How to Use Korean ATMs as a Foreigner
How to Use Korean ATMs as a Foreigner
Getting cash from a Korean ATM with a foreign card is usually straightforward — but there are a few things that catch people off guard. The most common problems are walking up to the wrong machine, entering the wrong PIN format, or accidentally choosing a setting that adds a hidden fee. Here's everything you need to know before you need cash.
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| "Korean ATM step-by-step: find Global ATM → insert chip → select English → enter 4-digit PIN → choose KRW (critical!) → enter amount → collect card & cash. That's it!" |
The Quick Answer
Look for an ATM with a "Global ATM" sticker — not all Korean ATMs accept foreign cards. Use a 4-digit PIN (if your PIN is 6 digits, try entering 4 digits + 00). Always select Korean Won (KRW) when asked about currency. Withdrawal limits vary by machine and card, typically ₩300,000–₩700,000 per transaction.
Types of ATMs in Korea
Bank ATMs
Found at branch locations and inside bank lobbies. Generally the most reliable option for foreign cards — higher withdrawal limits and better security. Most major bank ATMs have a Global ATM option.
Main banks: KB Kookmin, Shinhan, Woori, Hana (KEB), NH NongHyup, IBK
Hours: Bank ATM lobbies are often accessible 24 hours even when the branch itself is closed, but some have restricted hours (typically 08:00–23:00 on weekdays, shorter on weekends). Check the posted hours at the door.
Convenience Store ATMs
Found in GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, and Emart24. Available 24 hours and extremely widespread. Many accept foreign cards, but you must check for the Global ATM sticker — not every machine in every store supports foreign cards.
Post Office ATMs (우체국)
Korea Post ATMs are consistently reliable for foreign card withdrawals and are available at post office branches nationwide. A solid backup option if bank ATMs aren't cooperating.
Airport ATMs
Incheon International Airport has multiple ATM options, but foreign card rejection rates at airport machines are surprisingly high. If you need cash immediately on arrival, the Woori Bank ATM near Gate 11, Terminal 1 has the most consistent track record for foreign cards and operates 24 hours.
Finding an ATM That Works with Your Card
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Not every Korean ATM accepts foreign cards. Before inserting your card, check for:
1. "Global ATM" or "Global Service" sticker This is the clearest indicator. Look for it on the machine itself or on a sign above it.
2. Visa / Mastercard / UnionPay logos Match your card's network logo to what's displayed on the machine.
3. Machine interface language Most Global ATMs offer English on the first screen. If the machine only shows Korean with no language option, it may not support foreign cards.
💡 Convenience store ATMs: The same convenience store chain can have a mix of regular and Global ATMs in different branches. Always check the sticker before inserting your card — don't assume.
Step-by-Step: Using a Korean ATM
Step 1: Find a Global ATM
Check for the Global ATM sticker and your card network's logo.
Step 2: Insert Your Card (Don't Tap)
Use the card slot — chip insert or magnetic swipe depending on the machine. Contactless tap often doesn't work for foreign cards at Korean ATMs.
Step 3: Select English
Most Global ATMs offer a language selection on the first screen. Choose English.
Step 4: Enter Your PIN
4 digits is the standard. If your card PIN is 4 digits, enter it normally.
If your PIN is 6 digits: Some Korean ATMs accept 6-digit PINs directly. If the machine only allows 4 digits, try entering your first 4 digits followed by 00 (for example, if your PIN is 123456, try 1234 + 00 = 123400). This works on some machines but not all.
⚠️ Three wrong PIN attempts will lock your card. If you're unsure about your PIN format, try once carefully. If it fails, contact your card issuer before trying again.
Step 5: Select Withdrawal
Choose "Withdrawal" or "Cash Advance." If asked for account type, select "Credit" for credit cards or "Savings/Checking" for debit cards.
Step 6: Choose Korean Won (KRW) — Critical
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This is the most important step. The machine will ask whether you want to be charged in Korean Won (KRW) or your home currency.
⚠️ Always choose Korean Won (KRW). The other option is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) — it processes the transaction at a rate set by the ATM operator rather than your bank. This adds an invisible markup of 3–5% on top of all other fees. There is no benefit to choosing your home currency at a Korean ATM.
