Exchange rate for your Korea trip
British pound to Korean won
What Seoul costs in your money — airport train, subway, taxi and hotels.
£1
₩1,770
£100 = ₩176,991 · ₩10,000 = £5.65
You get about (KRW)
₩176,991
Seoul hotels, priced in GBP
Arirang Hill Hotel Dongdaemun≈ £82.62/night
Orakai Cheonggyesan Hotel, BW Premier Collection≈ £92.75/night
Hotel The Botanik Sewoon Myeongdong≈ £128/night
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Good to know before you land
Coming from the UK? Think of T-money as Korea’s Oyster card — tap in and tap out on the subway and buses — with one catch: you can’t top it up with a UK bank card. The largest Korean note, ₩50,000, is about £28.25.
What Seoul costs in GBP
Your GBP notes in won
| £5 | ₩8,850 |
| £10 | ₩17,699 |
| £20 | ₩35,398 |
| £50 | ₩88,496 |
Korean notes in GBP
| ₩1,000 | £0.56 |
| ₩5,000 | £2.82 |
| ₩10,000 | £5.65 |
| ₩50,000 | £28.25 |
Paying in Korea
- Cards are widely acceptedMost hotels, department stores and shops take Visa, Mastercard and American Express. A few small shops don’t, so check before you order.
- T-money tops up with cash onlyKorea’s transit card works like an Oyster card, but foreign credit cards can’t top it up — keep some won for the station machine or the convenience-store counter.
- Where to exchangeUse a bank or a government-certified exchange booth (look for the “Certified” sign) and skip uncertified booths. Banks are generally open 09:00–16:00 on weekdays.
- ATMsATMs that take international cards carry a “Global” sign. Convenience-store ATMs often charge higher fees.
- No tippingTipping isn’t a Korean custom. Many major hotels and upscale restaurants add a 10% service charge instead.
FAQ
How much is £100 in Korean won?
About ₩176,991 at the Oct 26, 2026 mid-market rate. ₩10,000 is about £5.65, and ₩50,000 — the largest Korean note — is about £28.25.
Will I get this rate when I exchange money?
Not exactly. This is the mid-market rate; banks and exchange booths sell won at their own rate and may charge a fee, so you receive somewhat fewer won. Use it to compare with the rate posted at the counter.
How much is the airport train in GBP?
The all-stop AREX train from Incheon Airport Terminal 1 to Seoul Station is ₩4,750 (about £2.68). The non-stop Express is ₩13,000 at the counter (about £7.34).
Do I need to tip in Korea?
No. Tipping isn’t a Korean custom and staff won’t expect it. Many major hotels and upscale restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill instead.