Back to guides

How to Get a T-money Card in Korea

What is a T-money card?

T-money is Korea's prepaid transit card. It works on subways, buses, taxis, and even at convenience stores. More and more buses in Seoul are going cashless, and you'll be relying on public transit a lot — so make sure to get one before you start exploring.

Where to buy one

You can pick up a T-money card as soon as you arrive:

1. Convenience stores (easiest)

  • Available at CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and all major chains
  • Card price: 2,500 ~ 5,000 KRW (depends on design)
  • Can be recharged immediately after purchase. Cash only for recharging
  • Just say "T-money card, please"

2. Airport

  • Convenience stores on the 1st floor of Incheon Airport
  • Transportation Center on basement level 1
  • Airport vending machines (English supported)

3. Subway station machines

  • Ticket vending machines inside Seoul subway stations
  • English, Japanese, and Chinese language support
  • Card purchase + recharge in one go

We don't recommend buying one at Seoul Station (Line 1). It's a notoriously confusing station, and many tourists end up struggling to find their way around.

How to recharge

T-money is a prepaid card, so you need to load money onto it before use:

  • Convenience store counter: Hand over cash and say "Chungjon hae juseyo" (please recharge)
  • Subway station machines: Place your card on the reader and select the amount (in 1,000 KRW increments)
  • Recommended amount: 20,000 ~ 30,000 KRW for a 3-day trip (assuming 3-4 rides per day)

How much do you save?

T-money is cheaper than single-use tickets:

  • Subway (within 10km): Single ticket 1,650 KRW → T-money 1,550 KRW
  • City bus: T-money 1,500 KRW

The biggest advantage is the transfer discount:

  • Transfer between subway and bus (or vice versa) within 30 minutes, and the base fare is not charged again
  • Bus-to-bus transfers also get the discount
  • Cash or single-use tickets do not qualify for transfer discounts

Transfer discounts only work with transit cards. If you pay cash, you'll pay full fare every time.

How to use it

  1. Boarding: Tap the card on the reader (you'll hear a beep)
  2. Exiting: Always tap again when you get off (fares are distance-based)
  3. Balance check: Your remaining balance is shown on the reader screen each time you tap

Alternatives to T-money

WOWPASS

The most popular option among foreign tourists. It combines a prepaid card + transit card + currency exchange all in one.

  • Self-service kiosks in major tourist areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Gangnam
  • Check balance, exchange currency, and recharge via the app
  • Transit function works identically to T-money (transfer discounts included)
  • Can also be used for payments at convenience stores, restaurants, etc.

If you want currency exchange, transit, and payments all in one card, WOWPASS is convenient. Just note that you'll need to find a kiosk location to recharge.

Mobile transit cards

You can register a transit card on your smartphone and ride with just your phone.

  • Samsung Pay: Register T-money on Galaxy phones (NFC required)
  • Apple Pay: Express Transit supported in Korea since 2024 (iPhone 8 and above, select models)

Mobile transit cards may only work on phones purchased in Korea or on specific models. If you're not sure, a physical card is the safer bet.

Climate Card (short-term tourist pass)

An unlimited transit pass operated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Short-term tourist passes are available for travelers.

  • 1-day 5,000 KRW / 2-day 8,000 KRW / 3-day 10,000 KRW / 5-day 15,000 KRW / 7-day 20,000 KRW
  • Card itself costs 3,000 KRW separately (buy at subway station machines)
  • Unlimited Seoul subway + Seoul city buses
  • Rechargeable with foreign credit/debit cards

The pass period starts from the day you recharge, not from your first ride. Buy it on the day you plan to start using it. Shinbundang Line, Airport Railroad (AREX), and GTX are not included.

If you plan to ride 3-4 times or more per day, the Climate Card is a better deal than T-money. For just 1-2 rides a day, T-money may be the way to go.

Coming soon: credit card payments

Seoul is gradually rolling out an open-loop payment system that will allow direct transit boarding with foreign credit cards.

  • 2026: Foreign credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) accepted at vending machines in 273 stations on Lines 1-8 for purchasing Climate Cards and single tickets
  • 2027: EMV terminals installed at subway turnstiles (tap to ride with foreign cards)
  • 2028-2030: Expansion to local buses, private railways, and the greater Seoul metropolitan area

You can't tap a foreign card at the turnstile just yet, but being able to buy tickets with a card at the machines has already made cashless travel much easier.

When your trip is over

  • Remaining balance can be refunded at convenience stores (500 KRW fee)
  • Keep the card itself as a souvenir
  • If you have a small balance left, just spend it at a convenience store