Introduction Hello, it’s Suhwa.
Welcome to Korea, the land of K-Pop, K-BBQ, and... surprisingly complicated payments?
Many of my foreign friends arrive at Incheon Airport holding only their iPhone, thinking, "I can use Apple Pay everywhere, right?" Then they get stuck at the subway gate because their phone doesn't work.
Korea is a high-tech country, but our payment ecosystem is unique (some call it the "Galapagos of Tech").
Don't panic. As a local living near the busy Yeongtong & Mangpo stations in Suwon, I’m here to tell you how to survive cashless in Korea. I’ll also introduce a special card that lets you put your favorite photo on it!
1. The Hard Truth: Can I Use Apple Pay in Korea?
The short answer: Yes, but NOT everywhere.
Apple Pay officially launched in Korea recently, but it is still limited compared to the US or Japan.
- Where it WORKS: Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven), Major coffee chains (Starbucks, Blue Bottle), McDonald’s, and some Department Stores.
- Where it FAILS:
- Public Transport: You CANNOT use Apple Pay to ride the subway or bus yet. (This is the biggest shock for tourists).
- Local Restaurants: Many authentic local BBQ joints or cafes only accept physical Samsung Pay or physical cards/cash.
Suhwa’s Advice: Never rely 100% on Apple Pay. You need a backup plan.
2. The Solution: Prepaid Travel Cards (WOWPASS & NAMANE)
If you don't want to carry heavy cash, get a Prepaid Travel Card. These are essentially Korean Debit Cards + T-money (Transport Card) combined.
Two major players are dominating the market right now:
A. WOWPASS (The All-Rounder)
- What is it? An all-in-one prepaid card for foreign tourists.
- Best Feature: You can load it with foreign currency (USD, JPY, EUR, etc.) at kiosks, and pay in Korean Won anywhere credit cards are accepted.
- Transport: It has a T-money chip, so you can tap it on subways and buses.
B. NAMANE Card (The Custom King)
- What is it? A prepaid card that focuses on Design & Fandom.
- Best Feature: This is my personal favorite. You can customize the card face with any photo you want from your phone.
- Why I recommend it: As someone who loves custom metal cards and design, I think this is the best souvenir. You can print a photo of your K-Pop bias, your girlfriend, or in my case, my cute dog "Bokgil".
3. How to Get & Use These Cards
Step 1: Download the App Before you arrive, download the WOWPASS or NAMANE app. You can design your card in the app beforehand (for NAMANE).
Step 2: Find a Kiosk You can find kiosks at:
- Incheon Int'l Airport (AREX line)
- Major Subway Stations (Seoul Station, Hongik Univ., Myeong-dong)
- Convenience Stores (CU, Seven Eleven)
Step 3: Load & Tap
- Shopping: Insert the chip like a regular credit card.
- Subway/Bus: Tap the card on the turnstile sensor. (Note: You must load the "Transport Balance" separately with cash at subway machines or via the app).
4. Comparison: Which one should you pick?
| Feature | WOWPASS | NAMANE Card | Apple Pay |
| Payment | Everywhere (Chip) | Everywhere (Chip) | Limited (NFC) |
| Transport | Yes (T-money) | Yes (Rail+) | NO |
| Custom Design | No (Fixed Design) | YES (DIY Photo) | No |
| Best For... | Convenience & Exchange | Souvenirs & K-Pop Fans | Coffee & Snacks |
Conclusion: Don't Be a "Cashless" Ghost
Traveling in Korea is amazing, but getting stuck without a payment method is scary.
My recommendation?
- Use Apple Pay at Starbucks and convenience stores for small buys.
- Get a NAMANE Card (with a cute photo!) for the subway and local restaurants.
Now you are ready to explore Seoul and Suwon like a pro.
If you are hungry after sorting out your payments, check out my guide on [How to Buy the Best Beef in Korean Marts]. You'll need that card to pay for the Hanwoo!
Enjoy your trip!