
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.
South Korea uses the Korean Won (KRW) as its official currency. You will commonly see prices shown with the symbol ₩ or written as KRW.
₩1,000 · ₩5,000 · ₩10,000 · ₩50,000
₩10 · ₩50 · ₩100 · ₩500
Many travellers prefer to prepare Korean Won (KRW) before departure for a smoother arrival.
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.
Approx. ₩60,000 – ₩90,000 per day
Approx. ₩100,000 – ₩180,000 per day
₩200,000+ per day
Budget: ₩420,000–₩630,000
Mid-range: ₩700,000–₩1,260,000
Comfort: ₩1,400,000+
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.
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.
For short trips, having around ₩300,000–₩500,000 in Korean Won (KRW) cash is often a practical starting point.
Many travellers choose a balanced approach: prepare some Korean Won (KRW) before departure, then use cards for larger spending during the trip.
Most Australians bring between ₩1,000,000 and ₩2,500,000 depending on travel style, accommodation, shopping plans, and activities.
Many travellers prefer securing at least part of their Korean Won (KRW) in Australia for convenience and a smoother arrival.
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.
Yes, but foreign ATM withdrawals may include extra charges and less favourable conversion margins.
You can check available pickup locations through the RedRate stores page before ordering.
Notification