South Korea recently introduced a convenient way for tourists to manage their finances and travel seamlessly through the Trip.PASS app. Trip.PASS, one of South Korea’s top travel apps, not only facilitates payments and tax refunds, but also acts as a digital identity tool, reducing the need to carry physical documents. Masu.
Korean tourists can now explore the country without the hassle of carrying around credit cards and passports. By linking their debit card to the Trip.PASS app, visitors can enjoy seamless connections on public transport and make electronic payments at various stores.
South Korea’s Trip.PASS app offers document-free travel
Initially available at CU convenience stores and select stores, the app’s functionality will be expanded. By mid-2024, tourists will be able to make payments and receive tax refunds at Shinsegae Duty Free Shop, GS25 Convenience Store, and Hyundai Department Store.
The initiative is expected to benefit Seoul’s shopkeepers and small businesses by eliminating the need for special payment terminals and passport readers. The Trip.PASS app streamlines transactions, requiring store owners to scan a QR code for purchases and tax refunds.
The updated version of the app is now accessible on the Google Play Store for Android users. It is expected to be available to iPhone users by the end of January 2024.
As part of a broader strategy to attract 30 million tourists from around the world by 2026, the South Korean government previously launched Taba, a taxi app designed for foreign tourists. In addition, the real-time translation service has been installed at the tourist information center at Seoul’s Myeong-dong Station, and the service is expected to be expanded to five more subway stations in the city.
(Feature image credit: Harry Cunnigham/Unsplash)
Related: A handy guide to your next Korea road trip