Where to Buy a T-Money Card in Korea: Airport, Price & Cute Designs
Last Updated on September 25, 2026
When planning your visit to South Korea, one indispensable item to acquire is a T-money card. This versatile transportation card is your key to convenient travel on public transportation networks throughout South Korea, including subways, buses and even taxis. After purchasing and loading credit onto your T-money card, you can begin to hop from transport option to transport option. You can even use Korean T-money cards for shopping at some traditional Korean markets, in convenience stores, and more.
But first, you need to get one. If you’re already in Korea, there are a few places you can buy a T-money card, even custom T-money cards. If you’re abroad, you’ve got some great options too. Keep reading to find out more.
Whether you’re in Korea and need a basic T-Money card or are a tourist looking for a combination transportation and debit card, here’s the information you need to know for traveling in Korea:
- What is the T-Money Card
- Benefits of Using a T-Money Card
- How Much Does a T-Money Card Cost?
- Where to Buy a T-Money Card IN Korea
- Where to Buy Cute and Character T-Money Card Designs
- How Much Money Should I Put on My T-Money Card?
- How to Top Up (Recharge) Your T-Money Card
- Can You Use a Credit Card or Your Phone Instead?
- Pre-purchase T-Money Cards With Extra Tourist Benefits
- T-Money vs WOWPASS vs Climate Card vs Namane: Which Card Should You Get?
- FAQ
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What is the T-Money Card
The T-money card (티머니 카드) is South Korea’s prepaid, rechargeable transportation card, issued by T-money Co., Ltd., that you tap to pay for subways, buses and many taxis nationwide.
The T-money card is Korea’s prepaid transportation card that can be used to pay for public transportation including the Seoul Subway System, buses, and even taxis. It makes it easier to travel, but it also provides a slight discount on travel that purchasing tickets for travel in Seoul doesn’t. (An adult subway ride in Seoul costs W1,550 with a T-money card versus W1,650 with a single-journey ticket, and you only get transfer discounts when you pay with a card.) The T-money card can also be used to make purchases in convenience stores, pay at vending machines, and even buy food at traditional markets, so it’s more than just the transportation card that most people use it as.
One card works across the country. The card I bought in Seoul years ago is the same one I tap on the bus here on Jeju, and it works on the Busan subway too, so there’s no need to buy a different card for each city.
Learn more about the various transportation options in Seoul more specifically in the following guides: Navigating Seoul with Ease: Your Ultimate Guide to the Seoul Subway System and How To Ride a Bus in Seoul: Colors, Cards, Fares, and All Four Types
Benefits of Using a T-Money Card
The T-Money card offers numerous benefits that make it easier to travel around Seoul and beyond in South Korea:
- Convenience: With a T-money card in your pocket, you’ll navigate South Korea’s public transportation system with ease. No need to fumble for cash or worry about purchasing tickets for each ride. The card works on buses, subways, taxis, and can even pay for tolls on the highway. It can even be used to make purchases in convenience stores and some traditional markets.
- Versatility: Beyond its primary use on trains and buses, your T-money Korea card doubles as a stored value card. This means you can use it in vending machines, for payments at select stores. Participating establishments include most convenience stores, certain larger stores, and numerous food and beverage outlets, as well as even some traditional Korean markets. Just look for the T-money logo and pad to pay.
- Savings: The T-money card not only saves you time but also money. You can benefit from discounted fares, especially if you’re traveling with children. By registering your child’s card as a child (ages 6-12) or youth (ages 13-18) card, you unlock discounted fares. (In Seoul, a subway ride is W900 for youth and W550 for children with a card.) Note that if you misuse this feature and use a child’s card as an adult, there are large fines.
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How Much Does a T-Money Card Cost?
The cheapest T-money card, the basic one with a plain, CU, or standard design, is W3,000. Once you start looking at character cards, you’re closer to W5,000. Special editions and novelty cards (mini cards, sticker cards for the back of your phone) can cost more. That price is for the card only. It comes with a W0 balance, so you’ll top it up separately, and the card price isn’t refunded when you leave.
