How to Exchange Coupons in Korea: From Mobile to Paper to Cash

FLip Korea
1 day ago
2 min read

Korea is one of the most digitalized countries in the world, and coupons (상품권, sangpumgwon) are part of daily life.

Whether you receive them from your company as a gift, buy them online during a promotion, or get them as a present, these coupons can usually be:

Used directly (mobile barcode or QR code) at stores like Emart, Lotte, GS25, or Starbucks.
Exchanged for paper coupons at official counters or partner shops.
Converted into cash at specialized discount stores (상품권 할인점).

Step 1: Using Mobile Coupons

If you receive a digital coupon on your smartphone (via KakaoTalk, SMS, or brand apps like CU, GS25, Starbucks, Emart, etc.), you can usually show the barcode at the cashier.

For example:

편의점 (convenience stores): GS25, CU, 7-Eleven.
대형마트 (large marts): Emart, Lotte Mart, Homeplus.
커피/외식 (coffee & dining): Starbucks, Paris Baguette, Outback Steakhouse.

Tip: Always check the expiration date (유효기간).

Step 2: Converting Mobile to Paper

Some people prefer paper coupons because they can later be sold, gifted, or exchanged for cash. To do this:

Visit department store gift counters (백화점 상품권 데스크) at Lotte, Hyundai, Shinsegae.
Use kiosks or partner stores that allow barcode → paper voucher printing.
Search on Naver: “모바일 상품권 종이 교환” (mobile sangpumgwon jongi gyohwan).

Step 3: Exchanging Coupons for Cash

If you want actual cash, you need to visit a 상품권 할인점 (coupon discount shop). These are small businesses that buy coupons at a discount and resell them.

Typical rates:

Department store coupons (백화점 상품권): ~95-97% of value.
Mart coupons (마트 상품권): ~92-95% of value.
Oil/gas station coupons (주유 상품권): ~90-93% of value.

How to search on Naver:

“상품권 현금 교환” (sangpumgwon hyeongeum gyohwan)
“상품권 할인점” (sangpumgwon harin-jeom)

오데 (Whereisit) 상품권 할인점

In Seoul, one example is 오데 (Whereisit), located in Mapo-gu.

📍 Address: 서울시 마포구 백범로1길 29 (노고산동) 1층 - Naver Map

📞 Tel: 02-312-3256 / 010-2369-3256

🌐 Website: www.whereisit.co.kr

This store specializes in:

Department store coupons (백화점 상품권)
Mart coupons (이마트, 롯데마트, 홈플러스)
Gas station coupons (주유권)
Movie tickets, hotel vouchers, travel coupons
Gift cards (스타벅스, 교보문고, 문화상품권, etc.)

They offer quick exchanges, both buying and selling, with competitive discount rates.

Tips Before Exchanging Coupons

Compare rates: Shops may vary by 1-3%.
Bring ID: Some stores may ask for identification for large amounts.
Check legitimacy: Always use official counters or trusted long-running stores like 오데.
Beware of scams online: Only use Naver-certified shops or offline stores with a physical address.

Exchanging coupons in Korea is easy once you know the system. Start with mobile usage for convenience, switch to paper when needed, and visit trusted 상품권 할인점 for cash.

If you’re in Seoul, shops like 오데 (Whereisit) in Mapo-gu make the process safe and straightforward.