Getting a T-money card is the first thing anyone should do after landing in Korea. It means hassle-free travel, small discounts, and even a sense of belonging. Having an Oyster card makes you feel like a Londoner. Having a Tmoney card makes you feel like a Seoulite.
Admittedly, transport is not the most exciting part of planning a trip. You’d probably rather search for the best restaurants, clubs and theme parks. But the simple things like knowing how to get around a city safely and affordably can decide whether you sink or sail in your new adventures.
What Is a T-Money Card?
The T-money card is Korea’s rechargeable transportation and payment card. Use it on the subway, bus, and taxi anywhere in Korea — Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, and Jeonju.
It works for:
- Subway and bus rides (tap in and out)
- Taxis: (look for the T-money or Cashbee logo)
- Convenience stores: GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Emart24
- Subway station lockers
- Bike rentals (Seoul Ttareungi)
- Vending machines, fast food, and more
Where to Buy
T-Money card Price: The basic Tmoney card can be purchased at any convenience store nationwide for around 3,000–5,000 won, depending on the design. Special editions and custom cards (think K-pop and character themes) sometimes cost a little more.
At Incheon Airport: Pick one up at any CU, GS25, or 7-Eleven inside arrivals — it’s the fastest option before the subway.
In the city: You can ask for a 교통 카드 (gyo-tong ka-deu). “Tmoney” is the English brand name. Koreans just call them “transportation cards.”
How to Use It
Instead of buying multiple single tickets or carrying loose change, you just tap your Tmoney card.
Tap in and out of the subway. Tap on and off the bus. You’ll see the fare at the top of the screen and your remaining balance at the bottom.
Three types of buses to know:
- Green — local neighbourhood bus
- Blue — cross-neighbourhood mainline bus
- Red — intercity rapid bus to nearby cities
Always tap out when leaving the bus. That tap registers your exit and triggers the transfer discount. Skip it and you pay full fare on the next ride.
Fares and Transfer Discounts
The base subway and bus fare is 1,400–1,600 won per trip, depending on distance. Switch between subway and bus (or bus to bus) within 30 minutes and the next ride is discounted. Between 21:00–07:00, the window extends to 1 hour.
This is where T-money saves real money over single tickets.
Recharging the Card
Top up at any subway station vending machine or convenience store counter.
Maximum balance: 500,000 won. The card never expires — bring it back on your next trip
2026 update: 440 subway vending machines across Lines 1–8 now accept overseas-issued Visa and Mastercard. A 3.7% service fee applies.
Refunds
Small amounts can be refunded at some convenience stores (500 won service fee deducted). Amounts over 50,000 won can only be refunded at Tmoney Town — Seoul Station, Exit 10, 1st floor (weekdays 09:00–18:00 only).
Subway Lockers
You can also use your card to access lockers in many subway stations across Seoul. They are handy for day trips when you don’t want to drag your luggage around. Prices vary by station and locker size, so check on-site before you pay.
Convenience Store Benefits
You can use your Tmoney card for more than transport. They can be used to purchase items at affiliated convenience stores. In Seoul, you can hardly walk 100 yards without seeing one of these.
Tmoney cardholders can also buy goods from member franchises and affiliated shopping centers. Discount benefits are available at various cultural and tourist facilities too.
Alternative Tmoney and Tourist cards
MobileTmoney App
For a quick and cashless way to use Seoul’s public transport, you can now download the Mobile T-money app (available on the App Store) and top up your transit card digitally — no physical card or cash required.
T-money updated its iOS app to add a dedicated “Foreigner” button on the login screen, allowing tourists and short-term visitors to bypass the usual sign-in and ID verification process entirely. Simply tap the button, top up via Apple Pay, add the virtual T-money card to your Apple Wallet, and tap your iPhone or Apple Watch at any subway or bus gate.
To know: This currently works with Mastercard, American Express, and UnionPay only. Visa cards are not yet supported. There’s also a roughly 4% service fee when loading through Apple Pay. Check out our Korean apps article to know more.
Seoul Climate Card
If you’re visiting Seoul for a few days and want to stop counting fares, the Seoul Climate Card is your best option. It’s an unlimited-ride pass covering all Seoul subways and city buses.
Short-term passes range from 5,000 won (1 day) to 20,000 won (7 days). A monthly pass is 62,000 won. The physical card costs 3,000 won and is sold at subway station information centres, Incheon Airport, and convenience stores near stations.
Note: it doesn’t cover AREX airport express trains or travel outside Seoul city limits.
WOWPASS
If you want one card that handles transit, shopping, and currency exchange all at once, look at the WOWPASS. Designed for foreign visitors, it combines a Tmoney transit function with a prepaid debit card accepted widely across Korea — including at places that won’t take your foreign credit card. You will need to scan your passport in order to get it.
You can also exchange USD, JPY, EUR, and 13 other currencies at WOWPASS kiosks directly onto the card. It costs 5,000 won (or 4,500 won if reserved online) and is available at kiosks in major subway stations, hotels, and Incheon Airport.
Amazing Pay Tmoney Card (50,000 won)
A Tmoney card, with 10% discount off most bus routes that connect Seoul and Incheon.
A coupon book will be issued with the card. Discount benefits for restaurants and cultural performances.
Major attractions include: Lotte World and 63 Square.
Discover Seoul Pass
The Discover Seoul Pass is a Tmoney card combined with a free admission pass to 70+ major tourist attractions.
Passes now run from 24 hours to 120 hours (up from 72 hours previously).
- 24-Hour: 50,000 won
- 48-Hour: 70,000 won
- 72-Hour: 90,000 won
- 120-Hour: 130,000 won
You also get discount benefits for cultural performances and duty-free shops. The pass includes a one-way ride on the Airport Express Train from Incheon to Seoul and one free ride on a Seoul City Tour. It’s available on Klook, Viator, and at Seoul tourism information centres.
There is also a Discover Seoul Pass app, find out how best to use the 24-hour Discover Seoul pass with our guide here.
FAQ :
Do I need to register my T-money card?
No registration needed for general use. Under-18s must register at a convenience store to receive age-based discounts.
Can I use a T-money card on long-distance buses?
Yes, on red intercity buses. Not on KTX or express coaches.
What happens if the card balance runs out mid-trip?
Top up at the next convenience store or subway station vending machine before continuing.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay instead?
Using MobileTmoney App you can add your digital card to Apple Wallet and topped up with foreign Mastercard via applepay or on select subway machines with cash.
Can I get a refund when leaving Korea?
Yes. Small amounts at any convenience store (500 won fee). Over 50,000 won at Tmoney Town, Seoul Station (weekdays only).
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