Won (KRW; symbol ₩). Notes are in denominations of ₩10,000, 5,000 and 1,000. Chon means ‘one thousand'. New 50,000-won and 100,000-won banknotes are scheduled to be introduced in early 2009. Coins are in denominations of ₩500, 100, 50 and 10.

Foreign banknotes and travellers cheques can be exchanged at foreign exchange banks and other authorised money changers.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted at major hotels, shops and restaurants in the larger cities. You may not be able use credit cards at small businesses and in rural areas. You may also want to check whether your credit card is accepted by looking at door signs before you enter an establishment. ATMs are available in all major cities, but not all of them will accept international cards. Just keep trying different outlets until you see a logo you recognise on the machine. Cards with the Plus and Cirrus logos are the easiest to use and most widely accepted in Korea.

Accepted, but may be difficult to change in smaller towns. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Restrictions apply.

Mon-Fri 0900-1700.