The T-money card is Korea's essential transit card that works on subways, buses, taxis, and convenience stores nationwide. Pick one up at any convenience store for ₩2,500-₩4,000, load it with cash, and travel Korea hassle-free.
If you’re planning a trip to Korea, let me introduce you to your new best friend: the T-money card. This little card will make your life so much easier. Trust me—navigating Korea’s public transportation without one is possible, but why would you want to? In this T-money card guide, I’ll walk you through everything: what it is, where to buy it, how much to load, and what to do with the leftover balance when you leave.
- •What is a T-money Card?
- •Why Should I Use a T-money Card in Korea?
- •Where Can I Buy a T-money Card and How Much Does It Cost?
- •Do I Need to Load Money Before Using It?
- •Where Can I Top Up and How Much Should I Load?
- •What Can I Use My T-money Card For?
- •What Should I Do With Leftover Balance?
- •Can I Use the Same Card on My Next Visit? Does It Expire?
- •Quick Tips for Using Your T-money Card
What is a T-money Card?
The T-money card is Korea’s most widely used prepaid transit card. Think of it as your all-access pass to Korean public transportation—subways, buses, taxis, and even convenience store purchases.
The best part? You don’t need a Korean ID, phone number, or bank account to use one. Just buy the card, load some money onto it, and you’re good to go. It’s designed to be tourist-friendly, and millions of visitors use it every year.
Why Should I Use a T-money Card in Korea?
You might be wondering if you really need one. Here’s why I always recommend it to visitors:
You Save Money on Every Ride
When you pay with a T-money card instead of cash, you get a ₩100+ discount on every bus ride. It doesn’t sound like much, but if you’re taking public transit 5-10 times a day for a week, those savings add up quickly.
Transfer Discounts
Here’s something many tourists don’t know: if you transfer from subway to bus (or bus to bus) within 30 minutes, you get an additional discount. Between 9 PM and 7 AM, this window extends to 1 hour. You can enjoy up to 4 transfer discounts per day.
Some Buses Don’t Accept Cash
This is important. Many buses in Korea are card-only—they simply won’t take cash. Without a T-money card, you might find yourself stranded at a bus stop. Don’t let that happen to you.
It Works Almost Everywhere
Beyond transportation, you can use your T-money card at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Ministop, Emart24, StoryWay, 365PLUS), some cafes, vending machines, and even taxis. One card, countless uses.
Where Can I Buy a T-money Card and How Much Does It Cost?
Getting a T-money card is easy. Here’s where to find one:
Where to Buy
| Location | Notes |
|---|---|
| Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Ministop, Emart24, StoryWay, 365PLUS) | Easiest option—available everywhere |
| Subway station information centers | Staff can help you purchase and load |
| Incheon Airport convenience stores | Buy one right after you land |
Card Price
| Card Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard card | ₩2,500 – ₩4,000 |
| Character/Limited edition cards | ₩5,000 – ₩15,000 |
Good to know: The card purchase price is non-refundable. So if you buy a cute character design, think of it as a souvenir you can take home.
Do I Need to Load Money Before Using It?
Yes, absolutely. The card comes empty—there’s no preloaded balance. You need to add money before you can use it. The easiest approach is to buy the card and load it at the same time. Just tell the convenience store staff: “Please top up”(충전해 주세요) and hand them the cash amount you want to add. They’ll do the rest.
Where Can I Top Up and How Much Should I Load?
Where to Top Up
- Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Ministop, Emart24, StoryWay, 365PLUS)
- Subway station reload machines (T-money vending machines, portable reload machines)
- Subway station information centers
- T-money Town (Seoul Station Exit 10, Seoul City Tower 1F)
Important: Cash Only
This is crucial—you can only top up with Korean won cash. Foreign credit cards and debit cards won’t work for reloading. Make sure you have cash on hand before you need to top up.
You can load money in units of ₩1,000, with a minimum of ₩1,000 and maximum of ₩90,000 per transaction. The total balance on your card cannot exceed ₩500,000.
How Much Should I Load?
| Trip Length | Recommended Amount |
|---|---|
| 2-3 days | ₩20,000 – ₩30,000 |
| 5-7 days | ₩40,000 – ₩50,000 |
| 7+ days | ₩50,000+ (top up as needed) |
For reference, a single subway ride in Seoul costs around ₩1,400, and buses are about ₩1,500. If you’re using transit 5-6 times a day plus occasional convenience store purchases, budget around ₩7,000-₩10,000 daily.
My advice? Load a bit more than you think you’ll need. It’s easier than making multiple trips to top up, and any leftover balance won’t go to waste.
Discounted Fares for Children and Youth
If you’re traveling with kids, they can get discounted fares by registering their T-money card at a convenience store or subway information center. Just bring the card and an ID (passport works).
| Age Group | Age Range |
|---|---|
| Children | 6 to 12 years old |
| Youth | 13 to 18 years old |
To register, present the T-money card and ID to the staff, and they’ll link the date of birth to the card. After that, the discounted fare will be applied automatically.
Warning: If an adult uses a card registered for children or youth rates, a penalty of 30 times the base fare will be charged. Don’t risk it.
