Korea Subway & T-money Card Guide 2026

In South Korea, travelers can either buy a Single Journey Ticket or a rechargeable transportation card called a T-money Card to pay for the fare on public transportation. We advise strongly recommend getting a T-money Card as even outside of the subway, it will make so much of your Korea trip super convenient! These cards can be used not only for all the buses, subway, and taxis but also as a method of payment at various stores across the country.

In this guide, we’ll breakdown all the basics you need to know about t-money & more to make the most of your time in South Korea!

1. Where to Buy a T-money Card

You can easily purchase the basic T-money Card at retail convenience stores, such as CU, GS25, and more. And don’t be afraid to ask the cashier to see all the options as there is a variety of T-money cards with cute designs from Kakao Friends, BT21, Sanrio, and many more. However, these special T-money cards can come with a small additional fee.

If you’re already in Seoul, you can even find T-money cards featuring your favorite idols and celebrities at vendors in Myeongdong as well as the Hongdae underground shopping centers. 

2. How to Reload or Refund T-Money

There are now four common ways to recharge your T-money Card.

1. Card Reload Machines

Use a ticket vending machine that is located inside all the subway stations and train stations.

• Select your preferred language on the screen (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese).
• Click the third button with the T-money logo on the far right and touch the “Reloading the transit card” button.
• Place your card on the loading pad and then select the amount of money you want to add.
• Insert a coin or cash and wait briefly while your T-money card completes reloading.
• Confirm your T-money card’s balance.

2) Newstands

You can also recharge at newstands near a bus stop with a display of the T-money sign. You can usually find them next to the subway station exits and entrances.

3) Convenience Stores

Head over to almost any convenience store. This is the easiest way to recharge your card! Just hand your card to the cashier, let them know how much you’d like to add and pay.

Tip: Some Student IDs offer the T-money card service, but may not be recharged at convenience stores. Instead, find the closest subway station to reload your card.

Top-up: You can top-up the card in units of KRW 1,000 but the amount of money on the card cannot exceed KRW 500,000.

Refunds: You can get a refund at all retail locations; however, the card price and service fee of KRW 500 are nonrefundable. Partial refunds are available only for amounts between KRW 10,000 and KRW 50,000 and will be refunded in units of KRW 10,000. (Plate money cards only) Therefore, it is suggested to charge your T-money card up to KRW 50,000.

4. Card Reload Machines

As of July 2025, T-money is available for mobile use on both Android and iPhone devices.

• Download the T-money GO app from the App or Play Store.
• Select your language & follow the prompts within the app to create a digital T-money card.
• Top up your T-money card using your credit card (Visa/MasterCard).
• Add to Apple Wallet or Samsung Pay & start tapping!

3. How to Use T-Money

First, you should keep in mind that you must tap your card when boarding and getting off buses or entering and exiting subway stations. Transfer discounts are available, but they are limited to four times a day, within a transfer time limit of 30 minutes (up to 1 hour from 9pm to 7am the next day). If you are transferring to the bus with the same numbers or re-entering the same subway station after exiting, the transfer discounts won’t be applied even if you are transferring within 30 minutes.

1) Bus

When you get on the bus, place the card on the sensor. It will tell you how much money has been charged and remainng balance. If an error occurs, give it a second or two, and try again. If this continues, the bus driver will let you know what the issue is. When you exit the bus, tap the sensor one more time to confirm the distance fee & qualify to get a discount on the transfer. If you don’t tap your card before getting off the bus, you won’t be able to use the transfer and could potentially lock your card for the rest of the day (in the case of the unlimited climate card).

• Tip: Make sure you tap your card again and you hear a beep. If you don’t, you will be charged extra for the distance traveled.

2) Subway

When you enter the subway station, place the card on the sensor until it beeps. It will show the amount charged on the top and the remaining balance at the bottom. If you are transferring, you won’t be charged and the amount that appears on the sensor will be zero. Tap your card again upon arriving at your destination and then you will be able to exit the gate. If an error occurs, press the red “help” button, and the staff will come and help you.

3) Taxi

Not all but some taxis do accept T-money as a form of payment. Look out for the “T money” logo on the taxi and inform the driver that you want to pay with a T-money card. Please ensure you have enough balance on your T-money card in advance to pay the full fare to avoid issues upon arrival.

When you arrive at your destination, simply tap your card on the sensor, and the screen above the gray box (see picture below) will let you know your remaining balance.

4. Foreigner Exclusive T-money Options

1) Unlimited Data SIM Card + T-money Card

If you need a SIM card and T-money, get this data-only SIM card & T-money combo to stay connected 24/7! You can conveniently pick it up at Incheon International Airport Terminals 1 & 2, Gimpo International Airport, and Gimhae International Airport (Busan). You can still use the T-money card even after your SIM card expires.

• Unlimited Data Sim Card (3~60 day) + T-money Card by LG U+ – Pick up from Incheon Airport & Gimpo Airport & Gimhae Airport

2) Discover Seoul Pass 

With the Discover Seoul Pass, you can explore the tourist attractions in Seoul with special discounts! You can gain free admission to over 50 major tourist destinations in Seoul, including palaces, museums, and more. Check out the free admission attractions here.

