Digital Payments Revolutionize South Korea’s Tourism Scene In 2025

Published on December 10, 2025

In 2025, South Korea experienced a notable rise in digital payments. Alipay+ transactions grew by 18% compared to the previous year. This trend indicates a change in how international tourists interact with local businesses. The increase in spending through Alipay+ shows a shift in travel payments, with more visitors using mobile wallets for purchases in various areas, including transportation, food, and beauty services. This shift emphasizes South Korea’s appeal as a travel destination, as digital payments make the experience easier for tourists around the globe.

Tourists from regions like Southeast Asia and mainland China particularly appreciate the ease of paying through Alipay+-supported wallets and bank apps. The service has quickly expanded in major cities, including Seoul, Jeju Island, and Busan. This development enhances the travel experience for visitors and boosts tourism in the country.

Rising Popularity of Alipay+ in South Korea

Alipay+, a global wallet service from Ant International, has made significant progress in connecting tourists to local businesses by allowing payments through preferred mobile payment apps. By November 2025, Alipay+ integrated 21 international digital wallets and bank apps, enabling tourists to pay at over two million merchants in South Korea. This improved access lets tourists make payments in various locations, from night markets and street vendors to high-end beauty clinics and transport services.

Partnerships with major global wallets like Alipay, PayPay, and Touch ‘n Go e-Wallet enable international tourists to conveniently pay for their goods and services. Alipay+ now plays an essential role in South Korea’s tourism sector by offering a quick, reliable, and safe way for visitors to shop and travel throughout the country.

Fast-Growing Spending Categories

Among the various spending categories, transportation, beauty clinics, and food and beverage (F&B) services are experiencing the fastest growth. Transportation transactions saw a dramatic 120% increase year-on-year, with total payment volume growing by 23%. This clearly shows more tourists are using digital payments for their daily travel, including rides on taxis and buses.

Beauty clinic treatments also grew significantly, with transactions rising by 90% and total payment volume increasing by 123%. South Korea’s reputation as a global beauty and wellness destination continues to attract international visitors, who increasingly use Alipay+ to book treatments at popular clinics.

The F&B sector saw substantial growth, with transactions growing by 47% year-on-year and total payment volume increasing by 54%. Tourists are now more likely to pay for meals and snacks using their mobile wallets, further improving their travel experience.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience

For tourists, the rise of Alipay+ in South Korea provides an added level of convenience. Visitors arriving at major transportation hubs like Incheon International Airport can use Alipay+ to pay for airport limousine buses and taxis right away. In Seoul, for example, over 70,000 taxis and 100 airport buses accept Alipay+ payments, simplifying city navigation for visitors.

On Jeju Island, more than 1,200 buses now accept payments through Alipay+, and over 15,000 taxis in Daegu have adopted the platform, too. This smooth integration of digital payments into the public transport system offers a stress-free experience for tourists exploring the country.

Moreover, for those wanting to enjoy South Korea’s cultural and beauty offerings, Alipay+ makes it easy to book services. Chinese tourists can use a mini-program on Alipay to buy tickets from Korea’s railway operator, Korail Networks, or schedule appointments at beauty clinics directly.

Empowering Small and Medium-Sized Businesses

Alipay+ benefits not only tourists but also helps local businesses grow. Most of the two million merchants using Alipay+ in South Korea are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). These businesses can now reach a broader customer base, tapping into the international market.

By using Alipay+’s digital marketing tools, like the A+ Rewards platform, these SMEs can promote themselves to a wider audience. This is especially helpful for merchants in tourist-heavy areas like Myeongdong Night Market, where Alipay+ assists street vendors and local shops in reaching global customers.

Additionally, Alipay+’s AI-driven travel assistant, Voyager, is integrated into partner mobile wallets, creating a seamless experience for travelers. This built-in travel agent enables users to plan, book, and make purchases conveniently, allowing businesses to engage directly with international consumers.

Alipay+ Expands South Korean Payment Options

The growing integration of Alipay+ has extended beyond retail and food purchases. South Korean wallets like Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, and Toss Pay now operate in over 100 international markets, enabling South Korean travelers to make digital payments seamlessly while abroad. This mutually beneficial arrangement enhances the global travel experience, allowing South Korean users to enjoy a smooth payment process anywhere they go.

For instance, Kakao Pay users can make contactless payments at more than 150 million Mastercard merchants worldwide. Alipay+’s NFC payment solution ensures easy transactions across borders for both local and international tourists, helping them manage their finances while traveling.

Conclusion

Alipay+ is transforming how tourists experience South Korea by providing a simple and efficient way to make payments in various locations. With an increasing number of visitors from regions like China, Hong Kong, and Japan embracing digital payments, South Korea’s tourism industry is thriving due to the convenience and accessibility Alipay+ offers.

By collaborating with local merchants, transport networks, and beauty clinics, Alipay+ is not only streamlining transactions for visitors but also aiding businesses in expanding their reach. As digital payments become more significant, Alipay+ is poised to play a larger role in enhancing the travel experience and supporting South Korea’s vibrant tourism industry.