Korea is extremely card-friendly, but there are still moments when cash is handy. To keep things smooth, I recommend changing a little at the airport, then, after you drop your bags, doing your main currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong at an easy, indoor location. If you need more cash during the trip, use a global ATM for a small top-up.
Keep this three-step order—small at the airport → main exchange in Samseong-dong → small ATM top-ups—and even first-timers find the process stress-free.
Before you go: a few simple rules that help a lot
- Bring your passport. You’ll need ID to exchange currency. Keep the passport in an outer pocket so it’s easy to reach.
- Ask for the “actual KRW you’ll receive.” Don’t look only at the board rate; ask the staff, “If I exchange this much, what’s my take-home amount in KRW?”
- On cards/ATMs, choose KRW (local currency). If a screen offers “convert to your home currency now,” that’s usually worse. Pick KRW instead.
- Split your cash. Put large notes in the hotel safe and carry just a slim day wallet. Don’t keep cash, cards, and passport all in one place.
- Go in daylight. Options are wider and you’ll feel safer. Currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong is best done during the day.
- Keep receipts. They help if you reverse-exchange small leftovers at the airport.
Why only a little at the airport?
At Incheon or Gimpo airport, exchanging about KRW 50,000 is enough for day-one basics—transit card top-up, water, and a snack. Better preferential rates are commonly found in the city, so keep the main currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong to save both time and money. Think of the airport as your “starter cash” stop.
The easy, friendly flow in Samseong-dong
1) Drop bags, head out lightly
After check-in, switch to comfy shoes and make your way to the COEX area. This part of town connects through underground passages and indoor corridors, so rain or cold isn’t a problem. If you finish currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong here, you can sit right down at a café to sort your bills without rushing.
2) COEX Mall B1 around the Starfield Library
On the B1 level of COEX Mall you’ll find several exchange counters in easy walking range. Comparing just two boards is usually enough to get the picture. Once you complete the exchange, head to a nearby café and separate big/small notes; slip the receipt into a small zip bag. It’s a clean, indoor way to finish currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong without weather worries.
3) CALT (City Airport Terminal) area bank counters
Because airport limousines come here, staff are used to foreign visitors. Take a number, wait in a seat, and follow the staff through the simple passport check → slip → payout steps. You’ll also get neat bundles and coins for small purchases. For a calm first experience of currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong, this option feels very secure.
4) Global ATMs in the Samsung/Bongeunsa underground passages
If you run low mid-trip, use the global ATMs in the underground corridors or convenience stores near Samseong (Line 2) and Bongeunsa (Line 9) Stations. Always select charge in KRW and decline dynamic currency conversion. Withdraw small amounts rather than a big lump sum—safer and easier. Combine ATM top-ups with your main currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong and you’re covered.
5) Hotel/department store desks for emergencies only
Late at night, in heavy rain, or if someone in your party isn’t feeling well, hotel or department-store desks can sometimes handle small exchanges. Prefer daytime city options for better terms; treat these desks as a backup and do your regular currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong the next day.
How much should you exchange?
- Day-one starter: KRW 50,000 at the airport is plenty.
- Main exchange: Prepare 2–3 days of cash via your currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong; most lodging, restaurants, and shops accept cards.
- Top-ups: Use global ATMs for small withdrawals only when needed.
This approach keeps leftover cash tiny and reduces worry about loss.
If you’re with family or seniors, these small touches help
Around COEX, indoor walkways make moving with a stroller or luggage straightforward. If a line gets long, have one person wait while others relax by the Starfield Library or at a café nearby. With parents or seniors, pick bank counters with seating—the process is unhurried and clear. Do currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong in the daytime, then enjoy shopping or an exhibition right after; the day flows naturally.
Where cash and card each work best
- Cash-friendly: some traditional markets, street snacks, very small shops
- Card-friendly: malls, chain cafés/restaurants, attractions, transit (including mobile wallets)
- Ask first: in tiny shops, a quick “Card OK?” saves guesswork. If not, use the cash from your currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong.
For storage, keep large notes in the hotel safe and just today’s budget in a slim wallet. Tuck the wallet deep in your bag and keep receipts in a zip bag so nothing goes missing.
Habits that keep everything safe and tidy
- Finish in daylight. You’ll have more choices and a calmer pace—currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong is best by day.
- Compare only two counters. More than that leads to confusion; two board checks are enough.
- Sort while seated. Don’t take out a wallet on escalators, at railings, or in the street. Sit at a café to split big/small notes and file the receipt.
- Always choose KRW. On card terminals and ATMs, local currency keeps it simple.
- Snap a quick photo. After a larger exchange, take a picture of the receipt and amount for your records.
A relaxed 1-night, 2-day example
- Day 1 morning: Exchange KRW 50,000 at the airport → head into the city
- Day 1 afternoon: Check in → COEX Mall B1 counters for your currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong (main exchange) → café to separate bills
- Day 2: Sightseeing and meetings mostly by card; use cash for snacks/markets
- Evening: If short on cash, a global ATM in the Samseong/Bongeunsa underground for a small top-up
- Departure day: Reverse-exchange small leftovers at the airport or keep KRW 30,000 for your next Korea visit
This keeps your schedule unhurried and prevents currency errands from hijacking your plans.
Easy place recap (so you don’t have to memorize a map)
- COEX Mall B1 (around Starfield Library) exchange counters
All indoors, weather-proof, and perfect for a café sit-down right after. Great for a first currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong. - CALT (City Airport Terminal) area bank counters
Staff are used to foreign visitors; seating makes the wait comfortable. Bring your passport and take your time. - Global ATMs in Samseong/Bongeunsa underground corridors
Ideal for small top-ups. Choose KRW, decline “convert now to home currency.” - Large hotels/department stores (backup only)
Use for small amounts late at night or during bad weather, then do your main currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong during the day for better terms.
Final safety reminders worth repeating
After receiving a larger amount, walk along busy streets and check everything while seated at a café. Avoid pulling out your wallet on escalators, at crossings, or by railings. Once currency exchange in Seoul Samseong-dong is done, put big notes in the hotel safe and carry only today’s cash. Keep your bag zipper facing inward and use a wrist strap for your phone—small habits, big peace of mind.