Alipay Plus Expands in South Korea to Revolutionize Tourism Payments with Seamless Digital Transactions for International Visitors

Published on December 9, 2025

South Korea is quickly becoming one of Asia’s most popular tourist destinations, with an increasing number of international visitors. The country’s vibrant culture, rich history, and modern attractions have captivated international visitors. Now, thanks to Alipay Plus, a global mobile payment platform, the country is changing the way international visitors handle their payments. This upgrade is intended to simplify the travel experience by enabling seamless, cashless transactions at millions of merchants across the country.

Alipay+: Enhancing the Travel Payment Experience

Alipay+, a service operated by Ant Group, a subsidiary of Alibaba Group, has rapidly expanded in South Korea. This platform enables international tourists to make payments via a range of mobile wallets and digital banking apps from their home countries. The initiative began with a strategic partnership in September 2023 with Zero Pay, a payment system designed to support small merchants, promoted by South Korea’s Ministry of SMEs and Startups.

This collaboration has paved the way for Alipay+ to provide payment solutions to more than 2 million merchants across South Korea. These include not just major retail chains but also smaller businesses like beauty clinics, convenience stores, and duty-free shops. Tourists from 21 different countries can now use their foreign digital wallets to make transactions, making South Korea even more attractive for international visitors.

Alipay+ in Numbers: Growth and Expansion

The growth of Alipay+ in South Korea has been nothing short of impressive. In 2025, the number of QR payments and the total payment amounts processed via the platform saw substantial increases. Payments through Alipay+ grew by 18% in volume and 16% in total payment value from the previous year. These numbers reflect the growing number of tourists visiting South Korea and the broader expansion of Alipay+ partnerships with local businesses.

The rise in Alipay+ usage highlights a significant shift towards digital payments in South Korea, especially among foreign visitors. The most popular categories for Alipay+ payments in the country include convenience stores, duty-free shops, beauty clinics, and transportation services. In fact, duty-free stores accounted for 39% of all payment amounts, while beauty clinics followed closely behind with 21%.

A Seamless Experience: Payments Across Various Sectors

One of the key benefits of Alipay+ is its broad acceptance. This system supports a variety of services across South Korea, enhancing the convenience for tourists. In particular, the tourism and transportation sectors have seen significant benefits from Alipay+ integration.

Public transportation, including buses, taxis, and airport limousines, is now easier for foreign tourists to navigate. In Seoul, more than 70,000 taxis are equipped to accept Alipay+ payments, and passengers can also use the system to pay for airport limousine fares at Incheon International Airport. On Jeju Island, over 1,200 buses accept Alipay+ payments, making it convenient for visitors to explore the island’s scenic spots without worrying about cash transactions.

Moreover, in Daegu, over 15,000 eZL taxis accept Alipay+ payments, demonstrating how the payment system is becoming an integral part of the local transportation network. Alipay+ is also partnered with Korea’s high-speed rail service, KORAIL, which allows Chinese tourists to use the payment system to purchase KTX train tickets, making the travel experience even more streamlined.

The Rise of Beauty Clinics and Dining Payments

In addition to transportation, Alipay+ is making waves in the beauty and dining sectors. South Korea’s beauty industry is a major draw for international tourists, particularly those interested in K-beauty products and services. Alipay+ has made it easier for foreign visitors to pay for services at over 1,500 beauty clinics across the country. From dermatology treatments to facials and cosmetic procedures, tourists can pay for their beauty services without the need for cash.

Beauty clinic payments through Alipay+ have surged, with the number of transactions rising by 90% year-over-year. The total payment amount increased by a staggering 123%, reflecting the growing popularity of cosmetic services among international visitors. Dining out has also seen an uptick, with food and beverage expenditures increasing by 47%, and the total payment amount for dining experiences rising by 54%.

Supporting Chinese Tourists: A Game-Changer for Visa-Free Arrivals

One of the most exciting developments for the tourism industry in South Korea is the recent visa-free policy for Chinese tourists. This initiative has significantly boosted the number of Chinese visitors to South Korea, and Alipay+ is making it even easier for them to enjoy their stay. Through Alipay+, Chinese tourists can use the same mobile payment system to pay for KTX train tickets, book beauty treatments, and even shop at duty-free stores.

Alipay+ has also developed a dedicated K-beauty mini-programme, allowing tourists to reserve appointments at top beauty clinics, including PPEUM, Toxnfill, and GU, among others. This mini-program further streamlines the experience for tourists seeking to explore South Korea’s renowned beauty offerings.

Expanding Merchant Partnerships and Future Plans

Looking ahead, Alipay+ has ambitious plans to expand its network of small-merchant partners. The platform intends to broaden its reach, especially in collaboration with local governments and commercial districts. This expansion will make it even easier for tourists to make cashless payments, whether they are shopping for souvenirs, dining at local eateries, or exploring cultural attractions.

The plan for 2026 includes working on joint promotions and service initiatives with South Korea’s major commercial districts, such as Gangnam in Seoul, which will drive further adoption of Alipay+ by small merchants. As the platform continues to expand, it promises to enhance the tourism experience by simplifying payment processes for both international visitors and local businesses alike.

The Future of Tourism Payments in South Korea

Alipay+ is poised to transform South Korea’s tourism payment landscape. With its expanding network of partners, the platform ensures that tourists have easy access to cashless payment options wherever they travel. As digital payment systems become the norm, Alipay+ is laying the groundwork for a smooth, frictionless experience that will make South Korea even more appealing to international visitors.

The rapid adoption of Alipay+ in the country reflects the growing reliance on digital technology in travel, allowing tourists to enjoy their stay without having to carry cash. With continued expansion and strategic partnerships, Alipay+ will be at the forefront of South Korea’s digital tourism revolution, contributing to the country’s continued popularity among international visitors.