Local Tip
UK bank cards don't work at Busan's metro gates or on bus readers, so buy a T-money card at a convenience store and keep 1,000- and 10,000-won notes for top-ups, as some machines take only cash.
Where to change money in Busan
Money Box, a Korean exchange chain, has branches in Nampo-dong, Seomyeon and Haeundae as well as at the airport, where its currency list includes sterling. Hours vary by branch; Money Box's website lists them.
- Nampo-dongMoney Box's Nampo branch is at 38 Gwangbok-ro, Jung-gu. Creatrip's July 2026 guide also reports a handful of other exchange offices a few minutes' walk from Nampo Station Exit 7, so you can compare offers on foot.
- SeomyeonMoney Box's Seomyeon branch is at 56 Seomyeon-ro, Busanjin-gu, handy if you're staying in central Busan.
- HaeundaeClose to the beach, Money Box has a branch on the ground floor of the Kolon Seacloud Hotel building at 287 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro.
Changing money at the airport
At Gimhae International Airport (PUS), BNK Busan Bank changes money in the second-floor departures area of the international terminal, near Gate 3, from 6am to 9pm daily; Visit Busan asks you to bring your passport. Travel platform NOL World also lists a first-floor bank counter near Gate 4, with the same hours, handier on arrival. Money Box's airport branch, open 6am to 9pm, is at the light rail station (165 Gonghangjinip-ro), and Creatrip found a 24-hour exchange machine at the station in May 2026.
ATMs and cards in Busan
Not every Korean cash machine takes foreign cards: look for 'Global ATM' signs, or try a convenience-store machine, as many accept them. Check your UK bank's fees for withdrawals abroad before you go. Korean screens sometimes show a sterling price beside the won amount: go with won (KRW), which leaves the conversion to your card provider rather than the machine's operator. CafΓ©s, restaurants and bigger shops generally take cards; street-food stalls and traditional markets often want cash.
Paying for transport in Busan
Korean public transport isn't yet linked to international contactless card networks; the Korea Herald reported in December 2025 that this should change in 2027 at the earliest. In Busan you need a transit card: the city's Hanaro card, or T-money, Cashbee or Mybi, topped up at convenience stores, Busan Bank branches or metro ticket machines. A basic (Section 1) adult metro ride costs 1,600 won by transit card or 1,700 won by QR ticket; fares may change. Since 21 September 2026, users of apps such as Alipay or WeChat Pay can also pay city bus fares by scanning the Zero Pay QR code on board, at a flat 1,700 won for all ages with no transfer discount.
Good to know
- Bring the passport itself: Money Box kiosks ask for a passport or ID scan, and a phone photo of it may be refused.
- Count your won and compare it with the on-screen total before you step away from the counter or kiosk.
- Deluxe and large taxis cost 50 per cent more than regular taxis in Busan, so check which type you're flagging down.
Key Areas in Busan
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Exchange bureaux, banks and cash machines, as mapped by OpenStreetMap. The map loads only when you ask for it.
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Busan travel money FAQ
Where is the best place to exchange money in Busan?
Money Box has branches in Nampo-dong, Seomyeon and Haeundae, and Creatrip reports several other exchange offices near Nampo Station Exit 7. Take your passport.
Can I change money when I land at Gimhae Airport?
Yes. BNK Busan Bank's counter on the international terminal's second floor opens from 6am to 9pm daily, and Money Box's branch at the airport light rail station keeps the same hours.
Can I pay Busan bus and metro fares with my UK bank card?
No, not by tapping it: you need a Hanaro, T-money, Cashbee or Mybi transit card loaded with won. Alipay or WeChat Pay users can instead scan the Zero Pay QR code on city buses, at 1,700 won a ride.
Checked September 2026. Fees, fares and opening times change, so check locally before relying on them. Sources: Money Box Β· Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit Β· Creatrip Β· Korea Tourism Organization (VisitKorea) Β· Visit Busan (Busan Tourism Organization) Β· Busan Metropolitan City (Daily Busan)
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