Where to Buy a T-Money Card IN Korea
Now, let’s explore the various options to purchase your T-money card which vary depending on if you’re currently in Korea or currently outside of Korea and are coming as a tourist and perhaps want to get a card that offers a combination of benefits on top of just acting as a transportation card. I’ve separated the info as necessary so if you’re a tourist, skip down below to learn about other cards which offer different benefits beyond just the basic T-money cards.
In the Incheon International Airport
Yes, you can buy a T-money card at Incheon Airport, in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
If you’ve landed and didn’t pre-purchase, no worries, there are vending machines near the Airport Railroad that have T-money cards for purchase. This is the most convenient place to buy the card if you don’t yet have one and you can find the vending machines right at the entrance to the Airport Railroad so just follow the signs there. The vending machines are at the Transportation Center on floor B1 of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
The convenience stores in the arrivals hall and on B1 also sell basic T-money cards, which is handy if the machine line is long.
What to know about the Korea Tour Card:
- Cost: W4,000
- How To Buy: The vending machines only work with cash and to top up the cards, you also need cash so make sure you’ve already prepared some Korean Won. Insert money into the vending machine (change is available son don’t worry if you only have a W5,000 or a W10,000 bill). Press the letter and number combination for the card you wish to buy and press the green “Select” button. The vending machine will dispense your card. Collect the change and then go around to the ticketing machines where you can top up the card.
- Up to W500,000 can be loaded onto the card. For refunds, just visit any major convenience store branch nationwide.
- Benefits: There are various benefits specifically geared toward tourists like 20% off at the Korean Temple Food Center, discount on admission to the Paju Imjingak Peace Gondola, 30% discount to the N Seoul Tower, etc. The benefits include places all around the country. Check their website for more information.
At a Convenience Store
When in South Korea, you can easily acquire a T-money card at just about any convenience store. I say just about any because from time to time they might run out. Simply request a T-money card from the store attendant. If you can’t speak Korean, say “T Money” and they’ll know exactly what you need. It’s the same in Korean.
Typically, the cards are kept behind the counter so you won’t be able to spot them in the aisles. The attendant will present you with available design options, and you can select your preferred one. You should note that different designs may cost a bit more. The basic fee for a plain card is 3,000 won, while more elaborate designs, like the Kakao Friends T-money Card, cost closer to 5,000 won.
What to know when buying a T-Money card at a convenience store:
- Cost: W3,000 – W5,000
- How To Buy: Simply ask the staff behind the counter for a T-money Card and they’ll show you the options available. Choose and you can pay with cash. After purchasing the card, hand it back to the staff and ask them to top up. Hand the amount of cash you want to put on the card and they will add it for you.
- If you have children aged 6 to 18: It’s important to note that there are different children’s fares for transportation in Korea and the birthdate of the child must be added to the card to get the fares. This can be done at a convenience store, at a customer service center in a subway station, or on the T-money website, and it has to be done within 10 days of the card’s first use or the discount won’t apply. After purchasing a card, any of them will do, hand the card to the attendant and let them know it’s for a child. If you can’t speak Korean, take something with the proof of age/date of birth of your child to show and they can update the card with the info making it a child card. Then you can top it up and you’re good to go. For the full walkthrough, read the T-Money Card For Kids in Korea: The One Step Most Parents Miss
At a Subway Station
Seoul subway stations have customer service centers where staff can sell and register cards, and every station has machines for topping up (more on that below). Since March 17, 2026, Seoul has also installed newer ticket machines at 273 stations on Lines 1 to 8 that accept foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard cards, along with Kakao Pay and Naver Pay. These are aimed at single-journey tickets and Climate Card passes for tourists.
At a Namane Kiosk
If you’re looking to get a custom card, and this is great if you perhaps have kids that want their favorite cartoon characters on the front, or if you want your favorite K-pop idol but couldn’t find a T-Money card with the picture you liked, then look out for the Namane Kiosks. The Namane card is a combination T-Money Card and debit card with a complimentary app for keeping track of usage and money and you can design it however you like!