Also, you can take advantage of getting 10~15% discounts at over 100 tourist sites, including traditional experiences and DIY activities. Check out the special discount benefits here.

The pass duration options are 24, 48, and 72 hours. You can pick it up at Incheon International Airport Terminals 1 & 2, Gimpo International Airport, and Myeongdong Tourist Information Center. The t-money card function is optional.

• Discover Seoul Pass (48/72/120 – Hour Pass)
• Discover Seoul Mobile Pass (48/72/120-Hour Pass) (+ 5-day eSIM included)

3) Korea Tour Card

With this card, you can enjoy various discount benefits for shopping, F&B, culture, tour, and entertainment, such as ski resorts, aquariums, theme parks, and many more!  It costs KRW 4,000 and you can buy it online on the Korea Tour Card website or on-site at various service points. To pay public transport fares using this card, you should top-up it at a convenience store or a subway station. Up to KRW 500,000 can be loaded and only Korean Won is accepted. Check out more information here.

4) AmazingPay T-money

With this card, you can get a 10% discount when taking an airport limousine! There are also discount benefits for various tourist attractions, F&B, and cultural performances, such as Lotte World, 63 Square, NANTA, and many more. It costs KRW 50,000 (credit KRW 46,000 + card fee KRW 4,000) in cash only (Korean currency). You can buy it at the airport bus ticket office (No. 4 & 9 gates at 1F Incheon Airport Passenger Terminal) or CU Incheon International Airport branch. Check out more information here.

5) Alipay T-money

This is a T-money card for Alipay users, the popular Chinese payment app. It costs KRW 23,500 upfront (credit KRW 20,000 + card fee KRW 3,500) and can be purchased on the Alipay in Chinese Yuan. The price in Yuan is subject to change according to the daily exchange rate. It can be used for shopping at retail brands, including convenience stores, marts, bakeries, cafes, theme parks, cosmetic shops, and many more. Check out more information here.

6) WOWPASS

The WOWPASS functions very similarly to a basic T-money card however, it can be charged using foreign cards via their mobile app. WOWPASS can be used like a debit card at any offline merchant in Korea that accepts local card payments and is accepted on all T-money accepted transportation.

• WOWPASS: Prepaid Card For Cashless Payment In Korea

Photo Credit: T-money Official Website

7) Korea Travel Card

The Korea Travel Card is a prepaid card designed for tourists, offering secure payment options at over 5 million locations across Korea, including online purchases. It also functions as a transportation card, allowing seamless travel on subways, buses, taxis, and even high-speed trains like the KTX and ITX. Conveniently, you can pick up your card at major airports such as Incheon International Airport, Gimhae Airport, and a booth near Jeju Airport.

• Korea Travel Card: Prepaid Transportation & Payment Card – Pick-up from Incheon Airport/ Gimhae Airport/ Jeju Downtown

8) Climate Card for Tourists

The Climate Card for tourists is one of the most convenient travel passes as it gives tourists unlimited rides on subways and buses throughout Seoul. Instead of paying per ride, visitors can travel freely across the extensive Seoul Metro network and public bus system for a fixed number of days, helping you save both time and money while sightseeing. Climate Cards are easy to purchase and activate at major transit hubs and convenience stores, including transportation centers at Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport, and can be recharged or managed through the Tmoney system. Designed with sustainability in mind, the Climate Card encourages eco-friendly travel while offering visitors a seamless and stress-free way to experience Seoul’s neighborhoods, attractions, and local culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I reload T-money with my credit card?
  Mostly no, unless you have a Korean-issued credit card or pay through a mobile device. Otherwise, for tourists it’s cash only at stores and machines.
• Is the T-money card valid outside Seoul?
  Yes, it works in Busan, Jeju, and many other cities. Although some places have regional cards, T-money is widely accepted nationwide.
• Can I get a T-money card in Busan?
  Yes, T-money cards are available at convenience stores and subway stations in Busan, too.
• What if I don’t tap out on the bus or subway?
  Not tapping out means the system doesn’t know how far you’ve traveled. At minimum, you won’t get transferred any discounts, and in many cases, the card will default to charging the highest distance fare.

If you’re looking for a train pass that travels throughout all of Korea, we recommend getting a KR Pass or using the Express Bus! Also, don’t forget to read the blogs below to learn more about the transportation system in Korea for your hassle-free trip.

• A Complete Guide to Public Transportation in Seoul
• Getting Around Seoul: Finding the Right Travel Pass
• How to Travel by Train in South Korea Pain-Free with KR Pass

Don’t forget to visit Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, for more tips and advice about new locations and things to do in Korea!

[Photo Credit]

• Newsis.com (https://newsis.com/ar_detail/view.html?ar_id=NISX20160502_0014058544&cID=10401&pID=10400)
• Business Korea (https://trazy.com/things-to-do/korea?ch=0004&label=tmoney card guide&link_id=14786)
• inews24.com (http://www.inews24.com/view/738044)
• News Wire (https://www.newswire.co.kr/newsRead.php?no=306729)
• VisitKorea Official Website
• Korea Smart Card 
• T-money Official Website