The little blue card that runs your whole Korea trip — here's how to buy it, load it, and get your money back.
Travelers ask us this all the time in our chat, so here's the full answer for everyone: how the T-money card actually works in 2026 — including two new things most guides haven't caught up with yet.
What it is
T-money is Korea's transit card: tap it on buses, subways, and even taxis, and use it to pay at convenience stores, many cafes, and vending machines. It's how locals move through the city, and it unlocks the transfer discounts you don't get paying per ride.
Where to buy it
Any 24-hour convenience store — CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24 — or the vending machines near subway ticket gates. The card itself costs around ₩3,000 (character and special editions run up to ₩5,000). One thing to know: that's the price of the plastic, not balance — and it's non-refundable.
How to recharge
- Cash at any convenience store or subway station machine — minimum ₩1,000, maximum ₩90,000 per top-up.
- New in 2026: Seoul subway kiosks now accept foreign credit cards for top-ups, so you're no longer stuck hunting for cash.
- On an iPhone with a Mastercard? Mobile T-money via Apple Wallet started rolling out in 2026 too.
A good starting load is around ₩50,000 — enough for several days of subway and bus rides in Seoul.
Getting your money back before you fly out
- Balance under ₩20,000 — refund in cash at CU, GS25, or 7-Eleven (a ₩500 fee).
- Balance ₩20,000–₩50,000 — subway station customer service center, passport required.
- Do it before immigration. Once you pass security into the duty-free zone, there's nowhere to refund — your balance is stuck.
- Or skip the fee entirely: spend the remainder at a convenience store. The card never expires, so if you're coming back to Korea, just keep it.
Should you get T-money or something else?
- T-money — the default. Cheapest, works everywhere, zero setup.
- WOWPASS — worth a look if you also want a prepaid debit card for shopping; it has a T-money chip built in, but you still load the transit balance separately.
- Climate Card — unlimited rides, but Seoul only; it won't cover trips to Suwon, Nami Island, or the AREX airport express.
For most travelers on a first trip: plain T-money with ₩50,000 on it — done.
FAQ
- Can I buy one at the airport?
- Yes — the convenience stores at Incheon and Gimpo arrivals sell them, so you can tap onto the subway or bus straight from the airport.
- How much should I load for a week?
- Around ₩30,000–₩50,000 covers most week-long Seoul trips using public transit. You can always top up at any convenience store in two minutes.
- Is the card price refundable?
- No — the ~₩3,000 for the card itself is a one-time cost. Only the loaded balance is refundable.
- What if I still get confused on the day?
- That's what we're for. Every Crew booking includes our online guide — ping us mid-trip with "which exit?" or "how do I top this up?" and you'll get a real answer in real time.
Ask Moon
Seoul
