South Korea Travel Money Guide
Everything a Malaysian traveller needs to know about the Korean Won — how much to bring, when to exchange, and where to get the best rate in KL.
South Korea is the opposite of Japan when it comes to money — it's one of the most card-friendly countries on earth. You'll tap a card far more often than you'll hand over cash, so the trick is bringing enough won for the few places that still want it, without over-exchanging an expensive currency.
When to exchange
The won trades in the thousands against the ringgit, so KL changers usually quote it per 100 KRW — read the rate carefully. It can swing more than the regional currencies, so watch the trend for a week or two before you fly rather than exchanging the day you book.
Tip: Exchange a base amount of cash in KL, then lean on your card for the rest. If you run short, the exchange booths in Myeongdong (Seoul) post some of the best in-country rates.
How much cash to bring
A rough daily budget for a comfortable mid-range trip:
- Food — ₩25,000–45,000/day (a hearty meal runs ₩8,000–12,000)
- Local transport — ₩3,000–6,000/day on the subway with a T-money card
- Attractions — ₩10,000–25,000/day
Our rule of thumb
For a 6-day trip, carry around ₩300,000–500,000 in cash and put everything else on a card. At today's rate that's roughly RM1,000–1,700.
Where to exchange in KL
These three changers currently post the best KRW rates. Tap to see their branches and live rates:
Payment tips on the ground
- Tap your card almost everywhere — shops, cafés, taxis and even most street stalls take cards.
- Get a T-money card — buy it at any convenience store; it covers subways, buses and small purchases.
- Keep some cash for traditional markets — Gwangjang and older market stalls are still cash-only.
- Don't tip — it isn't customary and can cause confusion; the price you see is the price you pay.
