where you are (In Korea, this is any branch of the Suhyup Bank – also known as National Federation Of Fisheries Cooperatives).
If there’s a branch locally, then download the World Remit App HERE.
Make your transfer and use the promo code ‘FREE’ to get your first transfer FEE-FREE!
They also offer £5 cashback once you send £50 or more by signing up using refer a friend code MARKT64
Option 2: Ria Money Transfer, Panda Remit, Sendwave & Transfergo
Ria Money Transfer, Panda Remit, Sendwave & Transfergo all work the same way as WorldRemit.
Explore what transfer you may make and what options you have to pick up cash somewhere close by.
Follow this link for Ria Money Transfer, this link for Panda Remit, this link for Sendwave and this link for Transfergo and
This may involve making an account / downloading their app.
Option 3 :
Moneygram and Western Union also offer similar services but can be a little pricier.
Sending Money To A Bank Account Instead
Option 1: World Remit
You can also use the above method to quickly transfer money to an overseas bank account, perhaps to pay for your accommodation or an activity.
For more information visit this FAQs section.
Option 2: Wise (formerly TransferWise)
This another service that also offers bank transfers. If you are new to the service, and follow THIS LINK, you will automatically pay NO FEES on your first transfer of up to £500 (or the equivalent amount in any other currency).
Arguably the best thing about them is that they give you the mid-market rate on the currency exchange, so it’s much cheaper than a traditional bank to bank wire transfer. You won’t need any SWIFT or IBAN numbers, just the name of the account holder, their account number, the bank name and branch location.
Option 3 : Xe Money Transfer or OFX
Xe Money Transfer have a handy app for converting currencies quickly. You can also send money directly through their app. Follow this link to see options.
OFX also offer bank to bank transfer, either through their website or app. Follow this link for more info.
We update this guide every month or so, however, if you have any feedback to help keep this guide up-to-date or make it more comprehensive and easier for others to follow, please Message us on Facebook
Useful Links:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korea
*** ATMs In Korea ***