Travelling to South Korea? Here’s a South Korea ATM withdrawal guide for everything you need to know — from fees to recommended locations to withdraw at with foreign cards.
Need a South Korea ATM withdrawal guide? From the bustling streets of Seoul to the scenic coastlines of Jeju and the lively seafood markets of Busan, South Korea is a must-visit destination. While it’s one of the most cashless societies in the world, having some Korean Won (KRW) on hand can still be useful — especially for street vendors, markets, and smaller shops.
But withdrawing cash in Korea isn’t always straightforward. Unexpected fees and poor exchange rates can catch you off guard if you’re not careful!
That’s where we come in. This guide covers everything you need to know — from where to find ATMs, what fees to expect, and how to get the best KRW exchange rates. Let’s dive in!
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Summary:
- KB Bank & Woori ATMs are known to charge lower ATM withdrawal fees.
- It’s important to choose a fee-free card, as bank cards typically charge a 2-3% fee for foreign transactions and a 2-8% fee for ATM withdrawals
- YouTrip offers free S$400* in ATM withdrawals every calendar month with zero FX fees
* A 2% fee is imposed thereafter.
Do you still need cash in Korea?
South Korea is highly digital, with most businesses accepting debit/credit cards and mobile payments. However, you may still need cash for:
- Street food vendors and small restaurants
- Traditional markets like Gwangjang or Namdaemun Market
- Some taxis (especially in smaller cities)
- Local shops in rural areas
While you won’t need a large amount of cash, carrying a small amount is still handy.
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Can I withdraw cash in Korea using my debit/credit card?
Yes, most foreign debit and credit cards work at Korea ATMs, but here are some things to keep in mind:
- Mastercard, Visa, Cirrus, and Plus network cards are widely accepted in Korea.
- Not all ATMs accept foreign cards, so look for those marked “Global ATM” or “Global Services”.
To locate the nearest ATM during your trip, use these global ATM locators:
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Where to find ATMs in Korea
ATMs are common in South Korea, but not all of them accept foreign cards. Here’s where to find reliable ATMs in Korea:
- Convenience stores — CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven often have ATMs that accept foreign cards
- Subway stations — Many stations have ATMs, but not all support withdrawals with foreign cards
- Popular tourist areas — Myeongdong, Hongdae, Gangnam, etc.
- Airports & Hotels — ATMs at Incheon Airport and major hotels typically support withdrawals via foreign cards
- Banks:
1️⃣ Woori Bank — Locate your ATM here
2️⃣ KB Bank — Locate your ATM here
3️⃣ KEB Hana Bank — Locate your ATM here
4️⃣ Shinhan Bank —Locate your ATM here
5️⃣ Citibank — Locate your ATM here
6️⃣ HSBC — Locate your ATM here
7️⃣ Standard Chartered — Locate your ATM here
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How to withdraw cash at Korea ATMs
Here’s how you can withdraw Korean Won at Korea ATMs with YouTrip in 4 easy steps:
1️⃣ Locate an ATM displaying any of these logos and insert your YouTrip card
2️⃣ Select ‘Saving account’
3️⃣ Key in your 4-digit ATM PIN
4️⃣ Withdraw your desired amount in KRW
👉 Enjoy FREE S$400 monthly withdrawals with YouTrip per calendar month with a 2% fee imposed thereafter
And there you have it — you won’t ever have to worry about running out of cash in Korea.
South Korea ATM Withdrawal Guide: Fees, Locations, Exchange Rates — Find out more about how to withdraw with YouTrip here
Korea ATM fees
ATM fees in Korea vary depending on the bank and your card provider. Here’s what you need to know:
- Local ATM fees: Some banks charge a 2.43-2.68% ATM withdrawal fee depending on the card and ATM you use.
- Your Bank’s fees: Your local bank may add its own charges, which could be a fixed amount or a percentage of the withdrawal amount. Do check with your bank before your trip to avoid any surprises!
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Tips to minimise ATM fees in Korea
- KB Bank & Woori ATMs are known to charge lower ATM withdrawal fees.
- Credit card cash advances come with high fees, so avoid them if possible.
- Avoid using bank cards due to high withdrawal fees of 2-8%.
- Use a multi-currency card like YouTrip, which offers competitive KRW exchange rates with zero FX fees and offers free monthly ATM withdrawals of S$400. Do note that a 2% fee will be imposed thereafter.
- Look for Global ATMs, which often have lower fees for foreign cards.
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Korea ATM cash withdrawal limits
Korea ATM limits vary, but they’re usually between 300,000 (~S$274.27) and 700,000 KRW (~S$639.97) per withdrawal.
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Exchange rates & conversion fees in Korea
When withdrawing cash at Korea ATMs, you might be asked whether you wish to withdraw in Korean Won (KRW) or Singapore Dollars (SGD). Always choose KRW! If you select SGD, the ATM applies Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), which gives you a poor exchange rate with extra fees.
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Tips to avoid extra fees on exchange rates: Use a multi-currency card
Using a multi-currency card like YouTrip, Revolut, or Wise can help you save on currency conversion fees. These cards:
- Let you convert SGD to KRW at real exchange rates.
- Avoid foreign transaction fees that traditional bank cards charge.
- Work at most ATMs and retail stores in Korea.
Here’s a quick comparison between some of the best multi-currency cards in Singapore:
| YouTrip | Revolut | Wise | |
|---|---|---|---|
| KRW Exchange Rate | 1 SGD = 1,088.44 KRW | 1 SGD = 1,087 KRW | 1 SGD = 1,083 KRW |
| FX Fees | No fees | On weekdays: No fees apply if you’re within your plan’s fair usage limit On weekends: 1% fee applies regardless of your plan | From 0.26% *fee varies by currency |
| ATM Withdrawal Fees | Up to S$400 free monthly ATM withdrawals A 2% fee is imposed thereafter | Free monthly withdrawals of up to S$350/5 withdrawals A 2% fee is imposed thereafter | Free monthly withdrawals of up to S$350/2 or less withdrawals A 1.75% fee is imposed thereafter |
*Rates taken as of 27 Mar 2025
South Korea ATM Withdrawal Guide: Fees, Locations, Exchange Rates — Here’s a guide on the best multi-currency cards in Singapore
Korea ATM Safety Tips
- Use ATMs in well-lit, busy areas: Avoid sketchy, isolated machines
- Check for any ATM tampering: If the card slot or keypad looks dodgy, find another ATM
- Shield your PIN: Always cover the keypad when entering your PIN to protect yourself from skimming scams. These scams involve criminals installing hidden devices at point-of-sale terminals or gas pumps to capture card data and PINs to create fake cards and make unauthorised transactions.
- Check ATM hours: Some ATMs in Korea are unavailable between 11:50 PM and 12:30 AM due to daily maintenance.
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Exchange & lock in best KRW rates with YouTrip!
Getting cash in Korea doesn’t have to be a headache. Stick to KB Bank & Woori ATMs for low local ATM fees, check the fees before hitting “OK”, and keep some smaller Korean Won bills for day-to-day expenses. Plus, don’t forget to bring along your YouTrip card for the best KRW rates all day and enjoy free* S$400 ATM withdrawals monthly! With this guide, you’ll be ready to enjoy Korea without stressing about cash flow. Now go out there and have a blast!
So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret it. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
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Happy travels!
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*The information stated above is true as of 27 March 2025
