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South Korea – A paradise for tourism and shopping for Vietnamese people.
South Korea consistently ranks among the most popular destinations for both Vietnamese and international tourists. According to the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in Vietnam, as of the end of November 2025, South Korea had welcomed over 508,000 Vietnamese visitors, a 6.9% increase compared to the same period the previous year, with particularly vibrant activity towards the end of the year. This is also the time when shopping districts in Seoul, Busan, and Incheon become bustling with holiday sales, while fashion, cosmetics, and technology stores continuously launch new products. Therefore, many Vietnamese tourists view their trip to South Korea as a true "shopping trip," not just a cultural or entertainment experience.
However, along with that allure comes a considerable expense. With the mindset of "traveling only once in a while," many tourists tend to shop more, rather than spending in small amounts. Technology products in South Korea are already expensive, not to mention high-end beauty services for international visitors, which are also significant costs. In this context, installment purchases via credit card at the destination are gradually becoming a popular choice for many Vietnamese tourists when traveling to South Korea. Instead of paying the entire cost at once, installment purchases allow consumers to manage their finances more effectively, allocate their budget more wisely, and still access quality and trendy products. This spending method also reflects modern consumer trends, where flexibility and planning are prioritized to optimize the shopping experience.
A more complete payment and travel experience solution.
In this context, several banks have quickly launched installment purchase services in South Korea, including SACOMBANK. Beyond just cross-border installment solutions, this bank also combines incentives such as cashback or waived installment conversion fees for Visa credit card holders when shopping at stores, websites, or apps in South Korea, for transactions of 1 million won or more and a term of 3-6 months.
The core of these solutions lies not in promotions, but in the value of the experience: enabling tourists to shop flexibly, without interruption, and remain proactive in their financial planning. The registration, confirmation, and transaction tracking processes are conducted entirely through the banking app, aligning with the increasingly prevalent digital consumption habits.
Furthermore, Visa cards are designed to meet a variety of needs, from accumulating frequent flyer miles and assisting with currency conversion fees to offering travel insurance benefits or promoting sustainable consumption. Some products even incorporate environmental considerations, helping users understand the impact of their spending and adjust their habits to be more responsible.
As travel itineraries become increasingly intertwined with shopping and high-value experiences, the role of smart payment solutions is becoming clearer. They don't dictate whether you go or come, but they can make trips smoother, more comfortable, and less financially stressful.