Step 7: Enter the Amount
Type in the amount you want to withdraw. Keep the per-transaction limits in mind (see below).
Step 8: Collect Your Card and Cash
Take your card first, then wait for the cash to dispense. Collect your receipt — keep it until you've confirmed the transaction on your account.
Withdrawal Limits
Limits depend on the machine type, your card issuer, and daily limits set by your home bank.
| ATM Type | Per Transaction (Typical) |
|---|---|
| Convenience store ATM | ₩300,000 |
| Bank ATM | ₩500,000–₩700,000 |
| Post Office ATM | ₩500,000 |
These are typical machine limits. Your card issuer sets its own daily and monthly withdrawal limits, which may be lower. Check with your bank before traveling if you anticipate needing large amounts of cash.
If you need more than one machine's limit, you can make multiple withdrawals — but each transaction incurs a separate fee.
Fees: What You're Actually Paying
When you withdraw cash in Korea with a foreign card, multiple fees can apply simultaneously:
1. Korean ATM machine fee The local fee charged by the ATM operator. Typically ₩3,000–₩6,000 per transaction for foreign cards. This is the fee displayed on screen before you confirm.
2. International network fee Charged by Visa, Mastercard, or your card network. Usually 1–1.5% of the transaction.
3. Your bank's foreign transaction fee What your home bank charges for international withdrawals. Varies widely — some banks charge nothing; others charge 2–3%.
The total cost of withdrawing cash at a Korean ATM can easily reach 4–7% of the amount withdrawn when all fees are combined. Using a low-fee card (see below) significantly reduces this.
ATM Security — Convenience Store Machines
Convenience store ATMs are convenient but carry a slightly higher security risk than bank ATMs. Card skimming devices — attached to the card slot by fraudsters — have been reported at unmanned ATM locations in Korea.
Practical precautions:
- Choose ATMs in busy, well-lit locations with foot traffic
- Avoid ATMs in isolated spots or narrow alleys
- Check for anything unusual attached to the card slot before inserting your card
- Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN
- Keep your ATM receipt until you've verified the transaction
Cards That Reduce ATM Fees in Korea
Wise
Wise is available to Korean residents and foreign visitors alike. It uses the mid-market exchange rate with transparent fees and offers a monthly free withdrawal allowance before per-transaction fees kick in. For most foreigners in Korea, Wise is the most practical low-fee option for cash withdrawals.
See our guide: How to Send Money Home from Korea
WOWPASS — Foreigner-Only Prepaid Card
WOWPASS is a prepaid card designed exclusively for foreign visitors to Korea (Korean nationals cannot use it). It functions as a local payment card, accepted almost anywhere in Korea that takes cards.
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For cash withdrawals:
- You can withdraw KRW from WOWPASS kiosks (the orange machines), not from standard bank ATMs
- Withdrawal fee: ₩1,000 per transaction — significantly lower than standard ATM fees
- WOWPASS does not support cash withdrawals from regular bank ATMs
- WOWPASS machines at Incheon International Airport do not support cash withdrawal — only new card issuance and top-up
How to get one:
- Available at orange WOWPASS kiosks at airports, subway stations, hotels, and convenience stores
- Requires your passport and foreign currency cash to issue
- Card cost: ₩5,000
- Supports 16 currencies for top-up
T-Money note: The T-Money transit balance on WOWPASS cannot be topped up with foreign currency — only with KRW cash at subway machines or convenience stores.
💡 2026 practical tip: WOWPASS works well for local spending — restaurants, cafes, street food, transit. For larger purchases, a global card like Visa or Mastercard still works at most major retailers.
NAMANE Card
An alternative to WOWPASS operated by the Korea Tourism Organization. Similar functionality — local card payments, T-Money integration, multi-currency support. Available at Incheon Airport and select tourist information centers.
Either WOWPASS or NAMANE works for most visitors. WOWPASS has a wider ATM and kiosk network; NAMANE is backed by the government tourism organization, which some travelers prefer for reliability.
