For Travelers Who Came Trusting Only Alipay - Where It Works in Korea, and Where It Doesn't

Start with the numbers. Chinese visitors to Korea topped 5 million last year, about three in ten of all foreign tourists (per Korea Tourism Organization tallies), and most have long lived on Alipay and WeChat Pay instead of cash. Arrive with that phone-only habit intact, and the threshold appears immediately - because Korea is a card country, not a QR country.

The cause is a difference in payment infrastructure; the fixes are four. First, at convenience stores, department stores and major shopping districts like Myeongdong, Alipay+ and WeChat Pay QR payments work increasingly widely - check the logos at the register first. Second, **public transit is separate.** Subways and buses require a T-money transit card, and topping up is cash-based - so buy a card and load it with cash at a convenience store right after arrival. Third, traditional markets, street stalls and some small restaurants still take cash only - carrying small bills is the safe play. Fourth, at tax-refund-linked stores you can process mobile payment and the refund together - ask before you pay. Readers of this article will not be the ones stranded at the bus door on day one.