Send Money from South Korea to Pakistan
Compare KRW → PKR exchange rates from top providers
AI Quick Verdict
As of April 11, 2026, the cheapest way to send money from South Korea to Pakistan is via Wise, costing $4.60 in fees with an exchange rate of 1 KRW = 0.19 PKR. Sending $1,000 delivers PKR 187.33 to your recipient in ~1 hour.
Compare KRW → PKR Rates
Best rate — they receive (PKR)
PKR 187.33
via Wise
Sending KRW 1,000 to Pakistan
Updated Apr 11, 04:16 PM
| Provider | Exchange Rate | Fee | Speed | You Send | They Receive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WiseBest rate | 1 KRW = 0.19 PKR | $4.60 | ~1 hour | KRW 1,000 | PKR 187.33 | Send → |
RevolutRunner-up | 1 KRW = 0.19 PKR | $5.00 | ~1 day | KRW 1,000 | PKR 187.26 | Send → |
WorldRemit | 1 KRW = 0.19 PKR | $13.99 | ~6 hours | KRW 1,000 | PKR 185.57 | Send → |
Remitly | 1 KRW = 0.19 PKR | $15.00 | ~3 hours | KRW 1,000 | PKR 185.38 | Send → |
* Rates are indicative. Final rate confirmed at provider's checkout. RateCurb may earn a commission if you click and sign up.
vs Traditional Banks
You save up to $75
on a KRW 1,000 transfer
Wise
BEST RATEBank of America
+5% markup + $35 wire fee
Wells Fargo
+4.5% markup + $25 wire fee
Sending money from South Korea to Pakistan is common among the thousands of Pakistani workers and students living under Korea's Employment Permit System. Digital providers like Wise, Remitly, and WorldRemit consistently offer 3–7% better exchange rates than Korean banks, saving thousands of PKR on every transfer. This guide breaks down fees, speed options, and local regulations so you can send more for less.
Our verdict: Use Remitly Economy or Wise for regular monthly remittances — transfer on a weekday and always compare the final PKR amount, not just the headline fee.
Who Sends Money from South Korea to Pakistan?
The KRW to PKR corridor is primarily driven by Pakistan's growing community of workers and professionals in South Korea — one of Asia's most active labor migration destinations. South Korea hosts tens of thousands of Pakistani nationals under its Employment Permit System (EPS), working in manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. Students at Korean universities, IT professionals, and business owners round out the sender profile. Remittances sent through this corridor often support families directly, covering housing, education, and healthcare costs back home in Pakistan.
Understanding Fees: What You're Actually Paying
Most senders focus on the transfer fee shown at checkout, but the real cost usually hides inside the exchange rate. Banks and some traditional services apply a markup of 3–8% above the mid-market rate — the rate you see on Google or XE.com. On a ₩1,000,000 (roughly $750 USD) transfer, that markup alone can cost you ₩30,000–₩80,000 before any flat fee is added.
- Exchange rate markup: The difference between the mid-market rate and what the provider offers you. Always compare to the live mid-market rate before confirming.
- Flat transfer fees: Charged on top of the rate, typically ₩3,000–₩15,000 per transaction depending on the provider and payment method.
- Receiving fees: Some Pakistani banks charge the recipient a fee upon deposit. Confirm with your recipient's bank in advance.
- Payment method surcharges: Paying by credit card often adds 1.5–3% versus bank transfer or debit card.
Always calculate the total amount your recipient receives in PKR — not just the fee line. That single number tells the full story.
Why Digital Providers Outperform Banks on This Corridor
Korean banks such as KEB Hana Bank and Woori Bank offer international wire transfers, but their exchange rate spreads on KRW/PKR are typically 4–7% above mid-market. Digital-first providers operate with lower overhead and compete aggressively on rate transparency.
- Wise: Uses the mid-market rate with a small transparent percentage fee. Excellent for larger transfers where the rate matters most.
- Remitly: Offers two tiers — Economy (lower fee, slower delivery) and Express (faster, slightly higher fee). Strong PKR payout network across Pakistan.
- WorldRemit: Supports mobile wallet delivery including JazzCash and Easypaisa in Pakistan — a significant convenience for recipients in smaller cities.
