T-money Card Guide 2026: How to Buy, Recharge & Use Korea's Transit Card

The T-money card is the single easiest thing you can buy to get around Korea. One tap pays for subways, buses, and even taxis nationwide — no fumbling for cash or buying individual tickets. Here's exactly how to buy one, charge it, use it, and get your deposit back in 2026.

What Is a T-money Card?

T-money is Korea's rechargeable transit card. You load it with cash, then tap it on a reader when you board. It works across almost all public transport in the country — Seoul and regional subways, city and intercity buses, and most taxis — plus it doubles as a payment card at convenience stores and many vending machines. For most visitors it replaces both tickets and small change.

Where to Buy & How Much It Costs

You pay a small one-time price for the blank card itself (this is not travel credit — you load that separately).

Where	Approx. Card Price
Subway station ticket machines	from about ₩2,500
Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24)	about ₩3,000
Incheon Airport / tourist-edition cards	about ₩4,000
Special character / designer editions	roughly ₩5,000–₩6,000

Roughly US$2–4, which varies with the exchange rate. The simplest option: grab one at any convenience store the moment you land.

How to Recharge (Top Up)

1. Go to a recharge machine inside any subway station, or ask the cashier at a convenience store.
2. Tap your card on the pad and insert Korean won cash. Minimum top-up is usually ₩1,000.
3. The new balance shows instantly.

Traditionally you could only top up with cash, so keep some won on hand. One recent change: Seoul Metro has begun rolling out kiosks that accept foreign credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, JCB, UnionPay, Amex) for top-ups, but coverage is still limited — don't rely on it everywhere.

Current Fares in Seoul (2026)

Service	With T-money	Cash / Single Ticket
Subway base fare (first ~10 km)	₩1,550	₩1,650
City bus (standard)	about ₩1,500	slightly higher

Seoul's subway base fare rose to ₩1,550 by card (from ₩1,400) in 2025 and remains at that level in 2026. The base fare covers roughly the first 10 km; longer trips add a small per-distance charge. Beyond the lower price, the real win is free or discounted transfers between subway and bus within 30 minutes when you tap with T-money — something single tickets don't give you.

₩1,550 is roughly US$1.10, varying with the exchange rate.

Using It on Taxis & in Stores

Taxis: Most Korean taxis take T-money — look for the logo on the window or dashboard and tap at the end of the ride. Convenience stores & more: You can also spend your balance at CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24, some fast-food and coffee chains, and vending machines. Handy for using up a small balance before you leave.

Getting Your Balance Refunded

Before flying home, you can refund leftover credit at a convenience store (up to a set limit, commonly around ₩20,000–₩50,000). A small processing fee (about ₩500) is deducted, and the price of the card itself is not refundable — but you keep the card, so hold onto it for your next trip. For larger balances, use a T-money customer service center.

👉 Quick start: Buy a T-money card at the airport convenience store, load ₩20,000–₩30,000 cash to begin, and tap on every subway, bus, and taxi. Top up as needed, and refund the leftover before you leave. That's the whole system.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money should I load on a T-money card for a Korea trip?

For a typical sightseeing day of several subway and bus rides, ₩10,000–₩15,000 per day is plenty. Loading ₩20,000–₩30,000 at the start saves you frequent top-ups, and you can refund whatever's left before departure.

Can I use one T-money card for two people?

On the subway, no — each person must tap their own card through the gate. On buses you can technically tap the same card multiple times for multiple passengers, but it's far easier for everyone to carry their own card.

Does T-money work outside Seoul, like in Busan or Jeju?

Yes. T-money is accepted on public transport nationwide, including Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and Jeju, as well as on most intercity and airport buses — making it genuinely a one-card solution for the whole country.

Should I get a physical T-money card or use a mobile version?

A physical card is the most reliable choice for foreign visitors because mobile T-money often requires a Korean phone number or specific Android support. If you have a compatible setup you can try the app, but the plastic card works for everyone instantly.

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Sources & verification: Seoul subway base fare of ₩1,550 (card) / ₩1,650 (cash), raised from ₩1,400, confirmed via The Korea Times and Seoul Metro. Card prices, recharge, taxi/store use, and refund details cross-checked against current T-money guides and VisitKorea (Korea Tourism Organization).
Last verified: October 2026. Fares and card prices can change — confirm at the station or store at the time of purchase. USD figures are approximate and vary with exchange rates.