Declined cards, reservation hassles: Digital barriers still undermine the Korea travel experience

Foreign tourists in Korea face challenges with payment systems requiring local cards or accounts, despite a surge in visitor numbers, prompting calls for improved digital infrastructure to enhance travel experiences.

2026-05-12

The Weeknd to return to Korea for back-to-back concerts in October

Pop star The Weeknd is scheduled to return to Korea for two concerts in October, eight years after the singer's last performance in the country.

2026-05-11

Online posts denounce Korea's credit score system as 'cruel.' Their author designed it.

A series of Facebook posts calling Korea's credit score system "cruel" has rattled the financial sector — not least because the author helped design it.

2026-05-10

Credit card loans up for 3rd month, hit all-time high in March

Outstanding credit card loans have risen for three consecutive months to reach an all-time high in March amid the economic slowdown and high inflation, data showed Tuesday.

2026-04-21

Lotte Card given notice of $3M penalty, business suspension over massive data breach

Lotte Card has been notified by the financial watchdog that it is liable for around 5 billion won in financial penalties and a business suspension of over four months over a massive data leak, informed sources said Thursday.

2026-04-09

Gas stations, card companies butt heads over fees as prices at the pump surge

The surge in global oil prices driven by the Iran war has gas station operators and credit card companies butting heads over transaction fees.

2026-04-07

Trump administration revokes green cards, visas of Iranian nationals connected to Tehran government

The Trump administration has revoked the green cards or U.S. visas of at least four Iranian nationals connected to the current or former Iranian government, including two who have been detained by immigration authorities and are to be deported.

2026-04-05

Credit card industry's net profit fell by 9 percent last year due to cost increases

Credit card companies in Korea saw their combined net profit fall 9 percent last year from a year earlier, due to a fall in commission income and increased financial costs, data showed Thursday.

2026-03-19

Apple Pay Tmoney allows foreigners, tourists to ride using iPhones

Foreigners and tourists can now use Apple Pay Tmoney to ride subway and buses in Korea using Apple iPhones.