Where to buy the Namane custom card:
- There are kiosks throughout the country everywhere from Seoul to Gangwon-do, Busan, Jeollanam-do and beyond. You can find them in the airports, convenience stores and more. To find the nearest kiosk to you, check the list of Namane kiosk locations here.
- Cards cost W7,000 and the kiosks accept cash as well as Korean and international credit cards. If you pay in cash, bring the exact amount because the kiosks don’t give change.
Where to Buy Cute and Character T-Money Card Designs
T-money card designs are half the fun, and they make a nice souvenir since the card never expires and you can use it every time you come back to Korea, and you’ll want to come back.
Convenience stores are the easiest place to start. The designs are behind the counter, so ask to see what they have. Each chain tends to carry its own collaborations, so if you don’t love what’s at the CU, try the GS25 down the street. ARTBOX, the stationery and gift chain, also sells cards featuring its own characters, and character stores (Kakao Friends and Line Friends among them) carry branded cards. My daughter likes the places where you can make your own design herself.
Character cards run around W5,000, and some special editions cost a bit more. They work exactly the same as a basic card.
BTS T-Money Cards
For ARMY, BTS T-money cards have been released in several editions over the years, typically with a design for each of the seven members. They aren’t always in stock, and new versions tend to replace older ones, so availability changes. Your best bet is some convenience stores and K-pop merchandise shops in areas like Hongdae, Gangnam, and around Dongdaemun Design Plaza. If you can’t find the one you want, a Namane card lets you design your own.
How Much Money Should I Put on My T-Money Card?
If you’re using it mostly for the subway and buses, W10,000 per day is plenty for getting around a city like Seoul, where a subway ride is W1,550 and a city bus is W1,500 with a card. If you’ll also use it for small purchases (a bottle of water, a coffee, snacks at the convenience store), plan on closer to W20,000 per day.
For a first top-up, W50,000 is a good starting balance. If you’re only using it for transit, that lasts most visitors about a week. Check your balance as you go (it shows on the reader every time you tap) and top up when you drop below about W5,000.
How to Get a Refund on Your T-Money Balance
If your balance is under W20,000, any CU, GS25, or 7-Eleven can refund it in cash for a W500 fee. For balances between W20,000 and W50,000, go to a subway station customer service center. The card price itself isn’t refunded. Do it before you go through security at the airport. Once you’re in the departures area, there’s nowhere to get a refund. Or skip the fee entirely and spend the rest at a convenience store getting snacks for the plane. And honestly, if there’s any chance you’ll be back, just keep it. The card doesn’t expire.
How to Top Up (Recharge) Your T-Money Card
At a Convenience Store
This is the easiest way, and the one you’ll probably use most. Take your card and cash to the counter at any GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, or emart24 and say “T-money chungjeon-hae juseyo” (티머니 충전해 주세요, “Please top up my T-money”). Honestly, handing over the card with the cash is usually enough, they’ll know what you want. The cashier taps it on a reader, enters the amount, and hands it back with a receipt showing your new balance.
It’s cash only. You can’t use a credit card, Korean or foreign, to top up a regular T-money card at a convenience store. You can add money in W1,000 increments.
At a Subway Station Machine
Every station has machines near the ticket gates for topping up.
- Find a machine labeled for card reloading and ticket vending, and choose English from the language options on the screen.
- Select the option to reload (recharge) a transit card.
- Place your T-money card on the card tray and leave it there until the process is done.
- Choose the amount you want to add (up to W90,000 per top-up).
- Insert your cash, wait for the “completed” message, and take your card and any change.
The machines take W1,000, W5,000, W10,000 and often W50,000 bills.
Can You Use a Credit Card or Your Phone Instead?
This is the question I get most often now, and the answer is changing fast.