Korean Travel Cards (Travelog, TravelWallet, SOL Travel)
These cards — Hana Travelog, TravelWallet, and Shinhan SOL Travel — offer overseas ATM withdrawal fee waivers and competitive exchange rates. They are primarily designed for Korean nationals traveling abroad, but the ATM fee waiver applies when used at Korean ATMs too if you have access to one.
Note: These cards are issued to Korean account holders. If you already have a Korean bank account, ask your bank about travel card options.
When Your Card Gets Rejected
Foreign card rejection at Korean ATMs happens more often than it should. Here's a systematic approach when it happens:
1. Check you're at a Global ATM. The single most common cause of rejection is using a machine that doesn't support foreign cards.
2. Try inserting the chip rather than tapping. Contactless doesn't always work with foreign cards even on machines that accept them.
3. Confirm your PIN format. Try 4 digits; if that fails, try 4 digits + 00.
4. Choose KRW. If you accidentally chose your home currency and it was declined, it may be your card's anti-fraud system flagging an unusual currency conversion.
5. Check your daily limit. Your bank may have a daily international ATM withdrawal limit that you've reached.
6. Try a different machine. Bank branch ATMs are generally more reliable than convenience store ATMs for foreign cards.
7. Call your bank. Some banks flag international ATM withdrawals as suspicious and freeze the card. A quick call usually resolves it.
💡 Most reliable ATM for foreign cards on arrival: The Woori Bank ATM near Gate 11 in Incheon Terminal 1 operates 24 hours and has a strong track record with foreign cards. If you need cash on arrival and other machines aren't cooperating, head there first.
Do You Actually Need Cash?
Korea is one of the most cashless countries in the world. The vast majority of transactions — restaurants, cafes, convenience stores, taxis, public transport, shopping — can be completed with a card or mobile payment.
You'll need cash for:
- Some traditional market stalls (older vendors may not accept cards)
- Certain coin-operated facilities (laundromats, lockers)
- Very small local restaurants in non-tourist areas
- Tips at some service establishments
For most day-to-day spending in Seoul and major cities, a card works fine. Having ₩50,000–₩100,000 in cash as backup is usually sufficient.
FAQ
Q: My foreign card keeps getting rejected. What should I try first? Confirm you're at a machine with a Global ATM sticker. Then: try chip insert instead of tap, check your PIN format (try 4 digits, then 4 digits + 00), make sure you're selecting KRW, and check whether you've hit your daily withdrawal limit. If nothing works, try a bank branch ATM rather than a convenience store machine.
Q: My PIN is 6 digits. What do I do? Try your full 6-digit PIN first. If the machine only allows 4 digits, enter your first 4 digits followed by 00. If that fails, contact your bank to request a 4-digit PIN before you need cash urgently.
Q: Can I use WOWPASS at a regular bank ATM? No. WOWPASS cash withdrawals are only available at WOWPASS kiosks (the orange machines), not at bank ATMs or convenience store ATMs. The fee is ₩1,000 per withdrawal at WOWPASS kiosks.
Q: What's the cheapest way to get Korean Won? Using Wise for card payments avoids ATM fees entirely for most purchases. When you genuinely need cash, using a card with overseas withdrawal fee waivers (like Hana Travelog if you have a Korean account, or Wise) and withdrawing at a bank ATM rather than a convenience store machine minimizes total fees.
Q: Is it safe to use convenience store ATMs? They're generally safe but have a slightly higher risk of card skimming devices compared to bank ATMs. Use machines in busy, well-lit locations, check the card slot for anything unusual before inserting, and cover the keypad when typing your PIN.
Q: Do I need to notify my bank before traveling to Korea? Yes — highly recommended. Many banks automatically flag international ATM withdrawals as suspicious and freeze the card. A quick call or online notification before you travel prevents this from happening at an inconvenient moment.
Related Posts
- How to Send Money Home from Korea
- How to Open a Bank Account in Korea Without Korean ID
- How to Get a SIM Card in Korea as a Foreigner
Bookmark this page before your Korea trip — it covers every ATM scenario you're likely to encounter.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments — we'll help you figure it out.
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