What You Need
- •Cash for purchase and initial charging (₩5,000–₩15,000 recommended)
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Buy a T-money card
Purchase at GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, or Emart24. Cost: ₩3,000–₩5,000.
- 💡Also available at subway station vending machines
- 💡Special character/design cards available online
2
Charge money onto the card
Add credit at any convenience store counter or subway station charging machine. Minimum ₩1,000.
3
Tap on and tap off
Tap card on orange/yellow readers when boarding. For buses, also tap when exiting (distance-based fares).
Insider Tips
- →T-money works on all public transit nationwide
- →You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay on most transit systems
- →Student discount available (register with student ID at subway stations)
- →Check balance at any convenience store scanner
- →Unused balance is refundable minus ₩500 fee at designated locations
- →Link T-money to a bank account for auto top-up
Arrival setup
Recommended Setup Services
Practical recommendations for common first-week tasks in Korea.
ShoppingAffiliate/referral link
Korea arrival essentials
Prepare bedding, towels, adapters, kitchen basics, toiletries, and first-week household items after arrival.
Browse essentials →ConnectivityAffiliate/referral link
Korea eSIM data
Get mobile data before landing so maps, translation, messaging, and transit apps work from the airport.
Compare eSIM plans →This page may include Coupang Partners affiliate links, and settlykorea may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.