- Revolut: Competitive rates during weekday trading hours; note that weekend transfers use a marked-up rate due to closed FX markets.
On a ₩500,000 transfer, the difference between a bank and a digital provider can be 15,000–25,000 PKR more in your recipient's pocket. Over 12 monthly remittances, that gap becomes substantial.
Transfer Speed: Instant vs. Economy
Speed and cost trade off directly on this corridor. Understanding your options helps you plan smarter.
- Instant/Express (under 24 hours): Use when your family needs funds urgently. Typically costs ₩5,000–₩15,000 more or carries a slightly worse rate. Remitly Express and WorldRemit are reliable for same-day PKR delivery.
- Economy/Standard (1–3 business days): The better choice for regular monthly remittances. Rates are more favorable and fees lower. Schedule these during the week to avoid weekend FX markups.
- Bank wire (3–5 days): Slowest and most expensive. Use only when the recipient can only receive via formal bank SWIFT transfer and no digital alternative is available.
Regulatory Considerations in South Korea and Pakistan
South Korea's Financial Intelligence Unit (KoFIU) requires identity verification for all international transfers. Transfers above ₩5,000,000 (approximately $3,700 USD) may require additional documentation explaining the source of funds. Registered foreign workers with an Alien Registration Card (ARC) can send money freely through licensed providers — no special permits required for routine remittances.
In Pakistan, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) regulates inbound remittances. Funds received through formal channels benefit from Pakistan's Roshan Digital Account scheme and face no income tax on remittance receipts under current law. Encouraging your recipient to use a formal bank account or licensed mobile wallet ensures compliance and avoids delays at the receiving end.
Practical Tips to Get the Best Deal
- Transfer on weekdays: FX markets are closed on weekends, prompting providers to widen their spreads. Tuesday through Thursday typically offer the tightest rates.
- Lock in rates when the KRW is strong: Monitor KRW/USD trends — a stronger won means more PKR per transfer. Some providers offer rate alerts via app.
- Batch smaller transfers: If a provider charges a flat fee, consolidating two small transfers into one larger monthly transfer cuts fee duplication without sacrificing rate.
- Use mobile wallets for speed in Pakistan: JazzCash and Easypaisa reach recipients faster than bank deposits in many regions and have no receiving fee.
- Compare before every transfer: Rates shift daily. Spend 60 seconds on a comparison tool before committing — the best provider this month may not be the best next month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best KRW to PKR exchange rate?
The best rates on the KRW to PKR corridor are consistently offered by digital providers like Wise and Remitly, which use rates close to the mid-market benchmark. Korean banks typically apply a 4–7% markup above this rate, so always compare the PKR your recipient actually receives rather than the advertised fee alone.
How long does it take to send money from South Korea to Pakistan?
Digital providers like Remitly Express and WorldRemit can deliver funds to Pakistani bank accounts or mobile wallets such as JazzCash and Easypaisa within minutes to a few hours. Economy transfers via Wise or Remitly Standard typically arrive within 1–3 business days at a lower cost.
What are the fees for sending money from South Korea to Pakistan?
Fees vary by provider and payment method: Wise charges a small percentage fee (typically 0.5–1.5%) with no exchange rate markup, while Remitly charges ₩3,000–₩10,000 flat depending on speed tier. Korean bank international wire fees typically range from ₩10,000–₩30,000 plus a 4–7% rate spread, making them significantly more expensive overall.
Is it safe to use online money transfer services?
Yes — providers like Wise, Remitly, and WorldRemit are licensed financial institutions regulated in South Korea and their home markets, with strong encryption and identity verification. Always use a provider registered with Korea's Financial Services Commission (FSC) and avoid unofficial or unregulated channels, which carry significant fraud risk.
How to send money from South Korea to Pakistan
- 1Choose your provider — Compare rates above and pick the one with the best KRW to PKR rate.
- 2Create a free account — Most providers take under 5 minutes to verify your identity.
- 3Enter your recipient's details— You'll need their bank account number and routing information.
- 4Pay and track — Fund your transfer and track it in real time.