Korea T-Money Card: How to Use, Top Up and Refund

If you are planning a trip to South Korea, I can almost guarantee you will hear about the T-money card before you arrive. But what is T-money card and how to buy it? Will it be useful for your Korean trip?

In this guide, I will share exactly how T-money works, where to get it, and the latest updates you should know.

What is T-money Card?

Think of T-money as Korea’s all-in-one travel card in South Korea. You load money onto it, then use it for public transport and small purchases.

I like how simple it is! There’s no complicated setup, just tap the card and the fare comes off your balance.

Where can I use T-money card?

T-money works across the country, not just in Seoul. You can use it on subways and buses in cities like Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, Incheon, and Gwangju, as well as in taxis that display the T-money logo.

It also works in most convenience stores, which makes it useful even when you are not on the move.

What’s New with T-money in 2025

A few important changes came in 2025, so here is what you should know:

• Apple Wallet support: You can now add T-money to your iPhone or Apple Watch and pay with Express Mode. The catch is that topping up directly in Wallet usually requires a Korean bank card, so visitors will still need to reload at machines or stores.
• Korea Tour Card discontinued: The old Korea Tour Card is no longer available. T-money now covers the main features tourists need.
• Seoul Climate Card: If you plan to use buses, subways, and Seoul Bikes daily, the Climate Card is a 30-day unlimited pass. Foreigners can use it too, but it is mainly worth it for long stays.
• Visa contactless in Jeju: Jeju buses now accept Visa cards for tap payments. It is not nationwide yet, but handy if your trip is focused on the island.

How to Get a T-money Card

You will have no trouble finding a T-money card in Korea. They are sold almost everywhere, including:

• Airport kiosks and convenience stores right after you land
• Subway station ticket machines and customer service centers
• Major convenience store chains like CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and emart24

The card itself usually costs between 2,500 and 4,000 KRW, and then you load credit separately.

I like that you can choose from plain designs or themed ones with K-pop idols and cute characters. They all work the same, so it really just depends if you want a simple card or a fun souvenir.

How to Top Up Your T-money Card

Topping up your T-money card is quick and straightforward. You can:

• Use top-up machines at subway stations
• Ask at the counter in convenience stores (cash only is safest, some stores may accept Korean cards)

For most trips, I recommend starting with 10,000 to 20,000 KRW. That usually covers several days of subway and bus rides.

If you are staying longer, you can just top up as you go. The maximum balance is 500,000 KRW, which is more than enough for tourists.

How to Use T-money Correctly

Using the card is very straightforward. You simply tap it on the reader when you enter and when you exit a subway or bus. The fare is calculated automatically, so you don’t have to think about it.

Here are a few things I like to point out:

• Always remember to tap out on buses. If you forget, you’ll be charged the maximum fare.
• Transfers are discounted if you tap out and back in within the time limit. Normally it is 30 minutes, but between 9 pm and 7 am the window is one hour.
• You can also use T-money in many taxis and at convenience stores for snacks, drinks, or even a quick meal.

Mobile T-money and Apple Wallet

If you don’t feel like carrying around another card, you can actually use Mobile T-money on Android or add it straight to your iPhone or Apple Watch. It works the same way. Just tap your phone or watch and you’re through the gate.

Apple Wallet now supports T-money with Express Mode, so you don’t even have to unlock your phone.

The only catch is topping up. Right now, adding money in Wallet usually needs a Korean bank card, so if you’re a visitor you’ll still top up at a machine or a convenience store.

On Android, Mobile T-money is a bit smoother, as long as your phone has NFC.

T-Money Refunds and Fees

I get a lot of questions about what happens if you have money left on your card. The good news is you can get most of it back.

• For small balances, just go to a convenience store and ask for a refund.
• For larger amounts, it is easier to go to a subway station service center.
• A small fee is deducted (usually 500 KRW), and the card cost itself is not refundable.

I usually suggest keeping the card for your next trip, since balances never expire and it saves you buying another one. Plus, it makes a nice little souvenir.

T-money vs Cashbee vs Climate Card vs Mobile T-money

There are a few other transport options, and I know it can be confusing, so here is a quick comparison:

T-Money Card Tips

Here are a few things worth keeping in mind:

• Forgot to tap out? Go to the station office and they’ll fix your fare.
• Keep some cash with you. Not every convenience store will let you top up with a foreign card.
• You can always check your balance at a ticket machine or by asking at a store.
• Hold on to your card. The balance doesn’t expire, so you can use it again next trip.
• On buses, tap when you get on and when you get off. If you forget to tap out, the system charges you extra.

Before You Go

Getting a T-money card is one of the easiest ways to make your trip smoother. Once you’ve got it sorted, you’ll be ready to explore South Korea without worrying about tickets or small change.

If you’re still planning the details of your trip, these guides will help:

• South Korea Travel Tips – everything first-timers should know
• Best Time to Visit Korea – which season matches your travel style
• Korea SIM vs eSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi – the easiest way to stay connected
• K-ETA Guide – check if you need one and how to apply