Where can I buy a T-money card as a tourist?

At any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven) in Seoul including those inside airports and subway stations. The card itself costs around ₩2,500–3,000, then you load money onto it separately.

Can I top up T-money with a credit card?

Generally no — top-ups at convenience stores and subway machines are cash-based for foreign visitors. Keep some Korean won on hand for charging your card.

Does T-money work on buses, subway and taxis?

Yes. T-money works on Seoul subway, all city buses, most taxis, and even at convenience stores for small purchases. It also gives you a transfer discount between bus and subway.

T-money for Tourists: The Only Transit Card Guide You Need (2026)

The one piece of transit prep you need

Get a T-money card at the first convenience store you see, load ₩10,000–20,000 on it, and stop thinking about tickets for the rest of your trip. Tap in, tap out — it covers the subway, every city bus, most taxis, and small convenience-store purchases with an automatic transfer discount.

What is T-money and why do you want it?

T-money is Korea’s rechargeable transit card. Tap in, tap out — it covers the subway, every city bus, most taxis, and small convenience-store purchases. It also applies an automatic transfer discount when you switch between bus and subway, which single-journey tickets don’t. If you’re in Seoul for more than a day, it’s not a luxury — it’s the difference between fumbling for change at every turnstile and gliding through like you live here.

Where do you buy it and what does it cost?

Any GS25, CU or 7-Eleven sells them, including at Incheon Airport and inside subway stations. The card itself runs around ₩2,500–3,000, then you load value separately. Character-design editions cost a little more and work exactly the same — the only difference is the cute face on the front.

🚇 Before you queue at the convenience store

Pick up a T-money card at the airport with a pre-paid voucher

Convenience stores sell them, but the counter is cash-only and the arrivals-hall queue is real. A voucher booked ahead is collected at an airport pickup desk on the way out.

Book on Klook Compare on KKday

Prices and availability as of August 2026; they vary by date and option.

How do you top it up?

At the counter of any convenience store (“chungjeon, please” — or just show the card and cash), or at the top-up machines in every subway station (English menu available). Top-ups are cash-based — this catches a lot of visitors off guard, so stash some won for charging. Cards, even Korean ones, usually won’t work at the top-up machines.

The mistakes first-timers make

Forgetting to tap out on the subway — you’ll be charged a penalty fare.
Letting the balance run dry at the gate. Machines are right there; keep ₩5,000+ on the card at all times.
Buying single-journey tickets for every ride. They cost more per trip, add a refundable deposit dance at the end, and lose the transfer discount.
Assuming card top-up works — bring cash for charging. It’s the one thing in hyper-digital Seoul that stubbornly remains cash-only for visitors.

Getting a refund before you leave

Leftover balance under ₩20,000 can be refunded at convenience stores (a small service fee applies); the card price itself isn’t refunded. Or keep the card — it stays valid for years and makes a decent souvenir. Next time you land in Korea, you’ll already be one step ahead.

🎫 The tourist version of the same card

Korea Tour Card — transit plus attraction discounts

It taps in and out exactly like a normal T-money card, but adds discounts at some attractions, shops and duty-free counters. Worth comparing if you are buying a card anyway.