๐ T-money and Transit Cards in Korea: A Visitorโs Guide
Public transport in Korea is fast, cheap and easy once you have a transit card. A single rechargeable card lets you tap in at subway gates, tap your card when you board city buses, and in many places even pay for taxis and convenience-store purchases.
Getting around ยท Updated 2026-10-05 ยท 5 min read
What T-money is
T-money is the standard rechargeable transit card used across Seoul, Busan, Jeju and most other Korean cities. You tap it at the gate or on the bus reader when boarding and, on buses and subways with distance-based fares, tap out when you exit so the fare is calculated correctly.
Other cards such as Cashbee work in the same network, and some smartphones can hold a mobile version. If you are unsure, an ordinary T-money card from a convenience store is the simplest option.
Where to buy and top up
Cards are sold at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven and others), subway station kiosks and airport shops. The card itself costs a few thousand KRW and you then load cash onto it. Top up at convenience stores, at machines in subway stations or through the T-money app if your phone supports it.
Load a modest amount first, such as 20,000 to 30,000 KRW, and top up as needed. Keep in mind that unused balance can be refunded at some convenience stores and station machines up to a limit, usually with a small fee, so you do not need to spend everything before you leave.
Fares, transfers and discounts
The base subway fare in Seoul is about 1,550 KRW with a T-money card (slightly more for a single-journey ticket) and increases with distance. Transfers between subway lines are free within the network, and transferring between buses and subways using the same card within a limited time window (generally about 30 minutes between rides) is discounted or free for the second leg.
Always tap off when you leave a subway or long-distance bus. Missing a tap-off can lead to a maximum fare being charged or a penalty on your next ride.
Tourist passes and the Climate Card
Seoul offers unlimited-ride options, including a Climate Card that provides unlimited rides on buses and the subway within Seoul. Visitors can use the 1-, 2-, 3-, 5- and 7-day short-term passes; the 30-day Climate Card ended on October 1, 2026. These pay off if you plan to ride six or more times a day, but are usually not worth it for a light itinerary. Check the current price and coverage: it does not always include airport rail, express trains or suburban lines.
Cards branded for visitors, such as those combined with prepaid currency and airport transfers, can be convenient but often carry a fee. Compare that with a plain T-money card before you buy.
Prices, schedules and entry rules change. The figures below are approximate and reflect information available when this guide was last reviewed; always confirm with the official source before you travel.