Links between the UK and South Korea keep growing, through study, work, family and trade. You may be paying tuition at a university in Seoul, moving savings before starting a teaching contract in Busan, sending support to family or covering a deposit on a flat. For businesses, it might mean paying Korean electronics suppliers, cosmetics manufacturers or a creative studio.
How much won arrives at the other end comes down to the exchange rate and the fees you pay, and both vary between providers. A slightly better rate on a large payment can save you hundreds of pounds. The Money Cloud compares trusted money transfer providers side by side, so you can see the best deal before you send.
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The rate you see on financial websites is the mid-market rate, the midpoint between the price at which banks buy and sell a currency. Providers seldom give customers this exact rate. They add their own margin, which reduces the amount of won you get for each pound.
Looking at several providers at once shows you the real cost of your transfer. Instead of judging a deal on the fee alone, compare how much won will arrive in the Korean account. That is the number that tells you who is offering the best value.
Bank transfers
UK banks send payments to South Korea through the SWIFT network. It is a reliable method, but the bank's exchange rate usually carries a noticeable margin, and you may pay a fixed fee as well. Intermediary and receiving banks can also deduct charges before the money reaches your recipient.
Money transfer services
Specialist money transfer providers are built around international payments, so they can often offer rates closer to the mid-market rate than banks. Many are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and handle both personal and business transfers. The Money Cloud compares these providers, so you can quickly see who gives you the most won.
Peer-to-peer payment apps
Peer-to-peer apps are useful for small, everyday payments, such as sending money to a friend in Korea. They are fast and simple, but limits can be restrictive and the exchange rate is not always the best. Larger transfers are generally better value through a specialist provider.



We bring together a range of regulated providers so you can compare rates and fees side by side without having to open multiple tabs, create multiple accounts or wade through pages of small print.
We compare regulated providers. Every provider on our platform is authorised and regulated, reassuring you that your money is in safe hands.
We show the full picture. We look at exchange rates and fees together, so you can see the actual euro amount you are likely to receive, not just the headline rate.
We cover all transfer sizes. Whether you are sending a few hundred pounds or a six-figure sum for a property purchase, there are providers suited to your needs.
We work for personal and business customers. From one-off transfers to regular business payments, we help both individuals and companies compare their options.
There is no obligation. Comparing on The Money Cloud is free and does not commit you to anything. You choose if and when to proceed.
This determines how many euros the recipient receives. Even small differences matter for larger amounts.
Some providers charge a flat fee. Others build their cost into the rate. Some do both. Look at the total cost, not just one or the other.
Faster transfers can carry a premium. If your payment is not urgent, a standard transfer may give you a better rate.
Some providers have minimum or maximum transfer amounts. Check these to see if they match your needs before you start.
Confirm that any provider you use is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority or an equivalent regulator. This matters if anything goes wrong.
For large or time-sensitive payments, having access to a real person can make a real difference.

Most people start with their bank because it is familiar and feels straightforward. For simple domestic payments, that convenience makes sense. For international transfers, it often comes at a cost.We bring together a range of regulated providers so you can compare rates and fees side by side without having to open multiple tabs, create multiple accounts or wade through pages of small print.
Banks typically apply wider exchange rate margins than specialist providers and may charge additional fees on top. The combination can make a meaningful difference to the final amount received, particularly on larger transfers.
Specialist money transfer providers exist specifically to handle international payments. They tend to offer more competitive rates, clearer pricing structures and, in many cases, extra features such as rate alerts, forward contracts and dedicated support for larger or time-sensitive transfers.
Neither is automatically better for every situation. The right choice depends on the amount you are sending, how quickly it needs to arrive and what level of support you need. That is why comparing is the sensible first step.
Simply enter the amount you want to send in pounds and choose personal or business. We will show you quotes from trusted providers, and you can then pick the best option and complete your transfer with that provider.
Exchange rates and fees are not the same everywhere, and on larger sums the differences can be significant. Comparing in one place helps you see the full cost and choose with confidence. It works just as well on other Asian routes, such as transferring pounds to Japanese yen.
You will normally need the recipient's full name as held by their bank, their account number, the bank's name and its SWIFT code. You may also be asked for the recipient's address and the reason for the transfer.
