Shinsegae Gift Certificate (신세계 상품권): Where & How to Use in Korea

If you're living in Korea or just arrived recently, there's a good chance someone has handed you a Shinsegae Gift Certificate (신세계 상품권)—maybe as a holiday gift, a work bonus, or even part of a promotional event. It looks fancy, maybe even valuable, but you’re left wondering what to do with it. Where can you actually use it? Can it be spent like cash anywhere, or are there limits? And if you don’t shop at department stores often, is it still useful?

These are common questions, especially among foreigners who aren't yet familiar with how Korean gift certificates work. While the Shinsegae Gift Certificate is incredibly versatile, it does come with a few hidden rules, confusing types, and unexpected restrictions. Unfortunately, most of the instructions and guides out there are in Korean, which makes the experience even more frustrating.

That’s why this guide exists. Whether you want to use your certificate for groceries, dining out, online shopping, or even convert it into cash, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know. With the right information, this little piece of paper—or mobile voucher—can become a surprisingly valuable asset in your daily life in Korea.

What Is a Shinsegae Gift Certificate (신세계 상품권)?

Shinsegae Gift Certificates are one of the most popular gift options in Korea. You might receive one during holidays, special promotions, or as a thank-you gift from a Korean colleague or company.

These gift certificates can be used like cash, but they are not all the same. There are two main types:

Paper Gift Certificate (지류 상품권)

This is the traditional version—physical vouchers printed in denominations like 10,000 won or 50,000 won. You can use them at most offline stores and service locations that accept 신세계 상품권.

Mobile Gift Certificate (모바일 상품권)

This type is sent digitally via text message, KakaoTalk, or an app. It comes with a barcode or PIN number. To use it, you often need to convert it into SSG Money, the digital balance stored inside the SSG PAY app, which can be used both online and in some offline stores.

The biggest mistake people make is confusing these two. One is a physical voucher, the other requires app-based processing. Understanding the difference between SSG Money (the balance) and SSG PAY (the app) will save you time and hassle.

Where Can You Use Shinsegae Gift Certificates in 2025?

The beauty of 신세계 상품권 is that you can use them in a wide variety of places—from department stores and restaurants to spas and bookstores. But be careful: not all locations accept all types of gift certificates, and some only take paper versions.

Let’s break it down by category:

Shopping

Shinsegae Department Store (신세계백화점): All major locations accept both paper and converted mobile gift certificates.
Emart (이마트): Most Emart branches accept both types, but some brand zones (like Apple Store or MUJI) may be excluded.
Emart24 (이마트24): Only some locations (especially direct-run stores) accept the gift certificate. Ask the cashier before paying.
Online: SSG.com, Emart Mall, Shinsegae Mall: You must convert the certificate into SSG Money first via the SSG PAY app.

Dining

Outback Steakhouse, VIPS, Mad for Garlic, Starbucks: Most accept paper certificates. Mobile use may be limited depending on location.
Department Store Restaurants: Many food court and restaurant chains inside Shinsegae Department Store accept the gift certificate.
Always ask if “신세계 상품권 사용 가능해요?” before ordering—especially in food courts.

Culture & Lifestyle

Bookstores: Kyobo Bookstore (교보문고), Youngpoong Bookstore (영풍문고)
Movie Theaters: Some CGV locations that are within Shinsegae properties
Beauty Stores: Chicor (시코르), Olive Young, Watsons (select locations)

Hotels, Spas & Healthcare

Hotels: Westin Chosun, JW Marriott (only those affiliated with Shinsegae)
Spa & Leisure: Spaland in Centum City, golf courses like 자유CC
Medical Services: Some hospitals like Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital (서울성모병원)

How to Use Shinsegae Gift Certificates Without Mistakes

If you’re not familiar with Korean retail practices, using a gift certificate can be trickier than expected. Here are key tips to avoid awkward moments at the counter.

Tell the cashier in advance

Before you pay, say: “I’ll pay with a gift certificate (신세계 상품권으로 결제할게요).”
Some stores need to press a specific button in their system before accepting it.

Know the refund rule

If you use more than 60% of the certificate’s value (or 80% for vouchers under 10,000 won), you can request the leftover balance in cash.

You can’t buy other gift cards

You are not allowed to purchase other prepaid cards or gift vouchers using 신세계 상품권. They are treated as cash equivalents.

Converting Mobile Certificates to SSG Money

To use a mobile certificate online, you must:

Open the SSG PAY app.
Enter your PIN number from the certificate.
Convert it to SSG Money.

Once converted, SSG Money can be used for online purchases or in SSG PAY-affiliated stores. But beware: once you convert it, you cannot cancel the process or get a refund.

How to Buy Shinsegae Gift Certificates at a Discount

Yes, you can buy Shinsegae Gift Certificates (신세계 상품권) for less than face value—if you know where to look. This is a popular way in Korea to save on everyday shopping or gifts.

