Korean online shoppers pay mainly with local credit cards and mobile wallets such as Kakao Pay, Naver Pay and Toss, so a foreign store that only accepts international cards will lose sales. This guide explains the main payment options, what published sources say about how Koreans pay online, and what to plan before you open a store aimed at Korean buyers. The figures come from third party reports with different dates and methods, so treat them as indicators and not as exact market shares.
The main ways Koreans pay online
Payment guides from Stripe and KOMOJU list the same core methods: credit cards from Korean issuers, mobile wallets (Kakao Pay, Naver Pay, Toss and Payco), bank transfers and virtual accounts. Each shopper tends to have a preferred wallet, so offering several raises the chance of a completed order.
What the numbers suggest
Stripe’s guide, updated in October 2025, cites Antom data that about 49 percent of online transactions in 2023 went through digital wallets, that more than 60 percent of e-commerce payments in a 2023 survey were made by smartphone, and that Kakao Pay had 24 million active users in 2024. KOMOJU’s 2024 guide cites PPRO data that credit cards were used for 72 percent of internet transactions, without giving a year. These measures are not directly comparable, but together they show that cards and wallets both matter and that mobile checkout is essential.
Naver Pay and Kakao Pay
Naver Pay is tied to Naver Shopping and Smart Store, which is one reason Naver stores convert well with Korean buyers. Kakao Pay links to the KakaoTalk app that most Koreans already use. See our guides to Naver Smart Store fees and KakaoTalk for business for how each platform fits into a sales plan.
Installments and authentication
Stripe reports that installment payments, called halbu, are popular for larger purchases, and that many Korean online transactions need at least two forms of authentication such as a PIN or biometrics. Check that your payment provider supports local authentication flows, since a checkout that fails at that step loses the sale.
Foreign cards and cross border selling
KOMOJU notes that global credit cards are accepted only at select locations in Korea and that smaller retailers can struggle to process foreign cards. For a brand selling from overseas, that is a reason to use a payment provider that supports Korean methods, or to sell through a Korean marketplace that handles payment for you. Stripe also reports that Korean prices are displayed with 10 percent VAT included, so show tax inclusive prices on Korean pages. Confirm tax and payment rules with an adviser.
Checkout checklist for a Korean store
Offer Korean wallets and cards, show prices in won with tax included, make checkout work on mobile, write payment and refund wording in Korean, and test the full purchase flow with a Korean tester. Our website localization checklist and product detail page guide cover the rest of the page experience.
Marketplace or own store
A marketplace handles most payment questions for you, while an own store gives more control but more setup. Read Naver Smart Store vs your own website and Gmarket vs Coupang vs 11st to compare.
Where to start
Decide whether to sell through a marketplace or your own site, pick a payment provider that supports Korean methods, and test checkout before launch. If you would like help with setup and localization, see our store setup service or the pricing page.
For a store aimed at Korean buyers, also review the Korea local representative rule.
Frequently asked questions
How do Koreans pay online?
Mainly with local credit cards and mobile wallets such as Kakao Pay, Naver Pay and Toss, plus bank transfers and virtual accounts.
Do I need Kakao Pay and Naver Pay on my store?
Offering several wallets improves conversion, because shoppers have a preferred option. A marketplace such as Naver Smart Store provides Naver Pay by default.
Can Korean shoppers pay with foreign credit cards?
Sometimes, but sources say global cards are accepted only at select locations, so local payment methods are safer for sales to Korean buyers.
Should prices include VAT in Korea?
Stripe reports that prices are shown with 10 percent VAT included. Confirm tax requirements with an adviser.
