Our team at Travlists tried WOWPASS, the most popular T-Money card among travelers these days. It is not only a transportation card; it also acts like a debit card that you can use in restaurants, cafes, shops, convenience stores, and more. Get one for your trip here starting at only $3.5.

In a nutshell
- What is T-Money? T-Money is a prepaid transportation card in South Korea that can be used to pay for subway, bus, and taxi fares. It can also be used in select stores like Starbucks, GS25, and Dunkin’ Donuts.
- How much is a T-Money card? T-Money cards cost around $6, but if you want to save money, you can book a Korea SIM card with a FREE T-Money card. View on Klook ➜
- What are alternative transportation cards in Korea? Aside from T-Money, you can also consider buying a Namane Card, Discover Seoul Pass, or a WOWPASS Card.
- Where can I pick up a T-Money card in Korea? After booking, you can easily redeem your T-Money card at Incheon International Airport or Gimpo Airport. Check more information here.
- How do I top up? You can add money to your T-Money card at a convenience store or using a top-up machine in subway stations and Incheon International Airport.
Quick Book

Meet T-Money Card in South Korea
T-Money is a prepaid transportation card in South Korea that you can use to pay for your bus, subway, and taxi fares. Just like the Octopus Card in Hong Kong, EasyCard in Taiwan, or Oyster Card in London, T-Money cards will save you from having to purchase single-trip tickets each time you take public transportation in Korea.
What I personally like about using T-Money is that it offers a fare discount of ₩100 or $0.01 for every ride. (Those who don’t have T-Money in Korea pay the full regular fare when using cash.) Admittedly, the discount for each ride isn’t much. However, towards the end of my first trip to Korea, I was able to save ₩3,900, which was enough to buy me a gimbab or an Iced Americano.
Moreover, with a T-Money card, you can also get free transfers between buses and subway trains, provided that you hop in and out of the next leg within 30 minutes. (Beyond this time, you’ll be charged for multiple trips.)
Another fun fact: aside from transportation, T-Money in Korea can also be used to pay for your purchase in select convenience stores (CVS), vendo machines, Starbucks, and Dunkin’ Donuts. This means that you can go cashless whenever you make a purchase, just like a local.
Book a T-Money Card for South Korea
To get a T-Money card, you can book easily online. Here are your options:
1. WOWPASS Card (T-Money Card + Debit Card)

Our first T-Money card option is called WOWPASS. With a WOWPASS card, not only will you get to enjoy a convenient way to pay for transportation, but you will also enjoy an automated foreign currency exchange service. Here’s how it works: Upon arrival in South Korea, you can convert your foreign currency using a WOWPASS machine (e.g. USD, PHP, SGD, HKD, EUR, AUD, etc.) and load the amount to your WOWPASS Card. You can then use your WOWPASS card to pay for your purchases at restaurants, shops, and virtually all stores that accept card payments. You will also be able to use the card to take the subway, buses, and trains.
- PRICE: Book here for only $3.5 (vs. regular price of $4)
- INCLUSIONS: WOWPASS Card with T-Money
- WHERE TO REDEEM. With your voucher, locate a WOWPASS machine at the following:
- Airports: Incheon International Airport (Terminals 1 & 2), Gimpo International Airport
- Subway stations: Seoul Station, Myeongdong Station, Hongik Univ. Station (Hongdae), Jamsil Station, Gangnam Station, DDP Station, Gwanghwamun Station, Yeouido Station, & more
- Hotels: L7 Hongdae, La Casa Hotel Seoul, Travelodge Dongdaemun, Ibis Styles Ambassador Incheon Airport, Jeju Shinhwa World Marriott Resort, Fairfield by Marriott Busan, & more
- Malls: Lotte Mart Gimpo Airport Branch, Emart Jeju Branch, & more
- Stores: M Playground Hongdae, CU Myeongdong, & more
- BEST REVIEW: “We were so glad that this is available to tourists. This is really a big help when you visit. This saves you a lot of time exchanging your money [for] Korean Won… Indeed, South Korea is already a card society. Even the small-scaled [entrepreneurs] accept this. This works like a debit card for tourists. They have promotions and [cashback] from time to time. I hope in the future, more [WOWPASS] Kiosks will be available everywhere… Also, this works as a [T-Money too,] but you have to recharge it [on T-Money] Kiosks with cash.”
ALSO READ: How to Use WOWPASS in Korea: T-Money & Currency Exchange
2. T-Money Card & Korea SIM Card by LG U+

