Seoul: Money & Costs

Currency

Name

South Korean Won

Symbol

₩

• Changing Your Money

  US military bases will let you pay in US dollars (should you feel the need to pick up a stealth bomber or two), but everywhere else you'll need won. Cash US dollars are the easiest to exchange, but other hard currencies, especially yen, shouldn't pose a problem. You'll get a better rate on travellers cheques than cash - those in US dollars will be more widely accepted. There are ATMs all over Seoul, Busan and other major cities: the instructions are mostly in Korean but there are a growing number of machines with English menus. International credit cards are widely accepted.

• Sample Price Guide

  litre of petrol

  1500.00

  small bottle of water

  500.00

  small bottle of beer

  1000.00

  souvenir t-shirt

  5000.00

  tteokbokki snack

  2000.00

  local newspaper

  700.00

  food-court lunch

  6000.00

  cinema ticket

  7000.00

  steak dinner

  25000.00

  tailor-made suit

  200000.00

  Average Room Prices
  Low	Mid	High	Deluxe
  ₩25000-45000	₩45000-85000	₩85000-150000	₩150000+
  Average Meal Prices
  Low	Mid	High	Deluxe
  ₩5000-8000	₩8000-12000	₩12000-20000	₩20000+

• Tipping

  As a general rule, tipping is not expected in South Korea, although many top-end restaurants and hotels do add a 10% service charge to the bill. A small bow is generally sufficient demonstration of your gratitude, although if you do decide to tip it will not be refused. Unless taxi drivers help you carry your luggage, it isn't necessary to tip either.

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