What Can I Use My T-money Card For?
| Where | Can I Use T-money? |
|---|---|
| Subways (Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and nationwide) | Yes |
| City buses | Yes |
| Intercity buses | Yes (most routes) |
| Taxis | Yes (most taxis) |
| Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Ministop, Emart24, etc.) | Yes |
| Some cafes and fast food restaurants | Yes |
| Vending machines | Yes (some) |
| Airport Railroad Express (AREX) | Yes |
| KTX High-speed trains | No (separate booking required) |
What Should I Do With Leftover Balance?
Your trip is ending and you still have money on your card. What now? You have three options:
Option 1: Get a Refund
You can get your remaining balance refunded in cash. Where you go depends on how much you have left:
At convenience stores:
- Full refund of your remaining balance
- ₩500 service fee will be deducted
- Card purchase price (₩2,500-₩4,000) is not refundable
At T-money Town (Seoul Station Exit 10) or subway service centers:
- Partial refunds available for balances between ₩10,000-₩50,000
- Refunded in ₩10,000 units only
- ₩500 service fee applies
- Only available for standard T-money cards
Option 2: Spend It Before You Leave
This is what I usually recommend. Before heading to the airport, stop by a convenience store and use up your balance on snacks, drinks, or last-minute souvenirs. No fees, no hassle.
Option 3: Keep It for Next Time
If you plan to visit Korea again, just hold onto the card. You can use it on your next trip—no need to buy a new one.
Can I Use the Same Card on My Next Visit? Does It Expire?
Great news: T-money cards do not expire. As long as the card isn’t physically damaged, you can use it for years.
What about the balance? The money on your card remains valid for 5 years from your last use. Every time you use the card, the 5-year clock resets. So even if you don’t visit Korea for a few years, your balance will still be there waiting for you.
This is why I suggest keeping your T-money card as a souvenir. It’s not just a memento—it’s a functional transit card ready for your return trip.
Quick Tips for Using Your T-money Card
- Get it at the airport: Buy your card at Incheon Airport as soon as you land. Convenience stores in the arrival hall have them.
- Load more than you think: Running out of balance at a busy subway station is frustrating. Better to have extra.
- Keep cash handy: Remember, top-ups require Korean won cash only.
- Check your balance: Tap your card on any subway gate to see your remaining balance displayed on the screen.
- Don’t lose it: There’s no way to recover a lost card or its balance. Treat it like cash.
FAQ
What is a T-money card and do I need one for Korea?
A T-money card is Korea’s most popular prepaid transit card, accepted on subways, buses, taxis, and convenience stores nationwide. While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended—some buses don’t accept cash, and you save ₩100+ on every ride with the card.
Where can I buy a T-money card in Korea?
You can buy a T-money card at any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Ministop, Emart24, StoryWay, 365PLUS), subway station information centers, or at Incheon Airport right after you land. The card costs ₩2,500-₩4,000 depending on the design.
How do I top up my T-money card and how much can I load?
You can top up at convenience stores or subway station reload machines using cash only (Korean won). Load in units of ₩1,000, with a minimum of ₩1,000 and maximum of ₩90,000 per transaction. The total balance cannot exceed ₩500,000.
How much money should I load on my T-money card?
For a 7-day trip, load ₩40,000-₩50,000. Seoul subway rides cost around ₩1,400 and buses about ₩1,500. Budget ₩7,000-₩10,000 daily for transit plus convenience store purchases. You can always top up more if needed.
Can I get a refund for leftover T-money balance?
Yes, you can get a cash refund at convenience stores (full balance, ₩500 fee applies). For partial refunds of ₩10,000-₩50,000, visit T-money Town (Seoul Station Exit 10) or subway service centers—refunds are given in ₩10,000 units only. The card purchase price is non-refundable.
Does the T-money card expire?
No, T-money cards never expire. The balance remains valid for 5 years from your last use, and each use resets the clock. Keep your card for future visits—you won’t need to buy a new one.
Can children get discounted fares with T-money?
Yes, children (ages 6-12) and youth (ages 13-18) can get discounted fares by registering their T-money card at a convenience store or subway information center with their passport. Warning: adults using registered child/youth cards face a penalty of 30 times the base fare.
Can I use T-money on KTX trains?
No, T-money cannot be used for KTX high-speed trains. You need to book KTX tickets separately through the KORAIL website or consider getting a KORAIL PASS. However, T-money works on the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), subways, and regular buses.
Useful Korean Phrases
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Summary of Key Points
- What it is: Korea's most popular prepaid transit card, usable on subways, buses, taxis, and convenience stores
- Where to buy: Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Ministop, Emart24, StoryWay, 365PLUS) or subway stations—available at Incheon Airport
- Card price: ₩2,500 – ₩4,000 (non-refundable)
- How to top up: Cash only (Korean won), in ₩1,000 units, minimum ₩1,000 / maximum ₩90,000 per transaction
- Maximum balance: ₩500,000
- Recommended amount: ₩40,000 – ₩50,000 for a 7-day trip
- Transfer discount: Up to 4 discounts per day when transferring within 30 minutes (1 hour between 9 PM-7 AM)
- Child/Youth discount: Available for ages 6-12 (children) and 13-18 (youth) with ID registration
- Refund policy: Full refund at convenience stores with ₩500 fee; partial refunds (₩10,000-₩50,000) at T-money Town or subway service centers
- Expiration: Card never expires; balance valid for 5 years (resets with each use)