Danal shares have drawn market attention. On Aug. 5, the company said that transaction volume for Tencent’s WeChat Pay offline QR payments reached an all-time high in the first half of this year, increasing 62.7% from the same period last year. The growth was mainly driven by an increase in the number of Chinese tourists traveling to South Korea and rising spending at South Korean convenience stores. The year-over-year growth rate of WeChat QR usage among foreign students reached 81.5%, surpassing the expected growth rate of 47.3% for 2025.
Danal’s WeChat Pay Offline QR Transaction Volume Reached an All-Time High in the First Half of 2026
Danal announced on Aug. 5, 2026, that transaction volume for WeChat Pay offline QR payments reached an all-time high in the first half of 2026, increasing 62.7% year over year. Danal said the growth was mainly attributable to an increase in the number of Chinese tourists traveling to South Korea and rising spending by Chinese tourists at South Korean convenience stores.
WeChat QR usage among foreign students, primarily Chinese students, grew 81.5% year over year, far exceeding the expected growth rate of 47.3% for 2025. PayPal transaction volume increased 133.2% year over year.
Danal Expands Its Merchant Network and Advances the K.ONDA Prepaid Card for Foreigners
Danal is actively expanding its network of partner merchants that support WeChat Pay offline QR payments and recently signed franchise agreements with several “unmanned arcade” stores. Danal plans to expand further into shopping, transportation, medical care and health care, and other fields to comprehensively enhance the daily experience of foreign tourists in South Korea.
The main features of the K.ONDA prepaid card for foreigners, launched by the South Korean government, are as follows:
· Online shopping
· Takeout food ordering
· Transit card use
· ATM withdrawals
Danal officially issued the K.ONDA card last month, in July 2026. Dedicated service kiosks have been established in commercial districts popular with foreign tourists, including Gangnam, Myeongdong, Euljiro, Seongsu, and Hongdae.
Shinhan Bank Tuition Payment Service and Growth in Payments by Foreign Students
The tuition payment service for foreign students at South Korean universities, provided through Danal’s partnership with Shinhan Bank (Shinhan Financial Group), also grew. Year-over-year transaction volume growth for WeChat QR and PayPal reached 81.5% and 133.2%, respectively. WeChat QR, used primarily by Chinese students, recorded growth far exceeding the expected rate of 47.3% for 2025.
FAQ
How much did Danal’s WeChat Pay QR transaction volume grow in the first half of 2026?
According to Danal’s Aug. 5, 2026, announcement, WeChat Pay offline QR transaction volume increased 62.7% year over year, reaching an all-time high. The growth was mainly driven by an increase in the number of Chinese tourists traveling to South Korea.
What are the features of the K.ONDA prepaid card for foreigners?
According to reports, K.ONDA offers features including online shopping, takeout food ordering, transit card use, and ATM withdrawals. It was officially issued in July 2026, with dedicated service kiosks in major commercial districts such as Gangnam and Myeongdong.
How did WeChat Pay QR usage among foreign students grow?
According to Danal’s announcement, transaction volume for WeChat QR, used primarily by Chinese students, increased 81.5% year over year, far exceeding the expected growth rate of 47.3% for 2025. PayPal transaction volume increased 133.2% year over year.
