A T-money card is a convenient way to pay for buses and subways in Seoul and many other parts of South Korea. You can buy a physical card at participating convenience stores and top it up with cash at a store counter or a subway-station machine.
Cash is still a practical way to reload a physical T-money card, but it is not the only transit-payment option for visitors in 2026. Seoul accepts international cards for certain Climate Card purchases and single-journey tickets. Some visitors can also use Mobile T-money options, depending on their phone and payment card.
Here is how to use a physical card, what to budget for, and what to know about transfers and refunds.
Quick facts
- A standard physical T-money card generally costs ₩3,000–₩5,000. The purchase price is separate from the balance you add.
- Reloads start at ₩1,000. A card can hold up to ₩500,000.
- Seoul’s adult subway base fare with a transit card is ₩1,550; longer journeys may cost more. Check Seoul’s fare and transfer information.
- You can reload a physical card with cash at participating convenience stores and subway-station machines.
- Refund limits vary by location and store chain. A fee may be deducted, and the card purchase price is not refundable.
How to top up a physical T-money card
At a participating convenience store, hand the cashier your card and tell them how much you want to add. You can also show them the amount written on your phone.
You can say “T-money chungjeon hae juseyo” (티머니 충전해 주세요), meaning “Please top up my T-money.”
At a subway station, use a transit-card reloading machine. Choose English if available, place your card on the reader, select an amount, and insert your cash. Leave the card on the reader until the machine confirms the reload.
Stores and machines may differ in what they accept, so keep some Korean won available if you plan to use a physical card. Korea Tourism lists T-money cards at convenience stores such as CU, GS25, and 7-Eleven, along with selected subway locations and station machines. Korea Tourism Organization.
How much should you load?
There is no single right amount for every trip. Your total depends on how often you travel, how far you go, and whether you use the card for anything besides transit.
As a reference, ₩30,000 is about 19 Seoul adult subway base fares at ₩1,550 each. Longer journeys can cost more, and bus fares vary by service. Start with an amount you are comfortable carrying and top up again when needed.
Where can you buy a T-money card?
Physical cards are sold at participating convenience stores and selected subway locations. Card designs and prices vary. At Incheon Airport, check an open convenience store or transit-card sales point; stock and opening hours can vary. If you cannot buy one at the airport, look for a participating store or station location later.
T-money is accepted on many buses, subways, and participating taxis. It can also be used at some affiliated shops and services. It does not replace a KTX ticket; buy a separate ticket for high-speed rail.
For the Airport Railroad, check which service you plan to take. Transit cards can be used on the all-stop train; the AREX Express service requires a separate ticket. VisitKorea transit-card guidance.
Tap in and out for transfers
Tap your card when boarding a bus and tap again when getting off. On the subway, tap in and out at the gates. These taps help calculate your fare and any eligible transfer discount.
Seoul’s transfer rules generally allow a transfer within 30 minutes after tapping off, with a longer window overnight. The city lists up to four transfers, subject to route and timing rules. A transfer does not always mean the next leg is entirely free; distance-based charges may apply. Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Seoul’s guidance lists cash as a payment option on city buses, so it is inaccurate to say that all Seoul buses are cashless. A transit card is still useful for transfers and convenient boarding.
Can you use an international bank card?
For a physical T-money card, cash is a practical reload option at convenience-store counters and many station machines. Do not assume that every counter or machine accepts an overseas-issued card for a standard T-money reload.
Other visitor payment options are available, but they apply to specific products and services:
- Seoul accepts international cards at supported machines for Climate Cards and single-journey tickets. That does not mean every physical T-money card can be reloaded with an international card. Seoul Metropolitan Government.
- Some visitors with compatible iPhones can use Mobile T-money and top up with a supported Mastercard through Apple Wallet. Check compatibility before relying on it. Mastercard announcement.
A little Korean cash remains a useful backup if you prefer to use a physical card.
Children and youth discounts
Travelers under 18 who want a youth or child fare need to register their date of birth when purchasing or registering the card. Ask the seller what identification or proof is required; procedures can vary by location. Korea Tourism Organization.
How to get a refund for unused balance
Refund limits depend on the store chain and location. Seoul’s 2026 visitor guide lists different limits for different convenience-store brands and subway information centers. For example, listed convenience-store limits range from under ₩20,000 to ₩30,000, while subway information centers list refunds up to ₩50,000. For balances over ₩50,000, check with T-money Town near Seoul Station. A refund fee may be deducted, and the card purchase price is not returned. Seoul’s 2026 visitor guide.
Check the current limit with the specific outlet before making a special trip. If you only have a small balance left, using it at a participating merchant may be simpler.
T-money or another transit option?
A standard T-money card suits travelers who want pay-as-you-go transit, plan to visit places outside Seoul, or prefer to add balance as needed.
If you expect to take several trips each day and will stay within the Climate Card’s coverage, compare its current pass prices and coverage before choosing. International-card support for Climate Cards is separate from standard T-money reloads. Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy and top up a T-money card at Incheon Airport?
Check the airport’s open convenience stores and transit-card sales points when you arrive. Availability and hours can vary. If you cannot find a card there, you can look for one at a participating store or station in the city.
Can I use T-money on Seoul buses?
T-money is accepted on many Seoul buses. Tap when boarding and getting off, especially if you want an eligible transfer discount. Seoul also lists cash as a payment option on city buses.
Can I use the same T-money card throughout Korea?
T-money works on many public-transport services across Korea, but acceptance can vary by service and location. Check before relying on it for a specific route. It does not replace a KTX ticket.
What happens if I lose my card?
Treat a physical T-money card like cash. Unless your particular card or service has a registration and recovery feature, you may not be able to recover its balance.
Do I have to use cash?
No. Cash is a practical way to reload a physical T-money card, but Seoul supports international cards for certain Climate Card purchases and single-journey tickets. Some visitors may also be able to use compatible Mobile T-money options.
Final tips
Choose the transit option that fits your itinerary. If you use a physical T-money card, keep some Korean cash available, top up as needed, and tap out when leaving buses and subway stations. Check current fares, transfer rules, and refund limits through official guidance before traveling.
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