The era of earning even more savings with points when using convenience stores during your trip to Korea has arrived.

Table of Contents

🎉 Earn and use Japan’s Ponta Points at convenience stores in Korea

💳 How to earn Ponta Points｜1 point for every 2,000 won

・Basic point-earning rules

🌟 Special campaign information｜20% points back on your first purchase

🎉 The era of earning and using Japan’s Ponta Points at convenience stores in Korea has arrived

Since December 12, 2025, Japan’s familiar “Ponta Points” can now be used at Korea’s major convenience store chain, “CU.”

Until now, shopping at convenience stores during a trip to Korea often ended up being “just another expense,” right?

But things are different from now on.

From water and snacks to cosmetics and quick meals.

All your purchases during your stay in Korea can now “add up” as points.

What’s more, you can use the points you earn even after returning to Japan, making your trip smarter and more rewarding.

There’s no need to register for a new membership or link an ID. All you need is the Ponta app, making it easy to start using the service right away.

💳 How to earn Ponta Points｜1 point for every 2,000 won

Earning points at CU is very simple.

Just show the dedicated card in the Ponta app at checkout,

and 1 point will automatically be added for every 2,000 won spent.

Basic Point-Earning Rules

• Earning rate: 1 point for every 2,000 won
• Point value: 1 point = the equivalent of 10 won
• How to show it: Display the dedicated card screen from the overseas page in the Ponta app
• Eligible stores: CU stores nationwide in Korea
• When points are added: Generally added immediately (※In some cases, points may be added at a later date)

For example, spending 10,000 won earns you 5 points.

Even with small purchases, using CU several times during your trip can earn you more points than you might expect.

There are many CU stores in popular tourist areas such as Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam, giving you plenty of chances to earn points.

It’s a system that lets your points naturally add up while you explore.

🌟 Special campaign information｜20% points back on your first purchase

To celebrate the launch of the service, a special limited-time campaign is being held from Friday, December 12, 2025, to Thursday, February 5, 2026.

Campaign 1: 20% points back on your first purchase

When you show the dedicated Ponta card and make your first purchase at CU,

you’ll receive an amazing 20% of your purchase amount back in Ponta Points.

Normally, you earn 1 point for every 2,000 won spent (a 0.05% return rate), but the return rate increases dramatically on your first purchase.

For example:

• A purchase of 5,000 won → 100 points (worth approximately 1,000 won)
• A purchase of 50,000 won → 1,000 points, the maximum (worth approximately 10,000 won)

For your first purchase, the smartest way to use this offer is to buy everything you need together.

Campaign 2: Earn a 20-point bonus when shopping at different stores

In addition, every time you show the dedicated Ponta card and make a purchase at a CU store different from the one where you made your first purchase,

you’ll receive a 20-point bonus (with a maximum of 100 points).

Example: 

First purchase at a CU in Myeongdong → Later, shop at different stores in Hongdae, Gangnam, and elsewhere → +20 points per store

Since the maximum is 100 points, you can earn bonuses from up to 5 stores.

Since travelers often visit various areas during their trip, it’s easy to complete this naturally, which is another great benefit.

When campaign points will be added

Points from the initial 20% cashback and the different-store bonus are scheduled to be added around the end of February 2026.

(They won’t be reflected immediately, so look forward to enjoying them after you return home.)

📱 How to use Ponta Points｜Use them freely in Korea and Japan

Using points at CU in Korea

The Ponta Points you earn can also be used for payment at CU in Korea.

You can use at least 1 point (equivalent to 10 won), in increments of 10 points.

On the last day of your trip, why not use your points to buy a drink or souvenirs?

It’s not only a nice way to save a little—it also feels satisfying to use up your points◎

Using them after returning to Japan

Of course, after returning home, you can use them at Ponta partner stores in Japan (such as Lawson) just like your regular Ponta Points.

It’s a wonderful cycle when “shopping in Korea” leads to “savings in Japan,” isn’t it?

※Points have an expiration date, so we recommend regularly checking your balance and expiration date in the app.

🛍️ How to use Ponta Points at CU｜From app setup to usage

To use Ponta Points at CU, it’s reassuring to make a few preparations in advance.

Step 1: Download the Ponta app

First, install the Ponta app on your smartphone.

If you already have the app, we recommend updating it to the latest version in advance.

Step 2: Check the dedicated card on the overseas page in the app

Open the app and go to the overseas page.

The dedicated Ponta card screen for CU Korea will appear, so be sure to check it in advance.

There’s no need to register for a new membership or link an ID. Existing Ponta members can use it as is.

Step 3: Simply show the screen at the register

When shopping at CU, simply show the dedicated card screen in the Ponta app at checkout.

The cashier will scan the barcode.

Even if you’re not confident speaking Korean, you can complete the process just by showing the screen, making it easy to try.

⚠️ Important notes and frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q. Can I use it at all CU stores?

A. It can be used at CU stores throughout Korea.

※However, it may not be available at some stores depending on their system status, so please follow the on-site instructions and displays.

Q. When will my points be reflected?

A. Regular purchase points (1 point for every 2,000 won) are generally added immediately.

※In some cases, they may be added at a later date.

Campaign points (such as the initial 20% cashback and different-store bonuses) may be added at a different time.

Q. Can I earn points regardless of my payment method?

A. Yes. Regardless of your payment method, points will be added as long as you show the Ponta app at checkout.

Q. Do I need to sign up for the campaign in advance?

A. Basically, no. If you show the dedicated Ponta card and shop during the campaign period, purchases that meet the conditions will automatically qualify.

※Please check the official information for detailed conditions and limits.

Q. Do the points expire?

A. Ponta Points have an expiration date. To prevent them from expiring, we recommend regularly checking your balance and expiration date in the app.

※Expiration rules may change depending on the circumstances, so please check the latest information displayed in the app.

🎁 Use them wisely to make your trip to Korea even more rewarding

From now on, using convenience stores during your trip to Korea can become part of your “points-earning routine.”

From buying water and snacks to stocking up on cosmetics and purchasing quick meals—experience how your small everyday purchases can add up as points.

We hope you’ll give it a try.

CU stores are located throughout Korea, so it’s easy to earn points wherever you are during your trip.

Make the most of the campaign period

During the campaign period, you have an especially great opportunity to earn points.

The most efficient approach is to buy as much as possible together on your first purchase to maximize the cashback, then visit different stores while exploring tourist areas to earn the different-store bonuses.

There are many CU stores in major areas such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Hongdae, Gangnam, and Itaewon, so build up your points at your own pace while following your sightseeing plans.

Other special campaigns

Campaigns featuring 50% off coupons for CU and ZIPAIR Points are also being held at the same time.

For details, check the official website (https://www.ponta.jp/c/overseas/korea/).

Even small purchases during your trip can truly add up.

This wonderful change began on December 12, 2025.

On your next trip to Korea, don’t forget to prepare the Ponta app and earn points wisely while saving money.

Since these points can be used both in Korea and Japan, your trip can become even more enjoyable and valuable.

Yeppuriko has brought you reliable Korean information that makes Korea feel closer, safer, and more accessible.