Shop to your heart's content with just one card: 6 traditional markets in Seoul now accept credit card payments

▲ From now on, you can use your card to enjoy food and snacks at traditional markets in Seoul too (Photo / Screenshot fromthe Korea Tourism Organization’s official Facebookpage)

Reported by the Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

When shopping at traditional markets, cash is usually the only payment option. But now, if you visit six well-known traditional markets in Seoul, not only can you pay with T-Money (Korea’s transportation card), but credit card payments are also accepted.

Traditional Korean markets offer a direct glimpse into local life and culture, as well as the most authentic local snacks, making them popular tourist destinations for food lovers. Among them, “Telecom Market” in Seoul has gained immense popularity in recent years, with some items even cheaper than those at large supermarkets. With a wide variety of goods and affordable prices, the market is loved not only by tourists but also by local housewives as a go-to place for grocery shopping.

According to information from the Korea Tourism Organization, starting January 1, 2015, to make things more convenient for both locals and tourists, six traditional markets in Seoul (Telecom Market, Gidong Market, Sinwon Market, Sinchang Market, Yeongcheon Market, and Jeongneung Market) have started accepting credit cards and T-Money payments in addition to cash. Payments can be completed simply by tapping at the card reader near the vendor. Moreover, if you use T-Money for transportation and then shop at a traditional market, you can enjoy a discount when your total spending exceeds 10,000 KRW.

The credit card and T-Money payment services are initially being piloted at six traditional markets in Seoul. It is expected to expand to 330 traditional markets across the city by 2018, allowing both residents and travelers to enjoy food, fun, and shopping with just one card in hand.