Apple Wallet (iPhone): Since July 22, 2025, you can add a T-money card to Apple Wallet and tap your iPhone or Apple Watch at subway gates and on buses. It’s transit only, so it won’t pay at convenience stores. At launch, topping it up required a Korean-issued card, and support for foreign cards has been rolling out since.
Android and Samsung: Android users can use the Mobile T-money app, and T-money also works through Samsung Wallet. These generally require a Korean payment method or account to top up.
Tapping your own Visa or Mastercard: Not yet in Seoul. On September 17, 2026, T-money signed an agreement with Visa, Mastercard, UnionPay, JCB and Hana Card to build open-loop payments, and foreign contactless cards are scheduled to start working on Seoul city buses in January 2027, followed by Incheon buses and airport buses. Seoul’s plan is to switch subway gates over by 2030.
Jeju already does it. Jeju city buses accept Visa contactless cards, a system Visa launched on the island in August 2025 as its first open-loop transit payment system in Korea. You can tap a physical card, a phone, or a smartwatch. It’s a separate reader from the T-money one, usually right next to it or just above or below it on the bus, but it works exactly the same way: tap when you get on and tap when you get off. I use Jeju’s buses regularly, and it’s a genuinely easy way for visitors to get around the island without buying a card at all.
Why Won’t My Credit Card Top Up a T-Money Card?
Korea’s small-transaction systems (convenience store top-ups, most transit machines) were built around Korean-issued cards and domestic payment networks, so they simply aren’t set up to process foreign cards for this. That’s why cash has been king for T-money, and why products like WOWPASS and Namane (which do take foreign cards) have become so popular with visitors.
If you’d rather carry less cash, a WOWPASS covers most of your shopping, and you can withdraw won from an ATM with a travel-friendly debit card for your T-money top-ups.
Pre-purchase T-Money Cards With Extra Tourist Benefits
Now, if you’re outside of Korea looking to visit as a tourist, there are some great combination cards that provide transportation services but also provide discounts and other benefits. One of these cards may provide the benefits beyond the basic transportation card that you can use. These cards can all be picked up right at the airport when you arrive.
Buy a Combo T-Money + SIM Card To Pick Up At The Airport
In a recent innovative offering, you can obtain a T-Money Card combined with a SIM Card that works in Korea. After removing your sim card, the remaining card functions as your T-Money card. If you’re considering purchasing a SIM Card anyway, which I recommend for traveling in Korea, this could be a good option for you.
Where to get the T-Money + SIM Card combo:
- Klook offers a T-Money Card + 5 Day SIM Card or a T-Money Card + 10 Day SIM Card
- The cards can be picked up conveniently in Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 as well as Gimpo International Airport.
- Klook also offers longer SIM cards with unlimited data + FREE T-Money Card if you think you’ll need more data or need the card for a lengthier time period (up to 60 days!).
- The cards can be picked up conveniently in Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 as well as Gimpo International Airport.
- kkday offers a combination LG U+ SIM Card and T-Money Card valid for anywhere from 5 days to 60 days.
Get the WowPass and Top Up with 16 Different Currencies
The WOWPASS is a pre-paid card for cashless payments in Korea, which is becoming more and more popular, and the card can be used as a T-money card. You can conveniently pre-purchase it through Klook and set it up upon your arrival in South Korea.
Benefits: The card can be topped up with foreign currency at over 400 WOWPASS machines in airports (Incheon and Gimpo), subway stations, and hotels across Korea, and then the card can be used similarly to a debit card. The machines also work as currency exchangers. The card also has a complimentary mobile app so you can keep track of balance and usage history, plus cashback offers and coupons that change regularly.
The one thing to know: WOWPASS has two separate balances. The won balance you load from foreign currency pays at shops and restaurants, but the T-money transit balance is separate and has to be topped up with cash at a subway machine or convenience store, just like a regular T-money card. Think of it as a great shopping card with a T-money card attached. And remember the airport machines only take Korean won in cash.
Where to get the WowPass:
- Klook offers a discounted rate on the WowPass card
- You can also find a great rate on the WowPass card on kkday.
