If you’re planning to use public transportation like subways or buses during your trip to Korea, a T-money card is a must-have item. It's much more convenient than carrying cash—you can handle everything with just one card. Please read this guide carefully to learn about how to buy, recharge, use, and refund your T-money card, plus transfer tips before your trip.
Where to Buy a T-money Card
You can easily buy a T-money card almost anywhere in Korea:
- Convenience stores inside Incheon Airport (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, etc.)
- Ticket counters or vending machines at subway stations
- Travel platforms like Klook and Trip.com (pre-charged cards)
💰 Price: Around ₩2,500 to ₩4,000 (card only, no balance included)
How to Recharge a T-money Card
Recharge options:
- Subway station machines (multi-language supported)
- Convenience store counters (say "Please recharge my T-money card" in Korean)
⚠️ Recharge is cash only; credit cards are not accepted.
(You can recharge up to 500,000 KRW, about 350 USD, at once.)
How to Use T-money on the Subway
- Tap your card at the gate when entering.
- Tap again when exiting.
💡 The fare is automatically calculated based on the travel distance.
💡 Transfers between lines within 30 minutes do not incur extra charges.
How to Use T-money on the Bus
- Tap when you board (front door).
- Tap again when you get off (middle or back door).
❗ If you don't tap off, you will lose transfer discounts.
❗ For two or more passengers, tell the driver before tapping (e.g., "Two people," "Four people").
Transfers between buses are allowed for multiple passengers; subways are not.
Is Transfer Discount Available?
Yes! Korea’s system integrates bus-subway, subway-subway, and bus-bus transfers automatically.
- Up to 4 transfers per trip
- Transfers must occur within 30 minutes
Where Else Can You Use T-money?
Besides transportation, you can use T-money for small payments:
- Convenience stores (snacks, drinks)
- Some taxis
- Vending machines at subway stations
- Some museums and attractions
💳 Look for the T-money logo!
How to Check Your T-money Balance
- Check at subway station machines.
- Ask at convenience store counters.
- Balance also appears on card readers each time you tap.
Can You Refund the Card Balance?
Yes, with conditions:
- Refund available at convenience stores.
- ₩500 service fee applies.
- The card itself is non-refundable but can be reused for future trips.
Final Thoughts
The T-money card is not just a transportation tool — it’s your all-in-one solution during your Korea trip. Subways, buses, convenience stores, taxis... you’ll definitely feel the difference if you don’t have one!
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