On the bustling streets of Seoul, a quiet revolution is taking place—not in boardrooms or trading floors, but right in the palms of everyday people. As smartphones become ever more embedded in daily life, a new wave of financial technology is reshaping how Koreans, especially those in their 20s and 30s, manage their money. From walking to work to playing simple games, these activities are now being transformed into small but meaningful earnings through innovative app-based platforms.
This trend, known as "app-tech" (a blend of "application" and "financial technology"), has surged in popularity as young adults seek out ways to supplement their income without the risks and volatility of traditional investments. According to reporting from Maeil Business Newspaper, the appeal is simple: users can earn points or cash equivalents by walking, checking in daily, watching ads, or completing other easy tasks. For many, it’s a way to make a little extra each month—just enough to cover a few cups of coffee or an occasional treat.
“It’s not a huge sum, but it covers my coffee expenses,” said Ms. Lee, a 34-year-old office worker who uses her commute to rack up steps and collect points. “It feels like I’m earning money and staying healthy at the same time, so I keep doing it.” Her sentiment is echoed by thousands of others who have embraced app-tech as a low-barrier, risk-free way to improve their financial footing amid high inflation and unpredictable investment markets.
The landscape of app-tech is rapidly evolving. What began as simple pedometer apps has expanded into a diverse ecosystem of platforms, each offering unique ways to earn. The Seoul city government, for example, has taken a proactive role with its "Wrist Doctor 9988" health management app. By completing daily missions like walking 8,000 steps, users—whether Seoul residents or those working in the city—can accumulate points. These points can be converted to "Seoul Pay" and used at hospitals, convenience stores, and other participating locations, with a cap of 100,000 points per user. The program’s design encourages healthy habits while providing tangible rewards, illustrating how public initiatives can blend wellness and financial incentives.
Private sector platforms are also thriving. Cashwalk, Moneywalk, and Superwalk remain among the most popular, offering points based on step counts and additional bonuses for completing quizzes or simple challenges. The competitive edge lies in the variety of missions and the speed at which users can accumulate rewards. Many participants, eager to maximize their earnings, employ a "multi-app-tech" strategy—using two to five apps simultaneously so that the same steps or activities yield multiple streams of points.
Financial companies are now racing to join the app-tech movement, further legitimizing and expanding its reach. Toss, a leading fintech company, offers users points for their daily steps, seamlessly integrating health and finance. Samsung Financial’s integrated app, Monimo, hands out "jelly" rewards for those who walk at least 5,000 steps a day, with extra incentives for maintaining streaks over 10 days. These jellies can even be converted into cash, making the rewards feel more tangible.
Kyobo Life Insurance has launched "Kyobo Raffle," which allows users to earn points not only from walking but also from completing various missions. These points can be exchanged for bookstore credits or gifticons, blending lifestyle perks with financial incentives. And then there’s Kakao Bank, which is taking a playful approach by introducing game elements into its app-tech offerings.
Through its “Fun with Subway” event, running until March 24, 2026, Kakao Bank users can participate in simple games—like matching cards, color challenges, or memory tests—to earn points. The rewards are substantial for lucky participants: up to 70,000 users who engage in at least three sessions can receive Subway points redeemable at stores, with prizes ranging from 1,000 to 30,000 points. It’s a clever way to keep users engaged and coming back for more, while also building brand loyalty in a highly competitive market.
Despite the fun and convenience, industry experts caution that app-tech should be seen as a tool for developing good financial habits rather than a path to significant wealth. Daily earnings typically range from a few dozen to about 100 Korean won, which can add up to several thousand to 10,000 won a month if used consistently. “App-tech is best viewed as a way to create small cash flows in daily life, not as a get-rich-quick scheme,” an industry insider told Maeil Business Newspaper. The key, they say, is to use these platforms as a starting point for saving and investing, rather than letting the rewards slip away in everyday consumption.
There are, however, important caveats. Most app-tech platforms require users to share personal data or be exposed to targeted advertising. Experts recommend that users carefully review the terms and conditions before signing up, ensuring that their privacy and data are adequately protected. As with any financial tool, a little caution goes a long way.
Meanwhile, the financial industry’s involvement in app-tech isn’t limited to lifestyle and savings. As reported by Economist Korea, major banks are also leveraging their digital reach for broader social good—particularly in the fight against illegal online gambling targeting youth. In March 2025, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency launched a cross-societal campaign to combat the spread of illegal cyber gambling among young people. The campaign’s slogan, “Illegal cyber gambling targeting youth is an unwinnable scam crime,” underscores the seriousness of the issue.
Participants in the campaign post photos or videos with anti-gambling messages on social media and tag others to join, building a viral chain of awareness. Banks have taken an active role, recognizing that youth gambling is closely linked to financial crimes like money laundering and the use of proxy accounts. Kakao Bank, for instance, supports the "Zero Round Project" run by the youth NGO BTF Blue Tree Foundation, offering financial crime prevention education to middle and high school students and financial literacy programs for young adults preparing for independence.
“Youth illegal gambling is a major social issue requiring collective effort,” said Kakao Bank CEO Yoon Ho-young, emphasizing the bank’s commitment to social responsibility. K Bank, meanwhile, has focused on technical solutions, enhancing its Fraud Detection System (FDS) to proactively block suspicious transactions related to illegal gambling. The bank monitors accounts for unusual patterns—such as rapid multiple transfers or repeated deposits—and operates a dedicated page for reporting suspected gambling accounts.
“Youth illegal gambling is not just a minor misstep—it’s a serious social problem that can lead to financial crimes,” stated K Bank CEO Choi Woo-hyung. “With strong prevention systems and ongoing financial education, we aim to help young people plan their futures in a safe financial environment.”
As Korea’s financial landscape continues to evolve, the convergence of app-tech innovation and social responsibility stands out. Whether it’s earning a few extra won through daily steps, participating in playful banking campaigns, or joining the fight against youth gambling, Koreans are finding new ways to blend technology, wellness, and financial security in their everyday lives.