Get a Climate Card Short-Term Pass (Unlimited Seoul Rides)
The Climate Card (기후동행카드) short-term pass gives you unlimited rides on the Seoul subway and Seoul city buses for a set number of days, plus Seoul’s Ttareungi public bikes. You buy the physical Climate Card (about W3,000) and then load a 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7-day pass at a subway station machine. Passes are W5,000 (1 day), W8,000 (2 days), W10,000 (3 days), W15,000 (5 days), and W20,000 (7 days). The new subway machines accept foreign Visa and Mastercard for these passes, and you can also get the card at the Incheon and Gimpo airport transportation centers.
Is it worth it? Roughly, the 1-day pass pays off at about four rides a day, and the 7-day pass at about 14 rides over the week. If you’re zigzagging around Seoul all day, it’s a good deal. If you’re taking one subway ride to an area, spending the day there, and then heading back, it might not save money for you. If you’re taking a train out of the city, the Shinbundang Line, or airport and intercity buses, those aren’t covered.
A few things to know. The pass starts the moment you load it, so don’t charge it until the day you want to use it. The monthly 30-day Climate Card for residents ended in September 2026, but the short-term tourist passes continue. And tap off on buses every time, since skipping it can cause problems using the pass again that day.
More info: The Climate Card
Purchase a Discover Seoul Pass
The Discover Seoul Pass, available for 24, 48, 72, or 120 hours, provides free access to over 70 major attractions in Seoul and discounted access to many other tourist attractions. There’s also a “Pick 3” version if you’d rather choose three attractions. The physical card can also be used as a transportation card (the mobile pass can’t), and the pass includes a free trip on the Airport Railroad. For a full list of benefits, discover more about the Discover Seoul Pass with itineraries.
Where to buy the Discover Seoul Pass:
- You can pre-purchase the Discover Seoul Pass on Klook or find the Discover Seoul Pass on kkday.
Get a Visit Busan Pass
You might look at the name and think, “Hey, what’s all this about? I need a transportation card for Seoul!” and I would get that. But, if you’re heading to Busan on your trip to Korea, the Visit Busan Pass might be a great value option.
Available for 24 or 48 hours (plus newer Big3 and Big5 versions where you pick a set number of attractions), it offers free access to 30+ major attractions in Busan and discounted access to other tourist attractions, and the physical card has a rechargeable transportation card function. It’s great value if you’ll be spending a weekend in Busan on your trip to Korea, and you can now pick up the physical card at Incheon (T1 and T2) and Gimpo, not just in Busan.
Where to get the Visit Busan Pass:
- You can pre-purchase the Visit Busan Pass on Klook or find the Visit Busan Pass on kkday.
Buy a Custom T-Money Card aka the Namane Card
For a unique and personalized touch, consider the Namane Card. This card can be customized with your photos or from their library of images and is available for W7,000 upfront, with no credit loaded. Want a card with your face? Your favorite K-pop idol? Or perhaps just a picture of your favorite Hallyu character, you have all of the options in the world. This is also great if you have kids that are super specific and really want that card with Tayo on it or perhaps Pororo, the little Penguin, or their favorite cartoon character. Whatever it is, it’s your choice!
Benefits: The card has an complimentary app so you can keep track of usage and amount on the card. The card acts as a transportation card as well as a debit card and offers various discounts at Korean restaurants and shops.
Where to buy the Namane Card:
- Pre-purchase a Namane Card on Klook or you can find the Namane Card on kkday as well.
