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Earn cash and save big with Busan Pay
Busan Pay, the nation's first local payment system for foreigners, was launched on June 20. Based on Dongbaek Jeon, a payment system used by Busan-based businesses, Busan Pay offers various benefits to international residents and visitors.
Busan Pay comes in two forms: a mobile application and a prepaid card. To download the app, search for "Busan Pay" in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Users must register with an email address. The app is available in English, Chinese and Japanese.
Prepaid cards are free at kiosks in Gimhae International Airport, Busan Station and select tourist information centers. While the physical card is unnecessary, it can pay for transportation and makes a great souvenir.
Users can add money to their cards through various payment methods, such as credit cards, WeChat or Alipay. In addition, certain BNK Busan Bank branches across the city offer one-stop services for card issuance, payment and refunds.
Cards can be registered through the app, allowing users to top them off or report them lost or stolen.
Busan Pay offers the same benefits as Dongbaek Jeon. Participating businesses offer shoppers a 5% to 7% cashback reward when they pay with Busan Pay. If paying by QR code on the app, some stores offer an additional 3% cashback. Affiliated businesses also provide pre-discounts of 3% to 10%. All told, Busan Pay users may receive up to 20% in savings.
The app lists the entire selection of affiliated businesses, including restaurants, cafes, healthcare centers and more.
Furthermore, the city has designated various establishments as "Good Price Businesses" (부산시 지정 착한가격업소). Starting in August, customers at these businesses will receive an additional 5% cashback.
Cashback rewards cover up to 300,000 won in purchases per month.
Unlike Dongbaek Jeon, Busan Pay can be used at department stores and duty-free shops. However, cashback benefits are not provided.
Foreigners can also purchase a Visit Busan Pass through Busan Pay. The pass offers significant discounts at around 160 restaurants, cafes, and accommodations and free access to tourist attractions. When foreigners buy Visit Busan Pass via Busan Pay, they will receive 5% cashback.
Busan Pay makes using public transportation easier. Users can purchase a one- or three-day metro pass or pay taxi fares. However, the card version is required to pay fares on city buses.
The app also offers tourist information, including details on attractions and restaurants. Call center and private chat services are available. Later this year, the app will provide English menus for select restaurants and real-time translation service.
Visit Busan Pay's official website (busanpay.busanbank.co.kr) for an in-depth user guide.
Vocab Spotlight (단어 돋보기)
prepaid card: 선불카드
souvenir: 기념품
Affiliated business: 제휴사, 가맹점