GLN International Expands South Korean QR Payment Network to 1.5 Million Merchants

Quick Summary

GLN International, a Hana Bank subsidiary, has expanded its South Korean QR payment network to 1.5 million merchants through a partnership with Coocon. This integration allows international travelers to pay seamlessly via their home banking apps at 500,000 additional Seoul Pay locations across South Korea.

How Does GLN Expand Access for International Travelers?

GLN International solves the cross-border payment friction for visitors by integrating the Seoul Pay network into its existing infrastructure. By partnering with Coocon, GLN has added 500,000 Merchant Presented Mode (MPM) locations, bringing the total network to 1.5 million merchants. This allows travelers from regions like Taiwan - and soon the U.S. and Singapore - to use their native fintech apps without the need for physical currency exchange or local cards.

• 500,000 new merchants added via Seoul Pay integration.
• 1.5 million total QR-enabled locations across Korea.
• Zero currency exchange required for international app users.

What Results Has the QR Payment Expansion Delivered?

The digital payment adoption among inbound tourists has seen explosive growth. GLN reports that transaction volume and value increased by approximately 1,000% in the first half of 2026 compared to late 2025. This surge is driven by a shift in tourist spending patterns, moving from traditional hubs like Myeong-dong to trendy districts like Seongsu and regional destinations like Busan and Jeju.

• 1,000% growth in transaction value and volume.
• Broad geographic reach covering Seoul, Busan, and Jeju.
• High-growth sectors include medical tourism, beauty clinics, and retail.

How Will GLN Scale Its Global Payment Network?

GLN International is positioning itself as a cross-border QR leader by targeting a network of 10 countries by 2027. Later this year, the South Korean QR payment service will launch for visitors from the United States, Canada, and Vietnam. Furthermore, GLN supports outbound Korean travelers with access to 230 million merchants across 15 countries, including Japan and Indonesia, solidifying its role in the Asian payment ecosystem.

"We will continue expanding our QR payment merchant network to provide inbound international travelers with a simple and convenient payment experience while contributing to the growth of local businesses and Korea's tourism industry," said Lee Suk, CEO of GLN.

FF NEWS TAKE:

This expansion is a significant move that highlights the maturing of interoperable QR networks in Asia. By hitting 1.5 million merchants, GLN isn't just adding scale; they are proving that local payment rails like Seoul Pay can be successfully bridged to global wallets. The 1,000% growth metric is a clear indicator that travelers prioritize frictionless digital checkout over traditional cash or card methods, moving the needle for Korean tourism tech.