Chinese travelers can now use Alipay in all Starbucks across South Korea
February 12, 2024
By: Payment Week
Seoul – February 11th, 2018 – Alipay, the world’s largest online and mobile payment platform operated by Ant Financial Services Group (“Ant Financial”, “Ant”), is now available for mainland Chinese travelers at over 1,150 Starbucks branches across South Korea. Alipay is the first third-party mobile based payment method enabled nationwide at Starbucks in Korea. Adding to the ease of use, Chinese travelers can pay for their beverages in RMB via Alipay.
“Starbucks branches are among the most visited places by Chinese travelers in South Korea. We will continue to introduce Alipay to more local merchants, including restaurants and shops to make Chinese travelers’ journey as convenient as at home.” said Danny Chung, General Manager of Alipay Korea.
Alipay has also seen a presence at Pyeongchang and Gangreung, making it convenient for Chinese Olympics spectators to pay with ease in South Korea. Around 400 merchants around the area accept Alipay. More than half of these are convenience stores; others include local restaurants, over 20 Starbucks locations, and retail stores.
Merchants in South Korea started to accept Alipay in 2015 and the mobile payment method is now available at various types of merchants across South Korea, including convenience stores, restaurants, coffee shops, department stores, duty free shops and retail brands. Alipay users can also enjoy instant tax refund at four major airports in South Korea.
About Alipay
Operated by Ant Financial Services Group, Alipay is the world’s leading third-party payment platform. Launched in 2004, Alipay currently has over 520 million active registered users. Within the Alipay App, users can obtain information on various business establishments, complete online and offline shopping payments and also choose from a wide range of wealth management and other services aimed at providing a more convenient way of life. In China, over 40 million brick-and-mortar merchants now accept Alipay. Overseas, Alipay now covers 38 countries and regions to provide more diversified services for Chinese travelling overseas.
