What is T-Money?
T-Money is a rechargeable and prepaid card used for public transportation and small purchases throughout South Korea.
It works on buses, subways, taxis, and at convenience stores across the country, and cheaper in public transportations.
Transport Type | T-Money Price | Cash Price |
Subway | ₩1,400 | ₩1,500 |
Bus | ₩1,500 | ₩1,600 |
Where to Buy T-Money Cards
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Convenience Stores: Available at CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and other major convenience stores
•
Subway Stations: From ticket vending machines or station information booths
How to Load Money onto Your T-Money Card (Mostly CASH ONLY)
At Convenience Stores:
1.
Hand your T-Money card to the cashier
2.
Tell them how much you want to load (in Korean won)
3.
Pay the amount
4.
Receive your loaded card
At Subway Stations:
1.
Find a ticket vending machine or recharging machine
2.
Select your preferred language (most machines offer English)
3.
Choose "Recharge T-Money Card" option
4.
Place your card on the designated reader
5.
Enter the amount you wish to load
6.
Insert cash (machines accept 1,000, 5,000, and 10,000 won bills)
7.
Wait for confirmation and take your card
Using Your T-Money Card
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Subway: Tap the card on the card reader at entry gates and again when exiting
•
Bus: Tap the card on the reader when boarding (and when exiting for distance-based fare buses)
•
Taxi: Inform the driver you wish to pay with T-Money before the end of your ride
•
Stores: Look for the T-Money logo at convenience stores and some cafes
Checking Your T-Money Balance
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Check the display when tapping your card on any transportation card reader
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Use balance checking machines at subway stations
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Ask at convenience stores
•
Download the T-Money app (Korean language only)
Tips for Tourists
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Consider buying a T-Money card immediately upon arrival at the airport
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Load enough for a few days of travel at once (typically 20,000-30,000 KRW)
•
Keep your receipt if you plan to return the card for a refund
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T-Money cards don't expire, so you can keep them for future trips