If you’re thinking about purchasing a T-Money and a SIM card in Korea, then this option is perfect for you. By buying this bundle, you will not only get connected to the internet but also be equipped with a transit card that you can get for free.
- PRICE: Book here starting at around $19.5 (for a 5-day SIM card + T-Money card)
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: T-money card, unlimited data for 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, & 60 days, call-and-text feature (optional), mobile hotspot capability, and nationwide coverage for data
- PICK-UP LOCATIONS & HOURS. This Korea SIM card and T-Money card bundle can be collected at any of the following airports:
- Incheon International Airport, Terminal 1 (6am-10pm)
- Incheon International Airport, Terminal 2 (6am-10pm)
- Gimpo International Airport (6:30am-11pm)
- BEST REVIEW: A Klook user who purchased this T-Money card option left a review saying that “the other half of the card doubled as a T-money card which was very useful!”. The customer also noted that she enjoyed a good connection in Seoul & Busan.
3. Discover Seoul Pass with T-Money

The Discover Seoul Pass may be more popularly known as an all-in-one attraction pass, but it actually also doubles as a T-Money card. If you plan to purchase the physical card (not the mobile version), you’ll be able to use it to enter attractions and pay for your transportation fare. Learn more about Discover Seoul Pass
- PRICE: Book here starting at $40 (2023 price)
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Discover Seoul Pass (card type) for 24, 48, or 72 hours
- PICK-UP LOCATIONS:
- Incheon International Airport Terminal 1
- Incheon International Airport Terminal 2
- Gimpo International Airport
- Myeongdong Tourist Information Center
- BEST REVIEW: “The Discover Seoul Pass was amazing… It gave me access to…palaces, museums, and theme parks… I loved the convenience of just tapping the pass…and it even worked as a T-money card… It saved me a lot of time and money, especially for a short trip,” reads a review on Klook for Discover Seoul Pass with transportation function.
ALSO READ: Ultimate Guide to Discover Seoul Pass: Price, Attractions & Itinerary
4. T-Money Card Klook Edition (Incheon Airport or Gimpo Airport Pick-up)

Avid user of Klook? Get their exclusive T-Money card that comes in 3 options: T-Money card only, T-Money card with ₩5,000 credit, or a T-Money card with ₩5,000 credit + SIM Card.
- PRICE: Book here starting at $24.3!
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Customized T-money card (Klook design), preloaded ₩5,000 credit, & a 5-day Korea SIM card
- PICK-UP LOCATIONS & HOURS:
- Incheon International Airport, Terminal 1: Open 24/7
- Incheon International Airport, Terminal 2: Open 24/7
- BEST REVIEW: “Convenient [to use] when going around by public transportation,” wrote a Klook user who purchased this T-Money card option. “Used it on the first day to take the bus to the Seoul Tower. Easy recharge at convenience.”
5. Korea Tour Card (Mobile T-Money) Coupon
Using an Android smartphone? Turn your device into a mobile T-Money card! Book this option and get a coupon for the Korea Tour Card app, which is the mobile version of the T-Money card for tourists. Before riding the bus or subway, simply tap open the Korea Tour App and scan your smartphone at the sensor — no need for a physical T-Money card. What’s more, you’ll also be able to top-up your T-Money on the app, check your balance, request for a refund for your balance, and more! Learn more about the Korea Tour Card below:
- PRICE: Starts at $4.6 here
- WHAT YOU’LL GET: Korea Tour Card (T-Money) coupon and ₩5,000 top-ip coupon
- HOW TO USE: Receive your Korea Tour Card coupon, download the Korea Tour Card app, register the code on your coupon, and top-up
- BEST REVIEW: A customer who purchased this option said she” was hesitant at first thinking an actual card would be better”. After using it, she was “glad” because “it was very easy to set up and [top-up] can be done anywhere using debit/credit cards too.”
How to Top Up & Check the Balance of Your T-Money Card
When your T-Money balance runs low, you can easily top up using the Transportation Card Reloading Machines found in subway stations.
- Simply place your T-Money card on the sensor (it’s the middle box below the screen).
- Choose English as your preferred language. The machine will display the top-up amount options available.
- Insert your cash or coins to reload.
To check the balance, just place your card on any reloading machines.
If you plan to use the Korea Tour Card app, you’ll be able to top up your mobile T-Money card using a debit or credit card straight from the app. Of course, you can also go to a nearby convenience store and request the cute staff to reload your T-Money card.
Using T-Money in the Subway, Bus, and Taxi
When riding the bus, place your T-Money card on the sensor until you hear it beep. You’ll then see the charged amount as well as the remaining balance of your card. Before getting off, make sure to tap your T-Money card on the sensor by the rear doors to get the discounted fare or free transfer.

