South Korea in cash.
Seoul runs on cards, yet traditional markets, temples and small tables love the ringing won. The 50'000 note breaks anywhere without drama.
Helvetica Exchange prepares your KRW travel envelope at Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, 1204 Geneva (Rive district) — the posted rate, no separate commission, Monday–Friday 08:30–18:30 and Saturday 09:00–17:00. Reserve and your rate is held for 3 hours during opening hours; ID from the LBA thresholds.
The cities, chosen.
Seoul
Joseon palaces, hanok lanes and K-culture until the end of the night.
Gyeongbokgung in hanbok — Entry is free if you rent the royal costume — photos for the ages.
Korean BBQ — Pork belly grilled at the table, sesame leaves and iced soju.
Busan
Korea's Marseille — urban beaches, a temple on the rocks and market sashimi.
Haedong Yonggungsa — The temple facing the waves, superb at sunrise.
Jagalchi Market — Choose your fish alive; it is grilled upstairs.
Jeju
The volcanic honeymoon island — craters, waterfalls and haenyeo diving women.
Sunrise at Seongsan Ilchulbong — The UNESCO-listed volcanic cone, an hour's walk.
Getting around.
The KTX flies Seoul → Busan in 2 h 40; a T-money card (cash top-ups) opens metro and buses nationwide. Jeju is an hour away by low-cost flight.
Cash & banknotes.
Budget ₩90'000 a day travelling simply, ₩160'000 in comfort — markets serve a feast for ₩8'000. Cards nearly everywhere, but temples, markets and buses prefer cash — and T-money tops up in cash only.
| Rate reservation | held 3 hours, during opening hours |
| Counter hours | Mon–Fri 08:30–18:30 · Sat 09:00–17:00 |
| Commission | none — the margin lives in the posted rate |
Before you go.
How many won per day?
₩90'000 travelling simply, ₩160'000 in comfort — markets serve a feast for ₩8'000.
Does a Swiss card work everywhere?
Almost — but temples, markets and buses prefer cash, and the T-money card tops up in cash only.
Indicative amounts — rate reservable for 3 hours · Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, Geneva · Guide complet en français