In recent years, the way people pay for things when travelling has changed dramatically. With the rise of digital wallets and mobile payment services, cashless payments have become the norm, making life easier for both tourists and locals alike. One of the key players in this revolution is Alipay Plus. This innovative platform is connecting millions of international travelers to Korea’s vibrant market through mobile payments, and it’s changing the way we experience the country. Let’s explore how Alipay Plus is transforming travel to Korea, based on the latest trends in 2025.
Alipay Plus is a global wallet gateway that connects a wide range of mobile wallets and digital banking apps from all over the world to merchants in different countries. In simpler terms, it’s like a bridge that links international payment services with local businesses. By doing this, Alipay Plus enables millions of people from different countries to use their favourite mobile wallets to shop, dine, and pay for services in Korea without having to worry about currency exchange or carrying cash.
The platform connects 17 mobile wallets and banking apps to over 2 million merchants in Korea, making it easier than ever for international visitors to enjoy the country. From shopping to transportation, Alipay Plus allows tourists to pay for their experiences in a quick and convenient way.
Looking at the data from the first three quarters of 2025, Alipay Plus has reported a steady increase in the number of cross-border payment transactions in Korea. This marks a period of rapid growth, highlighting the rising popularity of mobile payment systems among international travellers. Whether it’s a shopping spree in Seoul or a trip to Jeju Island, Alipay Plus has made it easier for people to pay with the tap of a button.
One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of PayPay, Japan’s leading cashless payment service, to Korea. As of late September 2025, PayPay has become available in Korea through Alipay Plus, offering even more convenience for Japanese tourists visiting the country. The platform’s widespread availability makes it a go-to payment solution for travelers from all over the world.
According to Alipay Plus, the most popular cities for cross-border payments in Korea are Seoul, Busan, Jeju, Gyeonggi-do, and Incheon. These cities attract a large number of international tourists who enjoy shopping, sightseeing, and exploring local culture. Each of these cities has its own unique appeal, and Alipay Plus is making it easier for visitors to experience them to the fullest.
For example, Seoul, Korea’s capital, is a bustling metropolis full of historical landmarks, shopping districts, and delicious food. Busan, on the other hand, is famous for its beaches and seafood. Jeju Island, a beautiful resort destination, attracts tourists with its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. Thanks to Alipay Plus, tourists in these cities can now enjoy seamless payments at local shops, restaurants, and attractions.
Alipay Plus is not just about making payments easier — it’s also about enhancing the travel experience for tourists. The platform has made significant strides in improving the convenience of payments in areas like shopping, transportation, and dining out. Let’s take a closer look at how Alipay Plus is helping international tourists make the most of their time in Korea.
Shopping and dining out are some of the most common activities for tourists when they visit a new country. Alipay Plus has made these experiences even better by allowing users to make payments at a wide range of merchants across Korea. Whether you’re exploring traditional markets in Seoul or visiting K-beauty stores in Busan, you can pay using your mobile wallet with ease.
Korean food is also a major attraction for tourists, and Alipay Plus has made it easier to pay for meals. Local restaurants, street food stalls, and even large chains are all part of the Alipay Plus network, offering tourists a cashless way to pay for their meals. Plus, the platform is expanding beyond shopping and dining into everyday lifestyle services, further integrating itself into the daily lives of travelers.
Traveling around Korea can be a challenge, especially for tourists who are unfamiliar with the local transportation system. But Alipay Plus is making it easier than ever for travelers to get around the country. Through the platform, tourists can purchase NAMANE transportation cards that can be used for subways, buses, and taxis in major cities like Seoul, Busan, and Incheon.
These transportation cards can be pre-purchased through Alipay Plus-affiliated e-wallets and digital banking apps, and then picked up at convenience stores at Incheon International Airport. This means that travelers don’t have to worry about exchanging money or figuring out how to pay for their transportation. They can simply tap their phone or card, and they’re on their way!
In addition, from October 15, 2025, the eBridge Airport limousine service, which connects Incheon International Airport to central Seoul, will support Alipay Plus payments. This is another example of how Alipay Plus is making it easier for tourists to move around the country without the hassle of cash.
Alipay Plus is also helping to expand the travel radius for international tourists. The platform’s cashless payment options are available in a wide variety of locations, from traditional markets in Seoul to convenience stores in Jeollabuk-do. This makes it easier for travelers to explore both well-known attractions and hidden gems in Korea.
In Jeju Island, for instance, both buses and taxis already support Alipay Plus-based payments. This allows tourists to navigate the island with ease, paying for their rides without worrying about cash. Whether you’re visiting a cultural landmark or simply exploring the local countryside, Alipay Plus helps make your journey more convenient and enjoyable.
One of the key benefits of Alipay Plus is that it helps local merchants grow by connecting them with international customers. By offering cross-border payment solutions, the platform supports small businesses and helps them reach a global audience. This is particularly important for Korea’s tourism industry, as it allows local merchants to tap into the spending power of international visitors.
Alipay Plus is working to make this process even easier by collaborating with local governments and businesses. For example, in a recent partnership with Daegu Metropolitan City and the Daegu Culture and Arts Promotion Agency, Alipay Plus is helping to promote the revitalisation of local commercial districts. This initiative aims to make it easier for tourists to shop and spend money in these areas, ultimately boosting the local economy.
K-beauty, or Korean beauty products, is a booming industry that has taken the world by storm. For many international tourists, experiencing K-beauty is one of the highlights of their trip to Korea. Alipay Plus is playing a key role in making K-beauty more accessible to travelers. The platform has seen a staggering 98% year-over-year increase in the number of transactions at K-beauty clinics during the first three quarters of 2025.
This surge in K-beauty transactions reflects the growing popularity of Korean skincare and cosmetic products. Tourists from around the world are eager to try out these products and services, and Alipay Plus is making it easier for them to make payments. Whether it’s booking a facial treatment at a local beauty clinic or purchasing skincare products from a department store, Alipay Plus is helping tourists indulge in the best of K-beauty.
Looking ahead, Alipay Plus is continuing to expand its reach in Korea. The platform’s goal is to become the go-to payment solution for travelers, providing seamless, cashless experiences in shopping, dining, transportation, and beyond. With its growing network of partners, including major payment providers like Mastercard and Kakao Pay, Alipay Plus is making it easier for tourists to pay at millions of merchants around the world.
By collaborating with global payment services, Alipay Plus is supporting Korean international tourists, allowing them to make NFC payments at over 150 million Mastercard merchants worldwide. This integration ensures that Korean travelers can continue to enjoy the benefits of mobile payments when they travel abroad.
Alipay Plus is transforming the way tourists experience Korea. Through its seamless, cashless payment solutions, the platform is making it easier for international visitors to explore the country, from shopping and dining to transportation and K-beauty. With its expanding network of partners and continued growth, Alipay Plus is set to become an integral part of the travel experience in Korea, connecting travelers to local businesses and enhancing their journeys. As mobile payments continue to grow in popularity, Alipay Plus is helping to shape the future of travel payments, one tap at a time.
