Published on
December 9, 2025
Ant International’s Alipay+ has also demonstrated wider acceptance in South Korea in 2025, as evidenced by an 18% growth in QR code payment transactions and 16% growth in payment volume over the year. Most tourists who use the Alipay+ partner wallets and banking apps spend on multiple services such as beauty care, transport, and food. With the recovery and growth in tourism in Alipay+ has assisted in improving the ease and efficiency of spending for foreign tourists and local companies.
Surge in QR Code Payments Amid Rising Tourist Arrivals
South Korea remains one of the most popular travel destinations for tourists from Southeast Asia and mainland China, drawing millions of visitors each year. In particular, cities like Seoul, Jeju Island, and Busan continue to be hotspots for international tourists seeking a blend of culture, shopping, and food experiences. With the rise in inbound tourism, there has been a corresponding increase in the use of Alipay+, which facilitates payments for a range of services.
The surge in Alipay+-supported transactions is a direct result of tourists increasingly using their mobile wallets for everyday spending. Whether it’s booking transport, paying for meals, or receiving services at beauty clinics, the seamless nature of digital wallets has made it easier for tourists to navigate payments without the need to carry large amounts of cash or exchange foreign currency. With this increase in usage, South Korea’s local economy benefits from greater spending power, as tourists embrace the convenience of using their home apps for payments, creating a frictionless shopping and travel experience.
Key Contributors to the Payment Surge
Tourists from countries such as Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Macao, and the Philippines have been particularly instrumental in driving the growth of Alipay+-enabled transactions in South Korea. These nations represent key markets for South Korea’s tourism industry, with visitors flocking to enjoy the country’s vibrant culture, historical landmarks, and high-quality retail and entertainment options.
Alipay+ has made the payment experience even more convenient for these international travellers by integrating multiple wallets and banking apps. As of November 2025, Alipay+ has partnered with 21 international digital wallets and bank apps, giving tourists the flexibility to use their familiar payment methods. This convenience extends beyond just shopping and dining; Alipay+ enables payments for services like taxis, public transport, and even medical services, ensuring that visitors can effortlessly pay for any aspect of their trip.
The expansion of Alipay+ services in South Korea is a testament to the growing demand for digital payment solutions. With more than 2 million merchants now accepting Alipay+ in South Korea, the service has significantly increased the accessibility and range of options available for tourists, while simultaneously benefiting local businesses by attracting international customers.
A Look at the Fastest-Growing Payment Categories
Among the various sectors benefiting from the rise in digital wallet transactions, transportation has seen the largest growth, with a remarkable 120% increase in transaction volumes. The growth of digital payments in transportation is particularly significant, as tourists now have the convenience of using their mobile wallets to pay for taxis, buses, and even metro rides in major cities like Seoul. This change is particularly advantageous for visitors, as it eliminates the need to worry about carrying cash or handling foreign currency exchanges, making the travel experience much more convenient.
Beauty clinics have also emerged as a significant sector for Alipay+, with 90% growth in transactions. South Korea is known for its thriving beauty and wellness industry, attracting tourists who seek cosmetic treatments, skincare products, and beauty-related services. The convenience of mobile payments has further fueled this growth, as tourists can seamlessly pay for high-end treatments and services at local beauty clinics, adding to the country’s appeal as a destination for beauty tourism.
The food and beverage (F&B) sector is another area where Alipay+ has contributed to increased spending, with transactions rising by 47%. South Korea’s diverse culinary scene is a major attraction for tourists, and with the convenience of digital payment methods, visitors can now pay effortlessly at restaurants, street vendors, and cafes across the country. This increase in F&B transactions is reflective of a broader trend towards digital payments in the hospitality industry, as tourists and locals alike embrace cashless solutions for everyday spending.
Introducing PayPay for Seamless Travel Across Borders
One of the standout developments in Alipay+’s expansion in South Korea has been the introduction of PayPay, a popular mobile wallet from Japan. This integration, introduced in September 2025, allows Japanese travellers to use their PayPay app in South Korea, further facilitating seamless cross-border payments for tourists. The addition of PayPay enhances the interoperability of Alipay+, making it even more convenient for international visitors to use their preferred payment methods, regardless of their country of origin.
By supporting international wallets like PayPay, Alipay+ is building a bridge between East Asian economies and creating a more cohesive payment ecosystem. The integration of multiple wallets makes it easier for tourists to transition from one destination to the next, without the need to change payment methods or deal with the hassle of converting currency.
Alipay+ and Sustainable Travel: A Commitment to Empowering Local Businesses
Weixiao Jiang, the General Manager of North Asia and North America at Alipay+, highlighted the platform’s commitment to supporting sustainable travel by empowering local businesses and enhancing the overall travel experience for tourists. Through its growing network of payment partners and its continuous focus on improving the travel experience, Alipay+ is not only enhancing convenience for international visitors but also driving economic benefits for South Korean merchants.
The expanding use of Alipay+ also contributes to a more sustainable tourism ecosystem. By supporting cashless payments, Alipay+ helps reduce the reliance on paper currency, contributing to a more environmentally friendly approach to tourism. Furthermore, by allowing tourists to use their own digital wallets, Alipay+ is helping foster a more inclusive and accessible tourism experience that benefits businesses and travellers alike.
The Future of Alipay+ in South Korea and Beyond
Looking ahead, Alipay+ is poised to continue its expansion across South Korea and beyond. As it further integrates with digital wallets from around the world, the platform is likely to see even more growth in transactions and merchant adoption. For tourists, this means a seamless, hassle-free experience when travelling not only in South Korea but across multiple international destinations.
In conclusion, Alipay+ has significantly impacted the travel and tourism sectors in South Korea, facilitating increased spending by tourists while enhancing the overall travel experience. With its expanding network of digital wallets, growing acceptance across local businesses, and commitment to sustainable travel, Alipay+ is reshaping the future of travel payments, making it easier and more efficient for tourists to explore South Korea and beyond.
Alipay+ Facilitates the Future of Tourism in South Korea
Alipay+ has brought even more attention to mobile payments in the travel industry. Tourists can easily take advantage of South Korea’s new digital payments in the travel industry, which in turn supports South Korean businesses. The travel industry, while recovering from the pandemic, has shaped and will continue to shape, Alipay+ travel payments and the uploaded digital services.
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