Use of foreign-issued credit cards at Seoul subway kiosks has increased since the service’s introduction, with Seoul Station recording the highest payment transaction volume in September, according to the Seoul Metro.
Overseas card transactions at Seoul Station rose 30.4 percent to 27,835 in September from 21,351 in June. Their total value increased 32 percent to 143.19 million won ($108,000) over the same period.
Hongik University Station ranked second in overseas card payment value in September, followed by Myeong-dong, Dongdaemun and Euljiro 1-ga stations. Seoul Station and Hongik University Station are part of the Airport Railroad Express Train that connects to Incheon Airport.
Introduced in March, the service allows passengers to purchase subway tickets at station kiosks using overseas credit cards and digital payment services. Combined transactions totaled 179,483 in September, averaging about 5,983 daily. Sales amounted to 940.2 million won, rising 14.5 percent from 823 million won in March.
Seoul Metro added American Express to its accepted overseas cards in October, joining Visa, Mastercard, JCB and UnionPay.
yunapark@heraldcorp.com