작년 국내 거주자의 해외에서 카드 사용금액이 사상 최대치를 기록했다.

한국은행이 28일 공개한 “2012년중 거주자의 카드 해외 사용실적” 자료에 따르면, 작년 한국인 또는 장기적으로 국내에 거주하고 있는 외국인들의 국외 카드 사용 금액은 94.4억달러로 2011년 86.2억달러에 비해 9.5% 증가했다.

이는 내국인 출국자수가 늘어나면서 카드 해외 사용자수가 증가했기 때문이라고 한국은행은 설명했다.

작년 하반기 원화강세로 출국자수가 증가해 내국인 출국자 수는 1천374만명으로 역대 최다를 기록했다.

또, 지난 해 비거주자의 국내 카드 사용금액은 48.1억달러로 사상 최대치를 기록했다.

한류 문화관광과 의료관광 증가 등으로 외국인 관광수요가 늘어났기 때문이라고 한국은행은 분석했다.

(코리아헤럴드 박형기 기자)





<관련 영문 기사>

Credit card transactions hit record high

By Park Hyong-ki

Credit card transactions by Koreans traveling abroad hit a record high reaching nearly $10 billion in 2012.

The Bank of Korea said Thursday that the number of Koreans who settled their bills overseas with their credit cards stood at more than 20 million last year, up about 17 percent from 17.4 million a year ago.

Credit card payments overseas amounted to $9.4 billion, up about 9 percent from $8.6 billion in the same period.

Although transactions on credit reached an all-time high, payments per one person only stood at $464 on average, down from almost $500 last year, meaning that people sought less expensive goods and services for purchase and consumption. An increase in the number of Koreans going abroad for pleasure and business contributed to the record-high credit spending.

Also, credit payment climbed to its peak in the second half of last year when the pace of the won’s appreciation gained momentum on the back of easy-money policies in advanced economies such as the U.S., analysts said. Japan’s weak yen policy is also increasing volatility and driving the won’s gain.

The won-dollar exchange rate was 1,177.7 won on June 1, 2012, and it currently trades around 1,080 won. A strong won, though not good for exports, makes imports of raw materials, energy resources and industrial parts cheaper, while psychologically boost travelling and spending overseas.

Koreans paid for goods and services overseas with credit cards the most, accounting for 68 percent of total transactions, followed by other types such as check cards and debit cards.

Meanwhile, credit spending at home by foreign visitors also hit record high, reaching $4.8 billion last year, up about 23 percent from $3.9 billion a year ago.

The central bank attributes this to the popularity and state promotion of hallyu, or the Korean Wave, which has attracted a record number of inbound tourists at more than 11.8 million last year.

(hkp@heraldcorp.com)