Using UnionPay Cards: how it works in South Korea — first-hand

Reliability: 1. Direct payment at POS terminals is rare (mostly Daiso, Olive Young, NICE terminals). 2. ATM cash withdrawals (Woori Bank is reported as reliable) are the primary use case. 3. For stable payments, consider using Wowpass (can be topped up via intermediaries) or international cards issued in CIS countries.

Russian bank cards, especially UnionPay (even from banks like Rosselkhozbank - RSB), have limited acceptance, primarily for ATM withdrawals. Larger retailers like Lotte may decline standard Visa Gold but accept Visa Platinum. Smaller shops, cafes, and laundromats might accept the same cards without issue. Foreign cards typically have daily withdrawal limits (around 700,000 KRW) and transaction fees. For significant purchases, plan to split payments across days and locate compatible ATMs. Carrying local currency (KRW) is advisable, especially for markets and street food. For transportation, the T-money card is essential and can be topped up via the Wowpass app or convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7/11). The Wowpass tourist card is widely accepted but has reportedly failed in taxis on Jeju Island, making cash a safer bet there.

While some users report successful transactions in various stores (e.g., Olive Young, Daiso, clothing stores), many experience difficulties or outright rejections. Cards are generally more reliable for ATM cash withdrawals. The success rate may vary depending on the specific bank and merchant. It is advisable to have alternative payment methods, such as USD cash for exchange or a local Korean card.

Payment terminals sometimes prompt for a 6-digit code after the PIN, and card usage may become restricted after multiple attempts. ATM withdrawals might also fail. Customer support suggests resetting PIN via ATM balance inquiry, but this is not always effective. Workarounds mentioned include entering '00' after the PIN or using Yandex Browser.

While generally functional for cash withdrawals from ATMs, their acceptance for purchases in stores is inconsistent. Some users report successful transactions in various retail environments, while others find them only partially accepted or not at all. It is advisable to carry alternative payment methods such as USD cash for exchange or a local Korean card.

Their functionality is primarily restricted to specific ATMs for cash withdrawals. Point-of-sale transactions are generally unreliable. Travelers should rely on alternative payment methods like international Visa or Mastercard, or carry sufficient South Korean Won (KRW) for transactions.

UnionPay cards from specific Russian banks like Rosselkhozbank and Asia-Pacific Bank are mentioned as potentially working for cash withdrawals. QR code payments, which are common in China, are generally not functional with Russian bank cards in Korea due to political and banking restrictions.

ATM withdrawals are generally possible. It is advisable to use newer US dollar bills for exchange, as older notes may not be accepted everywhere. Smaller exchange offices, such as those in Myeongdong, often offer more favorable rates than major banks.

Acceptance can be inconsistent, and Apple Pay with foreign-linked cards has limited compatibility.

In South Korea, UnionPay acceptance is limited, with ATB UnionPay being useful for cash withdrawals. It's recommended to have local currency or alternative payment methods.

Payment for purchases is limited to select locations, such as some Olive Young stores and smaller shops.