Posted on November 2, 2025
In a bold attempt to accommodate the growing number of Taiwanese visitors to South Korea, department store Lotte has announced that LINE Pay Taiwan will be accepted at all of its locations across the country. This indicates a fundamental change in the way international consumers, especially those from Taiwan, view retail in South Korea. With an increasing number of Taiwanese tourists visiting the country, Lotte department store is using digital payment technology to enhance the shopping experience and make it easier and more convenient for these foreign visitors.
The rise of Taiwanese tourists in South Korea
Taiwan has steadily risen as a major source of international tourists to South Korea. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, Taiwanese tourists ranked third in the number of visitors to South Korea in the first half of the year. This increase reflects not only Korea’s popularity as a travel destination, but also the growing economic and cultural ties between Taiwan and South Korea. With tourism numbers still up nearly 26% compared to the same time last year, the need for better services to meet the needs of Taiwanese visitors is greater than ever.
LINE Pay Taiwan: A familiar payment solution for Taiwanese shoppers
One of the main reasons for the growth in Taiwanese tourist numbers is the familiarity with services such as LINE Pay. LINE Pay Taiwan, Taiwan’s leading digital payment service with over 13.1 million active users, provides a seamless and easy payment experience for Taiwanese customers. By integrating this popular payment platform into its system, Lotte department store aims to eliminate the usual friction that tourists face when using foreign payment methods. The move is expected to make the shopping experience smoother and more familiar, as Taiwanese tourists can use the same payment service they use in their homeland without the hassle of exchanging currencies or dealing with different payment systems.
LINE Pay Taiwan runs on the LINE messaging app, which is widely used across Taiwan for communications, payments and other services. By leveraging an existing platform already embedded in the daily lives of Taiwanese consumers, Lotte department store taps into an established market and meets the needs of its customers in a more direct and efficient manner. This initiative also reflects a broader trend in retail towards adopting mobile payments and digital wallets, which is gaining momentum around the world.
Nationwide rollout: first in the industry
While the rollout of LINE Pay in Taiwan began with a pilot program at Lotte’s Jamsil branch in late September, the full implementation across all Lotte department stores represents a significant milestone for the retail industry. Starting on the 6th of the month, every Lotte department store in the country will accept payment via LINE Pay Taiwan. This nationwide expansion highlights Lotte’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve and providing a service that meets the evolving expectations of foreign customers.
The launch of LINE Pay Taiwan as a payment option is a clear response to the changing dynamics of tourism and retail in South Korea. As global tourism becomes more digital, retailers such as Lotte are increasingly integrating technology into their operations to ensure they can meet the needs of their international customers. The listing of LINE Pay Taiwan is a strategic step towards ensuring Lotte remains competitive and relevant in the global market.
Special promotions for Taiwanese shoppers
To encourage Taiwanese tourists to use LINE Pay Taiwan, Lotte department store has also introduced a range of special promotions. These limited-time offers are intended to provide additional value to customers who choose to pay with LINE Pay Taiwan during their shopping trips in South Korea. From now until January 31 next year, customers who make purchases of KRW 200,000 or KRW 400,000 or more via LINE Pay Taiwan will receive Lotte gift certificates worth 10% of their total spending. This incentive adds an extra layer of appeal to the payment method, encouraging Taiwanese shoppers to make larger purchases and take advantage of the benefits the department store offers.
In addition to gift certificates, customers who use LINE Pay Taiwan will also receive up to 30% back in LINE points, based on the amount they spend. This combination of incentives is designed to enhance the shopping experience and create a stronger connection between the retailer and Taiwanese tourists. The added bonus of earning LINE POINTS makes this payment option particularly attractive, as it allows customers to redeem points for future purchases, adding value to their overall shopping experience.
Enhance the shopping experience of Taiwanese tourists
LINE Pay Taiwan’s introduction is more than just a new payment method; It is a strategic initiative to enhance the one-stop shopping experience for Taiwanese tourists in South Korea. One of the main challenges faced by international visitors is the need to manage foreign currencies, which often requires them to exchange money at less favorable rates or carry cash while shopping. By allowing Taiwanese tourists to use a familiar and secure payment method, Lotte department store greatly simplifies the payment process.
For many tourists, using LINE Pay Taiwan means not having to worry about language barriers, unfamiliar payment systems or complicated exchange rates. This added convenience is likely to make the department store a more attractive destination for Taiwanese visitors looking for a hassle-free shopping experience during their time in South Korea.
Furthermore, this move by department store Lotte is consistent with broader trends in the retail sector, where digital and mobile payment solutions are quickly becoming the norm. With an increasing number of consumers around the world preferring to make payments via mobile apps and digital wallets, the introduction of LINE Pay Taiwan is a timely response to the growing demand for more convenient and flexible payment options.
The future of retail in South Korea
In the longer term, department store Lotte’s decision to integrate LINE Pay Taiwan into its payment system is just the beginning of what may turn out to be a more significant change in South Korea’s retail environment. Retailers will continue to adapt to the evolving needs of their customers as more foreign visitors arrive in the country. Similar initiatives from other retailers will likely follow the launch of mobile payment solutions such as LINE Pay in Taiwan, which will improve the shopping experience for tourists from all over the world.
This new payment method is expected to greatly improve the convenience of Taiwanese tourists’ shopping trips to South Korea. It is certain that more Taiwanese tourists will visit Korean supermarkets because they are accustomed to using the local payment system abroad and know that they can shop easily.
Bottom line, Lotte department store’s choice to launch LINE Pay Taiwan is a calculated, customer-focused move aimed at increasing Taiwanese visitors’ access to and enjoyment of shopping in South Korea. Lotte is positioning itself as a retail leader and a popular destination for overseas shoppers by leveraging digital payment technology and offering personalized promotions. It is clear that Lotte Department Store is paving the way for a more connected and practical shopping experience for guests from all over the world as digital payment solutions develop further.
            