Official Discount Options

SSG.com & Emart Events: Occasionally offer discounted “exchange-type” vouchers during sales events.
Social Commerce Platforms: Sites like Coupang, TMON, and WEMAKEPRICE sometimes offer mobile certificates at 3–5% off.
Gift Certificate Stores: In areas like Myeongdong or Namdaemun, physical stores sell paper gift certificates at a slight discount (usually 2–3%).

Credit Card Promotions

Some Korean credit cards offer bonus Shinsegae certificates during special events or as part of point redemption. If you're a long-term resident with a Korean card, this can be a good bonus route.

Caution With Secondhand Platforms

You’ll see people selling gift certificates on apps like Danggeun Market (당근마켓) or Bungaejangter (번개장터). But be careful:

Fake or already-used certificates are common scams.
If a deal sounds too good (e.g., 30% off), it’s probably a trap.
Always meet in person, check the physical condition or verify PINs.

If you’re not familiar with Korean resale culture, it’s safer to stick with official retailers.

Can You Turn a Shinsegae Gift Certificate Into Cash?

Technically, yes. But it's not always straightforward, and not all methods are 100% recommended—especially for newcomers. Here are the main ways:

Use-and-Refund Method (Most Legal)

If you spend over 60% of the gift certificate’s value in one transaction, Korean consumer law allows you to request the remaining balance in cash.

Example: You use a 10,000 won certificate to buy a 6,500 won item → you can get 3,500 won in cash back.

Convert to SSG Money and Withdraw (For Mobile Only)

After converting to SSG Money, you can use the SSG PAY app’s “withdraw” feature to send the balance to your Korean bank account.
There’s no fee if you used over 60% of the converted balance.
If under 60%, a 5% fee applies.

This is the most legit way to "cash out" a mobile certificate, but it only works if you're fully verified on the app and have a Korean bank account.

Sell to Gold Shops or Gift Certificate Buyers

In places like Myeongdong, some pawnshops or gift certificate buyers will give you 90–95% of face value in cash. It's fast but may feel shady if you're not confident with Korean.

Where You Cannot Use Shinsegae Gift Certificates

Even though 신세계 상품권 is widely accepted, there are some places where it simply won’t work. The reasons vary—from system limitations to franchise policies—so double-check before paying.

Common No-Go Zones :

No Brand (노브랜드) standalone stores: Only accepted inside Emart, not at separate branches.
Emart Everyday: Only some locations take the paper version; mobile often not accepted.
Convenience Stores: CU, GS25, and most Emart24 franchises don’t accept gift certificates.
Membership Stores: Costco, IKEA, and similar retailers are completely excluded.
Hospital Cafeterias: Even if inside a Shinsegae-related facility, these often don’t accept gift certificates.

FAQ: Foreigners’ Real Questions About 신세계 상품권

Q1. Does the gift certificate expire?

Paper certificates (지류 상품권): No expiration date.
Mobile certificates (모바일 상품권): Yes, they usually expire within 90 days to 1 year, depending on how they were issued. Always check the message or app for exact dates.

Q2. Can I get a cash receipt when I use a Shinsegae Gift Certificate?

Yes, when you use a gift certificate to buy something, you can ask for a cash receipt (현금영수증) for the amount used, just like with regular cash.
However, you cannot get a receipt when you purchase the gift certificate itself.

Q3. Can I use a Shinsegae certificate to charge a Starbucks card?

No. While you can buy drinks and food with the certificate at Starbucks, you cannot load money onto a prepaid Starbucks card using a 신세계 상품권.

Q4. Can I cancel the SSG Money conversion?

No. Once you convert your gift certificate into SSG Money, it cannot be reversed. Be sure to only convert the amount you plan to use soon, since reconverting to paper or getting a refund is not possible.

Q5. What happens if I lose my certificate?

Paper: Lost paper gift certificates cannot be reissued or refunded.
Mobile: If you still have access to the phone or app it was sent to, you can usually recover it through SSG PAY or your message history.

Conclusion: Your Final Takeaway on the Shinsegae Gift Certificate

If you've made it this far, you're no longer a beginner. The Shinsegae Gift Certificate (신세계 상품권) is more powerful than it looks—whether it's paper or mobile. Now, you understand how to use it like cash, how to convert it properly into SSG Money through the SSG PAY app, and how to avoid common refund mistakes.

Don't let confusing Korean instructions or unfamiliar terms hold you back. This gift certificate isn’t just a token—it’s a smart tool that can make your life in Korea easier, cheaper, and more enjoyable.

So go ahead—spend it wisely, save money, and take full advantage of every won. You've earned it.

Check SSG Gift Certificate Deals ➡︎

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