
Buy South Korean Won (KRW) before your trip to Korea
Heading to South Korea soon? Get ready for a wonderful trip filled with countless places to explore. For a smooth travel experience, we always recommend careful preparation in advance. Be sure to research as much as possible about your destination country. Likewise, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the local currency, which in Korea is the South Korean won (KRW). For certain purchases and activities, having some cash in won will prove useful.
While card payments are widely accepted, cash remains necessary in many situations. That’s why we recommend taking enough South Korean won with you in cash. Before your departure, we also advise you to monitor the EUR to KRW exchange rate regularly to ensure you get the best value for the amount you wish to convert.
Budget to plan for South Korea
You should plan for an average daily budget of 95,648 KRW per person. This will cover a mid-range hotel stay for two, meals, and daily public transport.
If you’d like to enjoy traditional Korean cuisine at restaurants during your stay, expect to pay around 8,000 KRW per meal.
35,000 KRW
Average cost of a night’s stay
12,000 KRW
Average food budget per person per day

Good to Know
Some price references in South Korea
1,328 KRW
A public transport ticket
3,100 KRW
A cup of coffee
39,000 KRW
A 24-hour ‘Discover Seoul’ pass
16,245 KRW
A bibimbap dish
800 KRW/km
A taxi ride
FREE
Entry to the National Museum of Korea, in Seoul

Suggestions for your stay in South Korea
- Gyeongju: To immerse yourself in Korean culture, visit Gyeongju, a city full of irresistible charm.
- Suncheon: Home to a botanical garden and ecological bay, Suncheon is a serene destination. Enjoy long walks in the surrounding areas and experience true tranquillity.
- Jeonju: For a timeless getaway, Jeonju offers a traditional atmosphere that will transport you to another era.
- Jeju Island: With its subtropical climate, Jeju is ideal for hiking. Expect breathtaking landscapes. Don't miss Manjanggul Cave – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the longest lava tube in the world.
- Seoul: The unmissable capital. Seoul is a vibrant metropolis offering countless attractions, a blend of modern and historic architecture, art galleries and much more.
About the South Korean Won

South Korean Won denominations
Banknotes: 1,000 KRW, 5,000 KRW, 10,000 KRW, 50,000 KRW
Coins: 1 KRW, 5 KRW, 10 KRW, 50 KRW, 100 KRW, 500 KRW
The Korean won replaced the Korean yen, which circulated from 1910 to 1945. The word "won" itself is derived from the Chinese "yuan" and the Japanese "yen".


South Korean banknotes feature prominent cultural figures and symbols of Korean heritage. The 50,000 won note shows Shin Saimdang – the first woman to appear on a South Korean banknote. She was a renowned artist, writer, calligrapher, and poet.

Why buy South Korean won (KRW) from ChangeGroup?
ChangeGroup has multiple bureaux de change throughout France. We offer competitive rates for your euro to won conversions ahead of your trip to Korea, and access to more than 60 foreign currencies. Before exchanging euros for won, make sure to check the EUR to KRW exchange rate to secure the best deal. Planning ahead and ordering your Korean won online may give you a better rate. We recommend exchanging a good amount to ensure you have enough cash on your trip.
ChangeGroup also offers a buy-back service: we will repurchase your leftover won at the same rate as your original purchase. Did you know you can have your currency delivered directly to your home? Yes – it's now possible. Avoid the trip to a bureau and select the home delivery option when ordering on our website. The service costs just €15.95 and you'll receive your currency within 72 hours.
Traveling soon?
Here's how to easily exchange your money:

1.Choose your currency
Determine the amount you need to enjoy your trip abroad.

2.Select delivery method
Choose between home delivery or branch pick-up. Create an account & finalise your order.

3.Receive your currency
Collect your currency from a branch near you or have it delivered right to your door. Enjoy your trip!