Credit Cards Don’t Work on Korean Subway or Buses
If you’re coming from cities like London, Singapore, or New York where you can tap your credit card or smartphone to enter the metro, be prepared — South Korea does not support open-loop payments.
Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, or Google Pay will not work at transit gates. You must purchase a separate prepaid transportation card, such as the T-money card, and load it with Korean won in cash.
For foreign visitors, buying this card should be one of your first steps upon arrival at the airport.
What Is a T-money Card?
T-money is Korea’s most widely used prepaid transit card, accepted across most subway systems, city and express buses, some taxis, convenience stores, vending machines, and even museums.
Although there’s a mobile T-money app (Android only), most short-term travelers are better off using the physical card due to the complex setup and language barrier.
Can Foreigners Buy a T-money Card?
Yes. You do not need a Korean ID or local phone number.
You can simply walk into any convenience store or airport booth and buy one. However, the card contains zero balance at purchase, so you must load it with cash before using it for transportation.
Buying the card ≠ ready to ride. Top-up is mandatory.
Can You Buy or Recharge with a Credit Card?
| Action | Credit Card Accepted? |
|---|---|
| Buying the Card | Yes (most convenience stores and airport booths accept foreign cards) |
| Recharging the Card | No — Cash only (Korean won) |
You can purchase the T-money card using Visa or Mastercard, but you’ll need to have Korean won in cash for top-ups. Plan ahead.
Where to Buy a T-money Card
- At the Airport: Available at Incheon and Gimpo International Airport (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven)
- In the City: Any GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, or Ministop convenience store
- Subway Stations: Select vending machines or kiosks
- Tourist Info Centers: Locations in Myeongdong, Hongdae, and Insadong
Price: ₩2,500 – ₩4,000 (no balance included)
CU
GS25
7-Eleven
How to Recharge Your T-money Card
Top-up is straightforward but must be done with cash:
- Ask any cashier at a convenience store
- Use top-up machines in subway stations (some have English menus)
Recommended Recharge Amounts
- Short stays (3 to 5 days): ₩10,000 – ₩30,000
- Longer stays or regional travel: ₩50,000 or more
Subway & Bus Fares + Transfer Discounts
- Base Fare (Seoul metro):
- Subway: ₩1,250 (for up to 10km)
- City buses: ₩1,200 – ₩1,400 depending on type
- Extra Charges: ₩100 per additional 5km (subway)
- Transfer Discounts:
- Up to 5 transfers between subway and buses (or bus-to-bus)
- Applies if next ride is within 30 minutes
- No discount if re-boarding the same route
Transfers are automatic when using T-money. No need to tap anything extra.
Where Can You Use T-money?
- Public Transit: Most subways, city buses, express buses, some intercity routes
- Taxis: Many accept T-money (check the logo)
- Retail: CU, GS25, 7-Eleven and other major convenience stores
- Other: Some cafés, vending machines, museums, snack kiosks
T-money vs. Korea Tour Card vs. Cashbee
| Feature | T-money | Korea Tour Card | Cashbee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit Coverage | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Tourist Discounts | None | Yes (select partners) | None |
| Card Price | ₩2,500–₩4,000 | ₩4,000–₩5,000 | ₩2,500–₩4,000 |
| Where to Buy | Convenience stores, airports | Airports, online, tourist centers | Limited locations |
| Mobile App | T-money app | Korea Tour Card app | Cashbee app |
For most travelers, T-money is the easiest and most universal option. If you want shopping discounts, Korea Tour Card might be worth a look.
How to Get a Refund
- For balances under ₩20,000: Refunds available at any convenience store with the T-money logo (₩500–₩1,000 fee may apply)
- For balances over ₩20,000: Visit a T-money customer service center
- Card purchase fee is non-refundable
Mobile T-money (Android Only)
- Requires NFC-enabled phone + Korean SIM + T-money app
- App is only in Korean
- Recommended for long-term visitors only
Tips for First-Time Travelers
- Keep the card flat and dry — damage can make it unreadable
- Always tap in and out on both subway and buses
- One card per person — cards cannot be shared
- You can reuse your card on future trips
Final Thoughts
While many global cities support contactless payments, Korea relies on closed-loop fare cards like T-money. Don’t assume your credit card will work at transit gates — it won’t.
Buy your T-money card as soon as you land, load some cash, and you’ll be ready to navigate Korea easily and efficiently from day one.