SEOUL · TRANSPORT
The one card that unlocks Seoul transit
Buy it, charge it, tap it — subway, bus and taxi all on one card.
If you do one practical thing on arrival, make it this: get a T-money card. It’s Seoul’s rechargeable transit card, and a single tap pays for the subway, city buses and even taxis — no fumbling for cash or single tickets. This guide covers where to buy one, how to charge it, what a ride costs in 2026, and whether a tourist pass might suit you better.
Korean terms are included so you can read the machines and ask for help.
In This Guide
Where to buy and how much
The card itself costs about 2,500–5,000 won (roughly US$2–4), depending on the design — that’s just for the empty card; you load credit on top. Buy one at:
- Any convenience store: CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24. Just say “T-money” (티머니).
- Subway station machines and station kiosks.
- Incheon Airport convenience stores and tourist information desks, so you’re set the moment you land.
How to charge (top up)
Top up (충전, chungjeon) with cash at any convenience store — hand the cashier the card and the amount — or at the charging machines in every subway station. You can load anywhere from 1,000 up to 90,000 won at a time. Traditionally these machines were cash-only, which caught tourists out, but since March 2026 Seoul Metro has rolled out hundreds of new kiosks across 273 stations on Lines 1–8 that accept international cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay, Amex). Keep a little cash handy anyway for older machines.
Tap through the city, not drag through it
The subway is the fastest way around Seoul — far easier without a suitcase in tow. We deliver your bags hotel-to-hotel or airport-to-hotel so you can ride light.
2026 fares
As of 2026, the Seoul subway base fare is 1,550 won (about US$1.15) for a card tap, after the June 2025 increase from 1,400 won; longer trips add small distance-based increments. City buses are similar. Paying with a T-money card is also a few hundred won cheaper than a single-journey paper ticket, and it enables free or discounted subway-to-bus transfers within a set time — so the card pays for itself fast. Fares are reviewed periodically; confirm the current rate if it matters to your budget.
T-money vs the Climate Card pass
If you’ll ride a lot, Seoul’s Climate Card tourist pass offers unlimited subway and bus rides: about 5,000 won for 1 day, 10,000 won for 3 days, or 15,000 won for 5 days. The math is simple — if you take more than 3–4 rides a day, the pass usually wins; if you ride occasionally, pay-as-you-go T-money is more flexible (and works for taxis and convenience-store purchases too). As of March 2026 you can top up the Climate Card with an international card at station kiosks.
FAQ
Can multiple people share one T-money card?
On buses, yes — tell the driver the number of passengers and tap that many times. On the subway, each person needs their own tap, so sharing is impractical. For a group, buy a card each.
Can I get my balance refunded when I leave?
Yes. You can refund remaining balance (up to a limit, minus a small fee) at convenience stores. The card deposit itself is generally non-refundable, but many travelers keep the card as a souvenir or for a future trip.
Does T-money work outside Seoul?
Yes — T-money is accepted on public transit in most major Korean cities, including Busan, plus many taxis and convenience stores nationwide. It’s the most versatile option for a multi-city trip.
Do I need a Korean phone number or registration?
No. A standard T-money card is anonymous and prepaid — just buy, charge and tap. No registration, app or phone number required.
Get moving in Seoul
With your card loaded, dive into the system using our Seoul subway guide for tourists, and plan the trip in from the airport with our Incheon Airport to Seoul guide. Want to skip the suitcase on the subway entirely? We’ll deliver your bags. For official details, see VisitKorea’s transportation cards page.
