If you’re planning to visit South Korea, you’ll quickly find that the T-money card is one of the most useful tools for getting around. Whether you’re riding the subway in Seoul, hopping on a bus in Busan, or even grabbing a taxi, the T-money card simplifies the entire transportation experience. But it’s not just for trains and buses—it’s also accepted in convenience stores, some cafes, and even for bike rentals.
This guide explains everything you need to know about using the T-money card in Korea as a foreigner. From where to buy it to how to recharge it, and even some lesser-known tips, here’s your complete 2025 T-money card guide.
What Is a T-money Card?
T-money is a rechargeable smart card used primarily for public transportation in South Korea. It works on subways, buses, taxis, and some other services across the country. The card allows for contactless payment and offers small discounts per ride compared to paying with cash.
Key benefits:
Accepted across most of Korea’s public transport system
No need to buy tickets each time
Offers transfer discounts between buses and subways
Can be used for small purchases in stores
If you’re traveling to Korea, getting a T-money card is one of the first things you should do after landing.
Where to Buy a T-money Card
You can purchase a T-money card at many locations, including:
Convenience stores: Look for GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, or Emart24 in airports and city centers
Subway stations: Vending machines or ticket booths at most stations
Incheon Airport: You’ll find T-money cards sold at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
Price: The basic card costs around 2,500 to 4,000 KRW (non-refundable), with no balance loaded initially.
If you want something a little more tourist-friendly, look for:
Korea Tour Card: Functions like a T-money card but includes extra tourist discounts at attractions and shops. Costs around 4,000–5,000 KRW.
Some versions also come with BTS or K-pop themes, making them popular souvenirs too.
How to Recharge Your T-money Card
Once you have the card, you’ll need to load money onto it before using it for transportation.
Recharge locations:
Ticket vending machines inside subway stations
Convenience store counters (simply say “T-money charge”)
Some tourist info centers (especially in Seoul and major cities)
How much to load?
Most subway rides cost around 1,400–1,700 KRW, and bus fares are similar. A good starting point is 10,000 KRW (~$8), which covers about 6–7 rides.
You can top up using cash only—credit cards are not accepted for recharging T-money cards. You can check your remaining balance on the subway gates when you tap out, or by asking at a convenience store.
Where Can You Use a T-money Card?
T-money cards are incredibly versatile. Here’s where you can use them:
Public transportation:
Subways: All subway systems in Korea, including Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Daejeon
City buses: Blue, green, red, and yellow buses in Seoul, as well as local buses in other cities
Taxis: Most taxis accept T-money payment—just tap at the end of your ride
Airport express buses: Often accepted, especially in Seoul and Incheon
Beyond transportation:
Convenience stores: Pay for snacks, drinks, SIM cards, etc.
Coffee shops and bakeries: Some smaller chains and local shops accept T-money
Vending machines
Bike rental systems: In Seoul, the Seoul Bike “Ddareungi” system accepts T-money
Select attractions and museums: Some offer T-money support at ticket booths
Having a T-money card means you don’t need to carry coins or buy separate tickets for each ride, which makes travel smoother and faster.
How Transfer Discounts Work
One of the best features of the T-money card is automatic transfer discounts.
Here’s how it works:
You can transfer up to 4 times between buses and subways
Transfers must be within 30 minutes (or 1 hour late at night)
You must tap in and tap out every time
For example:
Subway → Bus → Bus → Subway within 2 hours can be done with just one base fare + a small distance charge.
This is not possible with cash payment, so using T-money is a smart choice both for convenience and savings.
T-money vs Cash: Why You Should Choose the Card
| Feature | T-money Card | Cash |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Tap and go | Must buy tickets each time |
| Discounts | Yes (transfer discounts) | No |
| Accepted in Taxis | Yes | Yes |
| Usable at stores | Yes | No |
| Refundable balance | Yes | No |
In short, T-money is the easiest and most cost-efficient way to travel around Korea. Even locals use it every day for commuting and shopping.
What to Do When Leaving Korea
You can get a refund of your unused balance (excluding the card cost) before leaving the country.
Where to get a refund:
GS25 or CU convenience stores at airports or major subway stations
Some refund kiosks inside Incheon Airport (for amounts under 20,000 KRW)
Refunds are limited:
You can get a refund of up to 20,000 KRW
If your balance is over that, you’ll need to spend or reduce the balance before asking for a refund
Some travelers keep their cards as souvenirs or reuse them on future trips—T-money cards don’t expire quickly, so they’re reusable if you plan to return.
Tips for Tourists Using T-money
Don’t confuse T-money with other regional cards: Other cities like Busan and Daegu have their own versions, but most accept T-money too.
Use Naver or Kakao Maps: They show real-time bus and subway directions, and tell you the exact fare.
T-money balance low? Top up at any station before boarding. Some places don’t allow topping up while on the bus.
Lost your card? Unfortunately, there’s no way to block or recover it—treat it like cash.
Multiple people can’t share one card: Each traveler should get their own T-money card.
T-money Makes Traveling in Korea Seamless for Visitors
Whether you’re in Korea for a short vacation or an extended stay, the T-money card is your best companion for navigating the country. It makes subway rides effortless, bus transfers cheaper, and even your snack purchases faster.
As public transport in Korea is already fast and foreigner-friendly, having a T-money card simply enhances that experience.
From Seoul to Busan, Incheon to Gyeongju, the T-money card keeps you moving without the hassle of buying tickets or counting coins. Make sure to grab one at the airport as soon as you land—and you’ll thank yourself every time you tap and ride.