From the cityscapes and temples of Seoul to the beaches of Jeju Island, a trip to South Korea is always memorable. To make the most of your visit, you’ll want cash in your pocket so your adventure can begin as soon as you arrive.

With Asda Travel Money, it’s never been easier to buy South Korean Won. Head in-store to grab your holiday money at an Asda Travel Money bureau or buy online for Click & Collect or home delivery.

Click and Collect your South Korean Won from a store near you

Converting sterling to South Korean Won is simple with Asda Travel Money. All you need to do is purchase your currency online and choose Click & Collect to pick up your travel money for free at one of our many selected Asda stores.

Our pound (GBP) to Won (KRW) exchange rate Price Promise

When you buy South Korean Won with us, we’ll beat the exchange rate of any competitors within 5 miles – it’s our Asda Money Price Promise.

And if you need your money in a hurry, we offer next day delivery on orders over £500.

If you return home without having spent all your travel money, with our Buy Back Promise we'll buy back your leftover currency. T&C’s apply.

Should I buy South Korean Won now or wait?

Getting your South Korean Won before you travel can help make sure you get a competitive rate, giving you more won for your pounds.

Currency exchange rates tend to be higher in tourist locations, like airports and close to hotels. And while you may be able to withdraw cash at ATMs in South Korea, you maybe be charged a transaction fee, and you might not be offered the most competitive exchange rate.

Just like organising travel insurance, before you fly, buying travel money before you leave means you can simply relax and enjoy your holiday knowing you have everything taken care of.

What countries use the South Korean Won?

The Korean Republic Won (KRW), usually called the South Korean Won, is the official national currency of South Korea and is only used in South Korea [1].

Won banknotes and coins

One South Korean Won is divided into 100 jeon (also called chon). However, jeon are rarely used in everyday transactions due to the value of the currency and round numbers of won usually being used in pricing.

How much do things cost in South Korea?

At the time of writing (May 2024), you can expect to pay the following in South Korea (although prices will vary):

Common Won Questions

How much is 1 Pound to 1 Korean Won?

Currently, £1 is worth approximately KRW 1,646*.

*Rates taken from Asda foreign exchange calculator. At time of publishing – July 2024. For the most up to date exchange rate, please see our calculator at the top of the page.

Is 10,000 Won in Korea a lot?

10,000 South Korean Won is worth approximately £6.35. In South Korea, 10,000 won would buy you a set meal in a fast food restaurant, two beers, or two barista-made cappuccinos [10].

How much is a can of Coke in South Korea?

Prices will vary depending on where you shop, but a can of Coke will cost around 2,000 won [11].

Do you need cash in Seoul?

Cards are the most popular method of payment in South Korea [12], but almost all establishments will accept cash.

While you may be able to use your debit and credit card widely in Seoul, you may be charged transaction fees for doing so. Taking a prepaid Asda Travel Money Card with you to South Korea offers you the convenience of a card without any expensive fees. Subject to T&C’s.

Is it expensive to travel in South Korea?

South Korea is a developed nation with prices approaching European levels. Prices are around 35% lower than in the UK though [13], so South Korea will be cheaper than home for most things you’ll buy. Transportation and entertainment tend to be significantly cheaper than in the UK, whilst food can be similarly priced.

Is food expensive in Korea?

The price of food varies widely in South Korea, depending on where you are and what food you’re buying. You can pick up cheap street food and great value set meals in modest restaurants for around 10,000 KRW, whilst meals in hotels and higher-end restaurants can cost 25,000 KRW and up [14]. Food prices in South Korea are broadly in line with those in the UK [15].

Planning another trip soon? If you’re travelling in Asia again, we can help arrange your currency for Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and more. Or, if you’re staying closer to home, you can also buy Euros with Asda Travel Money, as well as many other European and worldwide currencies. Take a look at our full list, here.

[1] investopedia.com

[2] [3] english.visitseoul.net

[4] [5] [6] [9] [10] [11] [15] numbeo.com

[7] budgetyourtrip.com

[8] viator.com

[12] statista.com

[13] expatistan.com

[14] neverendingfootsteps.com