The process is basically the same when using the T-Money in the metro subway, except you’d have to tap your card on the sensor found at the turnstiles.
If you plan to use your Korea T-Money card in a taxi, inform the driver that you want to pay with it before getting in. If their vehicle is equipped with the function (most do), you can then tap your T-Money on the sensor, which is usually located between the two front seats. If your balance isn’t enough to cover the expense, you can pay for the amount you’re short using cash.
How to Get a Refund for Your T-Money Card Balance
If you have a remaining balance of ₩20,000 or less on your T-Money card, you can go to a convenience store and get a refund instantly. The amount that you will get back will be your balance less the service fee of around ₩500. If you have more than ₩20,000 left in your T-Money and want a refund, you’d have to drop by T-Money’s headquarters to request a refund.
- South Korea Pocket WiFi (700k+ booked)
- Airport Railroad Express Ticket (1M+ booked)
- Korail Pass (100k+ booked)
- 4G/5G South Korea eSIM by BNESIM (1M+ users)
- Everland Ticket (500k+ booked)
- Klook Pass Seoul (20k+ booked)
T-Money Card Alternatives: Other Transportation Cards in Korea
Aside from T-Money, you can also consider getting other transportation cards such as the NAMANE Card. This is a prepaid card that you can customize according to the design you like. What we like about it is that the card can be used not only for transportation but also for payments in stores that accept debit cards. Find out more about how you can buy, design, and use your own travel card in Korea here.
FAQ
1. Where can I use T-Money in Korea?
You can use your T-Money card in the following subway lines, retail stores, and restaurants:
A. Transportation (Subway & Train)
- Subway and train
- Seoul & Gyeonggi
- Airport Railroad (to go from Incheon to Seoul and vice-versa)
- Lines 1-9
- Shinbundang Line
- U Line
- Suin Line
- Gyeongchun Line
- Gyeongui-Jungang Line
- Jungang Line
- Bundang Line
- Yongin Ever Line
- Ui Sinseol Line
- Bundang Line and more!
- Incheon (Lines 1-2)
- Daejeon (Line 1)
- Daegu (Line 1)
- Gwangju (Line 1)
- Busan (Lines 1-4)
- Seoul & Gyeonggi
- Buses
- Seoul & Gyeonggi
- Incheon
- Daejeon
- Daegu
- Ulsan
- Gwangju
- Busan
- Sejong
- Gangwon
- Chungbuk
- Chungnam
- Gyeongbu
- Gyeongnam
- Jeonbuk
- Jeonnam
- Jeju
- Shops & Convenience Stores
- 7-Eleven
- CU
- GS25
- Ministop
- 365 Plus
- StoryWay
- IGA Mart
- C Space
- With Me
- Best All
- Home Plus
- lalavla
- Hyundai U-Plex
- GS Supermarket
- Home Plus Express
- Red Bucket
- Paris Baguette
- Dunkin’ Donuts
- Starbucks
- Caffe Pascucci
- Baskin Robbins
- Jamba Juice
- Angel in Us Coffee
- Caffe TIAMO
- Gong Cha
- Lotteria
- McDonald’s
- Holika Holika
- The Face Shop
- TONYMOLY
- Innisfree
- Everland Resort
- Wyverns Baseball Club
2. Can you use T-Money in Busan or Jeju, South Korea?
Yes. Apart from Seoul, you can also use your T-Money card in Busan, Gyeonggi-do, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Jeju, and Gwangju.
3. Do T-Money cards expire?
No, they don’t. When you purchase one on your first trip, you can use the same card on your succeeding visits. It makes for a good souvenir, too!
4. Is it true that T-Money cards have other designs and forms like keychains, necklaces, etc.?
Yes. Once in a while, the company behind T-Money releases special edition T-Money cards. Previous designs featured Kakao Friends, Pokemon, and BTS.
There are also some limited-edition T-Money that come in the form of keychains, phone accessories, bag tags, and more.
Got more questions?
Let us know in the comments section below.