💳 Payment Methods Guide

Payment can be the biggest hurdle for foreigners in Korea due to strict identity verification laws. Here are the best ways to pay.

1. Domestic Payment Methods (Best Option)

If you have an ARC (Alien Registration Card) and a Korean bank account, set these up immediately.

KakaoPay (카카오페이)

• Pros: Accepted almost everywhere (online & offline), easy to split bills.
• How: Link your Korean bank account in the KakaoTalk app.

Naver Pay (네이버페이)

• Pros: Earns points on Naver Shopping, accepted at many other online stores.
• How: Link your bank account or card.

Korean Credit/Check Cards

• Once you have an ARC, get a check card (debit card) from your bank. It works for all online transactions.

2. Using International Cards

If you don't have a Korean card yet, you can still shop, but options are limited.

Gmarket & 11st (Global)

• These sites explicitly support international credit cards (Visa, MasterCard).
• Gmarket Global: Has an English interface and smooth international card processing.

Coupang

• Eats: Accepts international cards.
• Rocket Delivery: Sometimes accepts international cards, but often requires a Korean card for subscription services like Rocket Wow.

3. Bank Transfer (무통장입금)

This is a lifesaver if you don't have a card set up.

1. Select "무통장입금" (Deposit without bankbook) at checkout.
2. Select your bank.
3. The site will give you a Virtual Account Number (가상계좌) and a deadline.
4. Send the EXACT amount to that account number using your banking app or an ATM.
5. Payment is confirmed automatically (usually instantly).

4. Mobile Phone Payment (휴대폰 결제)

• Charges the amount to your monthly phone bill.
• Requires your phone number to be verified under your name (needs ARC).