How Foreigners Can Pay in Korea
UnionPay, WOWPASS & Smart Payment Guide for Korea Grand Sale 2026
During Korea Grand Sale 2026, choosing the right payment method can directly affect how much you save.
While basic discounts apply regardless of how you pay, additional instant discounts, cashback, and smoother tax refunds often depend on which payment method you use.
This guide explains how foreigners can pay in Korea, which methods are most widely accepted, and how to combine payment options with tax refund benefits.
For the full event overview, start here:
👉 Korea Grand Sale 2026: Official Shopping & Travel Guide
Main Payment Methods Available to Foreigners
Foreign visitors in Korea commonly use the following payment methods:
- International credit cards
- UnionPay-based payment systems
- Prepaid tourist cards (WOWPASS)
- Limited cash for small purchases
Understanding when to use each one is key during Korea Grand Sale.
Credit Cards in Korea (Visa & Mastercard)
International credit cards are widely accepted across Korea, especially in:
- Department stores
- Duty-free shops
- Hotels and large restaurants
Pros
- Convenient and secure
- Automatically linked to tax refund systems
- Easy refund to original card
Cons
- Foreign transaction fees may apply
- No extra event-specific discounts in most cases
Credit cards are best used for large purchases or when you plan to claim airport tax refunds.
👉 For refund basics, read:
How Tax Refund Works During Korea Grand Sale 2026
UnionPay & Linked Payment Apps
UnionPay is one of the officially supported payment methods during Korea Grand Sale, especially for visitors from Asia.
Some participating stores offer:
- Instant discounts
- Cashback-style benefits
- Special promotions when paying via UnionPay-linked apps
Pros
- Additional savings beyond store discounts
- Fast checkout at major retailers
- Often linked with instant tax refund systems
Cons
- Benefits apply only at participating stores
- Requires app setup before use
UnionPay-based payments are most effective at:
- Department stores
- Duty-free shops
- Major shopping districts
👉 For shopping locations, see:
Where to Shop During Korea Grand Sale 2026
WOWPASS: Tourist-Friendly Prepaid Card
WOWPASS is a prepaid card designed specifically for foreign visitors.
It combines:
- A prepaid payment card
- Currency exchange functionality
- Compatibility with major tourist shopping areas
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Easy budgeting
- Extra discounts at selected stores during Korea Grand Sale
Cons
- Needs advance loading
- Not accepted everywhere
WOWPASS works well for:
- Cosmetics and beauty stores
- Convenience stores
- Small to mid-sized purchases
For combining payment with tax refunds, read:
👉 Instant vs Airport Tax Refund in Korea
Cash: When Do You Actually Need It?
Korea is largely cashless, but small amounts of cash are still useful for:
- Street food
- Small markets
- Rural travel
Cash does not affect tax refund eligibility, but it provides no extra discounts during Korea Grand Sale.
Best Payment Strategy During Korea Grand Sale 2026
To maximize benefits, many travelers use a mixed payment strategy:
- Credit card for large purchases and hotel payments
- UnionPay or WOWPASS for shopping discounts and instant benefits
- Cash only when necessary
This approach ensures:
- Smooth tax refund processing
- Access to event-linked discounts
- Better expense tracking
Common Payment Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming all stores accept every card
- Forgetting to activate international payment
- Expecting cash-only stores to offer tax refunds
- Using one payment method for all purchases
Planning payment methods in advance prevents checkout delays and missed discounts.
Final Thoughts
During Korea Grand Sale 2026, payment choice matters more than many travelers expect.
Using the right combination of credit cards, UnionPay, and WOWPASS allows you to stack store discounts, payment benefits, and tax refunds efficiently.
Return to the main guide for full planning:
👉 Korea Grand Sale 2026: Official Shopping & Travel Guide
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