Alipay+, the global wallet gateway service by Ant International, reported an 18% increase in QR code payment transactions in South Korea for 2025, with total payment volume rising by 16% year-on-year. This surge is attributed to tourists increasingly using Alipay+ partner wallets and bank apps for diverse services, including beauty clinics, transportation, and food and beverage (F&B) outlets.
South Korea remains a top destination for tourists from Southeast Asia and the Chinese mainland, with significant spending in cities like Seoul, Jeju Island, and Busan. Notably, tourists from Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, Macao, and the Philippines have also contributed to the growth in Alipay+-supported transactions.
As of November 2025, Alipay+ has integrated 21 international digital wallets and bank apps with over 2 million merchants in South Korea. This integration allows tourists to use their home apps for payments, enhancing convenience. In September, Alipay+ introduced Japan's PayPay service to South Korea, further facilitating seamless transactions for Japanese travellers.
The fastest-growing spending categories include transportation, which saw a 120% increase in transactions, beauty clinics with a 90% rise, and F&B, which grew by 47%. Alipay+ has also partnered with local transport networks, enabling digital payments in taxis and buses across major cities.
Weixiao Jiang, General Manager North Asia and North America at Alipay+, stated, “Alipay+ is committed to driving sustainable travel, by empowering local businesses whilst enhancing travellers’ experiences.” This commitment is evident as Alipay+ continues to expand its reach, connecting 40 mobile payment partners with over 150 million merchants globally.
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