T-Money vs WOWPASS vs Climate Card vs Namane: Which Card Should You Get?
| Card | Card price | Pay with a foreign card? | Transit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic T-money | W3,000 (character ~W5,000) | No, cash | Pay per ride, nationwide | Most visitors, trips outside Seoul, kids |
| Climate Card short-term | ~W3,000 card + W5,000 to W20,000 pass | Pass: yes, at new Seoul subway machines | Unlimited Seoul subway and bus, 1 to 7 days | Heavy Seoul-only sightseeing |
| WOWPASS | From W4,500 | Yes (pre-order online, foreign cash at kiosks) | Separate T-money balance, cash top-up | Cashless shopping plus transit |
| Namane | W7,000 | Yes, at kiosks | Pay per ride | Souvenir, K-pop fans, kids |
| Apple Wallet T-money | Free | Limited [VERIFY] | Transit only | iPhone users with a supported card |
| Your own Visa card | Free | n/a | Jeju buses now, Seoul buses from 2027 | Jeju visitors |
FAQ
Can you buy a T-money card at Incheon Airport?
Yes. T-money vending machines are at the Airport Railroad entrance in the Transportation Center on B1 of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, and convenience stores in the arrivals hall and on B1 sell them too. Bring Korean won in cash, since the machines and stores don’t take foreign cards for T-money.
Can you buy a T-money card at Gimpo Airport?
Yes. You can buy one at Gimpo, and Gimpo’s international terminal is also a pickup point for pre-booked SIM and T-money combos and the Visit Busan Pass.
How much does a T-money card cost?
A basic T-money card costs W3,000, and character designs cost about W5,000. That’s the price of the card only. You top it up separately, and the card price isn’t refunded.
Can I buy or top up a T-money card with a credit card?
Usually not. Convenience stores and standard subway machines take cash only. Namane kiosks accept international cards, WOWPASS can be ordered online, and since March 2026 new Seoul subway machines accept foreign Visa and Mastercard for single tickets and Climate Card passes.
How much money should I put on my T-money card?
About W10,000 per day covers subway and bus rides in Seoul, or W20,000 per day if you’ll also use it at convenience stores. A W50,000 starting balance lasts most visitors about a week of transit.
Can I use my T-money card in Busan and Jeju?
Yes. T-money works on subways and buses in major cities nationwide, including the Busan subway and Jeju buses, plus many taxis. You don’t need a different card for each city.
Can I tap my Visa or Mastercard on the bus or subway?
On Jeju, yes. Jeju city buses have a separate contactless reader next to the T-money reader that accepts Visa cards, phones, and smartwatches. In Seoul, foreign contactless cards are scheduled to work on city buses starting January 2027, with subways to follow later.
Can I use Apple Pay as a T-money card?
Yes, you can add T-money to Apple Wallet (available since July 2025) and tap your iPhone or Apple Watch for transit. It doesn’t work for store purchases, and top-up options with foreign cards are limited, so check before you rely on it.
Do I need to tap out when getting off the bus?
Yes. Tap the reader by the back door when you get off. If you don’t, you lose your transfer discount and may be charged extra for distance.
Is WOWPASS better than a T-money card?
They do different jobs. WOWPASS is a prepaid payment card for shopping that also has a T-money function, but its T-money transit balance is separate and still needs a cash top-up. For transit alone, a basic T-money card does the job for less.
What is the Climate Card, and should tourists get it?
The Climate Card short-term pass gives unlimited Seoul subway and bus rides for 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 days, from W5,000 to W20,000. It’s worth it if you ride about four or more times a day within Seoul.
How do I get a refund on my T-money balance?
Balances under W20,000 can be refunded at CU, GS25, or 7-Eleven for a W500 fee. Balances from W20,000 to W50,000 are refunded at subway station customer service centers. Do it before airport security, or just keep the card, since it never expires.
Where can I buy cute T-money card designs?
Ask at convenience store counters (each chain carries different characters), check ARTBOX and character stores, or design your own at a Namane kiosk for W7,000. Character cards cost about W5,000.
Do kids need their own T-money card?
Yes. Children 6 and up need their own card, and you need to register their birthdate within 10 days of first use to get kids’ fares.
Whether you want to visit your local convenience store, or create a custom T-Money card with Namane, or get a combo card with added benefits, these are all of the T-Money card options for you as a resident or a tourist. Good luck out there!
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One Comment
bujuyollarda
I came across this page before my trip to Korea. Very useful and detailed information. It will really come in handy. Thank you very much.