T-money and the Subway
T-money is Korea's tap-and-go transit card. It works on subways, city buses and many taxis across the country, and you get transfer discounts you do not get with single tickets.
Buy and top up
- Where to buy: convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24), airport counters and some station machines. You pay a small fee for the card itself, then add money.
- Top up: at convenience store counters or subway station machines. Bring Korean won in cash — card top-up is only possible at some newer machines.
- The balance is separate from the card price, so top up before your first ride.
Riding the subway
- Tap the card on the gate when you enter and when you exit.
- Follow line colors and numbers; station names are shown in English.
- Use a map app to see the best exit number before you surface.
Buses
Tap when you board and again when you get off — otherwise the transfer discount is lost. Most city buses no longer accept cash.
Transfers
Switching between subway and bus within a short time window (about 30 minutes) costs little or nothing extra, as long as you tapped out each time.
Other options
| Card | Good for |
|---|---|
| Climate Card (tourist pass) | Unlimited subway and bus rides in Seoul for a set number of days. Not valid on the AREX airport train. |
| WOWPASS | Prepaid payment card for visitors with a built-in T-money function. Its shopping balance and transit balance are separate. |
Before you fly home
Leftover T-money balance can be refunded (minus a small fee) at convenience stores, so you do not lose it.