PayPay expands reach to 2 million South Korea stores via Alipay+ gateway

Users must complete identity verification on the PayPay app in Japan.

PayPay will be accepted at more than 2 million merchants across South Korea from late September 2025 through Alipay+, a wallet gateway operated by Ant International.

The move will allow PayPay’s 70 million registered users to pay at shops, restaurants, convenience stores and tourist spots across South Korea wherever the Alipay+ logo is displayed. 

Users must complete identity verification on the PayPay app in Japan before making payments.

Data from the Korea Tourism Organization show that more than 3.2 million Japanese visited the country in 2024, up 39.2% from 2023. Spending by tourists has been expanding beyond duty-free outlets to K-beauty shops, lifestyle stores and local eateries.

Alipay+ already supports 17 payment partners in South Korea, covering shopping, dining, transport and other travel-related services. 

Globally, the platform connects 100 million merchants in 70 markets.

In Japan, Alipay+ works with PayPay and other local partners to bring 21 e-wallets and bank apps from 13 countries and regions to more than 3 million merchants, particularly in the tourism sector.