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South Korea

How Much Korean Won (KRW) Do You Need for a Korea Trip?

18 Mar, 2026
REDRATE BLOG · KOREA TRAVEL GUIDE

How Much Korean Won (KRW) Do You Need for a Korea Trip?

A practical guide for Australians covering daily travel costs, cash vs card, and smart ways to prepare Korean Won (KRW) before departure.

How much Korean Won KRW do you need for a Korea trip

South Korea has become one of the most popular travel destinations for Australians. From Seoul’s vibrant shopping districts and K-beauty experiences to Busan’s beaches and Jeju’s natural scenery, Korea offers a mix of culture, food, and modern convenience.

One of the most common questions travellers ask before departure is: how much Korean Won (KRW) do I actually need? The answer depends on your travel style, where you are going, and how much shopping or dining you plan to do.

This guide breaks down average daily spending, explains where cash is still useful, and shows how you can prepare your travel money in advance. You can also use the RedRate stores page to find a convenient pickup location before your trip.

Table of Contents

  1. What Currency Does Korea Use?
  2. Average Daily Costs in Korea
  3. Cash vs Card in Korea
  4. Where You Still Need Cash
  5. Exchange in Australia or Korea?
  6. How to Get KRW in Australia
  7. Quick Checklist Before You Go
  8. Get KRW Before Departure with RedRate
  9. Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Currency Does Korea Use?

South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW) as its official currency. You will commonly see prices shown with the symbol ₩ or written as KRW.

Common Banknotes

₩1,000 · ₩5,000 · ₩10,000 · ₩50,000

Coins

₩10 · ₩50 · ₩100 · ₩500

Travel Tip

Many travellers prefer to prepare Korean Won (KRW) before departure for a smoother arrival.

Korean Won KRW banknotes for Korea travel

2. Average Daily Costs in Korea

Your Korean Won (KRW) budget depends heavily on your travel style. Here is a simple guide to daily spending, excluding international flights and major pre-booked tours.

Budget Traveller

Approx. ₩60,000 – ₩90,000 per day

  • Hostels or budget stays
  • Street food and simple meals
  • Public transport
  • Basic attractions and light shopping

Mid-Range Traveller

Approx. ₩100,000 – ₩180,000 per day

  • 3–4 star hotels
  • Cafes and restaurant dining
  • Moderate shopping
  • Public transport plus occasional taxis

Comfort / Premium Traveller

₩200,000+ per day

  • Luxury hotels and fine dining
  • Premium shopping
  • Beauty treatments or special experiences
  • Higher transport and activity spend

Example 7-Day Budget

Budget: ₩420,000–₩630,000
Mid-range: ₩700,000–₩1,260,000
Comfort: ₩1,400,000+

Average daily travel costs in Korea in KRW

3. Cash vs Card in Korea

Korea is highly developed in digital payments. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, department stores, convenience stores, major restaurants, cafes, and retail chains.

In large cities such as Seoul and Busan, card use is very common. Still, it is wise not to rely on cards alone. Bringing some Korean Won (KRW) gives you more flexibility during your trip.

A good balance is to carry some cash for smaller purchases while using your card for hotels, shopping, and larger transactions.

Cash vs card payment in Korea for travellers

4. Where You Still Need Cash

Despite Korea’s strong card infrastructure, cash is still useful in a number of everyday situations. It can make smaller purchases quicker and more convenient, especially outside major shopping areas.

  • Traditional markets
  • Street food vendors
  • Small local eateries
  • T-money transport top-ups
  • Taxis in smaller cities
  • Rural towns and local shops

For short trips, having around ₩300,000–₩500,000 in Korean Won (KRW) cash is often a practical starting point.

5. Exchange in Australia or Korea?

Exchange Before Departure

  • Peace of mind on arrival
  • No airport rush
  • Avoid last-minute exchange pressure
  • Reduce ATM fee surprises

Exchange in Korea

  • Available at airports, city exchangers, and ATMs
  • Some city locations may be competitive
  • Airport counters may be less favourable
  • ATM withdrawals may include extra fees

Many travellers choose a balanced approach: prepare some Korean Won (KRW) before departure, then use cards for larger spending during the trip.

6. How to Get KRW in Australia

Step 1: Monitor the AUD/KRW trend before buying.
Step 2: Avoid leaving your exchange to the last minute at the airport.
Step 3: Compare banks, airport counters, and specialist exchange providers.
Step 4: Order your Korean Won (KRW) in advance and choose a convenient pickup point through the Find a Store page.

7. Quick Checklist Before You Go

✔ Bring a mix of ₩50,000 and ₩10,000 notes
✔ Carry smaller notes for markets and taxis
✔ Inform your bank before international travel
✔ Take at least two payment methods
✔ Avoid keeping all cash in one place
✔ Keep backup funds for emergencies
Buy Korean Won online and pick up in store at RedRate
REDRATE · TRAVEL MONEY

Get Korean Won (KRW) Before You Fly

Prepare your Korean Won (KRW) before departure for a smoother arrival in Korea. Order ahead, avoid rushed airport exchange, and choose a convenient pickup point through the RedRate store network.

Better Prepared
Have travel cash ready before arrival.
Avoid Airport Rush
Skip last-minute exchange queues.
Order Ahead
Secure your cash in advance.
Pick Up In Store
Use the Find a Store page to choose a location.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much Korean Won should I bring for a 7-day trip?

Most Australians bring between ₩1,000,000 and ₩2,500,000 depending on travel style, accommodation, shopping plans, and activities.

Should I exchange KRW in Australia or Korea?

Many travellers prefer securing at least part of their Korean Won (KRW) in Australia for convenience and a smoother arrival.

Is Korea mostly cashless?

Korea is very card-friendly, especially in larger cities, but cash is still useful for markets, street food, transport top-ups, and smaller local businesses.

Can I withdraw KRW from ATMs in Korea?

Yes, but foreign ATM withdrawals may include extra charges and less favourable conversion margins.

Where can I collect my travel cash in Australia?

You can check available pickup locations through the RedRate stores page before ordering.

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