T-money card guide for Korea

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

T-money is South Korea's rechargeable transport card, and picking one up on arrival is the simplest way to get around Seoul, Busan and most other Korean cities. It works on subways, city buses, intercity buses and taxis, and it's sold and topped up at thousands of ordinary convenience stores, so you're never far from a place to buy or reload one. It plays a similar role to Japan's Suica and Pasmo cards if you're comparing the two countries.

Buying a T-money card

You don't need to seek out a specialist counter — T-money cards are sold at convenience stores across the country, including the major chains you'll see everywhere: GS25, CU, 7-Eleven and Emart24. Look for the T-money logo at the counter or on a small card display, and ask staff for one; a basic card costs a small, fixed amount, separate from the balance you then load onto it. Cards are also available from vending machines in subway stations, particularly in Seoul, which usually offer an English-language option.

Design-branded and tourist-specific versions of the card exist too — some featuring K-pop groups, characters or city-specific artwork — which work identically to the plain version but appeal to visitors who want a souvenir alongside a functional card.

Topping up

Top-ups (charging) are done at the same convenience stores where you bought the card — hand it to the cashier with cash and tell them how much to add — or at subway station vending machines, many of which accept cash and, increasingly, cards. There's no need to register the card or provide ID for a standard top-up, which makes it straightforward for short-term visitors.

Using T-money on the subway

Tap the card on the reader at the gate when entering and again when exiting — the correct fare is calculated and deducted automatically based on distance travelled, and using the card is slightly cheaper than buying single paper tickets on most networks. This applies across Seoul's extensive subway network and the systems in Busan, Daegu, and other major cities, all of which accept T-money interchangeably in most cases.

Using T-money on buses

City buses work the same way — tap on when you board. On some buses, particularly longer routes or where fares vary by distance, you also tap again when you get off, so it's worth watching what other passengers do or checking signage near the doors; failing to tap out on a distance-based route can result in being charged the maximum fare. Using T-money on buses is also usually cheaper than paying cash directly to the driver, and it enables free or discounted transfers between bus and subway within a set time window, which cash fares don't offer.

Using T-money in taxis

Most taxis in Korea's major cities accept T-money as a payment method, with a reader mounted near the driver — tap the card the same way you would for transport, and the metered fare is deducted. Not every taxi has a working reader, so it's sensible to carry some cash or a bank card as a backup, particularly outside the largest cities — see our guide to common taxi scams and how to avoid them for general precautions that apply anywhere, though Korea's metered taxis are generally reliable.

T-money at the airport

Cards can be bought and topped up at convenience stores and information counters inside Incheon and Gimpo airports, making it easy to get one before you even reach the city — useful if you're heading straight onto the AREX train or an airport bus into Seoul. See our guide to Seoul airport to the city for the wider range of transfer options if you'd rather compare trains, buses and taxis first. If South Korea is one leg of a wider trip, our East Asia entry requirements guide covers visa rules for the region.

Practical tips

• Keep the card after your trip if you plan to return to Korea — balances don't expire, though very old cards may eventually need replacing due to wear.
• Refunds for unused balance are possible at some convenience stores and dedicated refund machines at the airport before departure, usually minus a small handling deduction — check current terms, as processes can change.
• One card per person — T-money is a tap-per-passenger system, so a group travelling together each needs their own card (or enough cash) rather than sharing one.
• Mobile versions exist within Korean payment apps for residents, but for a short visit a physical card bought at a convenience store remains the simplest option for most tourists.

Ride-hailing apps also operate in Korea's major cities as a backup or alternative to taxis — see our guide to which app works where for what's available.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I buy a T-money card?

At convenience stores nationwide (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Emart24), at subway station vending machines, and at counters inside Incheon and Gimpo airports. No ID or registration is required for a standard card.

Do I need to tap out as well as tap in on buses?

On some routes, particularly longer or distance-based ones, yes — check signage or watch other passengers, since forgetting to tap out on these routes can mean being charged the maximum fare.

Can I use one T-money card for my whole group?

No — each passenger needs to tap individually, so each person in your group needs their own card, or enough cash as a backup.

Can I get a refund for unused balance before I leave?

Often yes, at some convenience stores and refund machines at the airport, typically minus a small handling amount. Terms can change, so check current options when you're ready to leave.