T-Money Card: How to Buy and Recharge in Korea (2026)

T-Money Card: How to Buy and Recharge in Korea (2026)

You can buy a T-money card at convenience stores such as GS25, CU, 7-Eleven and emart24, at Seoul subway information centers, and at Incheon Airport. You can recharge it with cash at subway ticket machines, convenience stores and newsstands with a T-money sign. T-money is Korea's rechargeable transit card. Plan to carry won in cash, because card payment for top-ups is not confirmed for foreign visitors.

Quick facts

  • Date and hours: No single schedule applies. Opening hours depend on the shop or office, so check before you go.
  • Card price: 3,000-5,000 KRW. The basic card is 3,000 KRW, and character designs are about 5,000 KRW.
  • Starting balance: Zero. You must load money before your first ride.
  • Where to buy: Convenience stores nationwide, subway information centers (Lines 1-8 in Seoul), and Incheon Airport.
  • Nearest station at the airport: The Airport Railroad entrance, next to the Transportation Center on B1.
  • Maximum balance: 500,000 KRW.
Quick facts - T-Money Card: How to Buy and Recharge in Korea (2026)

What T-money covers

T-money works on subways and buses in Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon and Gwangju. You can also use it in taxis and at many convenience stores. It does not cover KTX, ITX or reserved-seat trains, so you still need a separate ticket for those.

The iVisitKorea guide (updated 24 Aug 2026) says the card works on the AREX All Stop train but not on the AREX Express. Free bus-subway transfer discounts apply only when you pay by card. Tap in and out on every bus and subway ride, or you lose the transfer discount.

Where to buy a T-money card

The VisitKorea guide lists convenience stores nationwide (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, emart24). It also lists the information centers in Seoul subway stations on Lines 1-8.

At Incheon Airport (인천국제공항), you have two main options:

  • Vending machines: A blog (thesoulofseoul, updated 25 Sep 2026) says machines on B1 at the Transportation Center, near the Airport Railroad entrance, sell cards. They take cash only.
  • Convenience stores: Stores in the arrivals hall and on B1 also sell cards. iVisitKorea names a GS25 near Gate 1 and a CU near Gates 5 and 10 on the arrival floor.

How to get there: buying your card at the airport

  1. Clear immigration and collect your bags.
  2. In the arrivals hall, look for a convenience store. A GS25 near Gate 1 or a CU near Gate 5 or 10 are the named options.
  3. If you prefer a machine, go down to B1 and find the Transportation Center near the Airport Railroad entrance.
  4. Buy a card. Have cash ready, because the B1 vending machines accept cash only.
  5. Load money onto the card. For a short trip, iVisitKorea suggests loading about 10,000-20,000 KRW first and topping up as needed.
  6. Tap the card on the reader at the gate or bus door when you board. Tap again when you exit.

Card price and validity

VisitKorea gives a price range of 3,000-5,000 KRW. The card starts with a zero balance, and the purchase price is not refundable. The card never expires. According to iVisitKorea, the balance stays valid for 5 years after your last recharge.

How to recharge

You can top up in three places:

  • Subway ticket machines.
  • Convenience stores. These add money in 1,000 KRW steps.
  • Newsstands with a T-money sign, near bus stops and subway exits.

The maximum balance is 500,000 KRW (VisitKorea). You do not need to load a large amount at once. Small, frequent top-ups are easy.

Can you pay by credit card?

Treat standard T-money recharge as cash only. The blog says Seoul's newer ticket machines (since 17 Mar 2026) accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. However, that applies only to single-journey tickets and Climate Card passes, not T-money top-ups.

Some other sources claim the new kiosks can top up T-money. That could not be confirmed, so carry won in cash. The T-money app needs a Korean phone number and bank account, so it is not practical for most visitors. Foreign contactless cards on Seoul city buses are only planned for January 2027, and that date is unconfirmed.

How to get a refund on leftover balance

Refund rules depend on how much is left on the card:

  • Under 20,000 KRW: You can refund at CU, GS25 or 7-Eleven for a 500 KRW fee. It is only a full refund of the balance. Sources disagree on the exact limit.
  • 20,000-50,000 KRW: The blog says to go to a subway customer service center.
  • Over 50,000 KRW: VisitKorea says to go to T-money Town near Seoul Station (서울역) Exit 10.

The blog advises refunding before airport security, since there is no refund after departures. Since the card price itself is not refundable, avoid loading much more than you need. For details, see the iVisitKorea T-money guide.

Tourist alternatives to T-money

If you plan to ride a lot in Seoul, two passes may suit you better. Both are listed by VisitKorea (updated Aug 2026).

Mpass (foreigners only)

Mpass allows up to 20 rides a day on Seoul subways, city buses and AREX (not express). It is cash only and valid for 30 days from issue. It is issued at T-money Town. Buying after 17:00 gives a 3,000 KRW discount.

  • 1 day: 15,000 KRW
  • 2 days: 23,000 KRW
  • 3 days: 30,500 KRW
  • 5 days: 47,500 KRW
  • 7 days: 64,500 KRW

Climate Card (Seoul only)

The card itself costs 3,000 KRW. The passes are:

  • 1 day: 5,000 KRW
  • 2 days: 8,000 KRW
  • 3 days: 10,000 KRW
  • 5 days: 15,000 KRW
  • 7 days: 20,000 KRW

The 30-day Climate Card was discontinued on 1 Oct 2026.

FAQ

Can I buy a T-money card with a foreign credit card?

Do not count on it. Treat standard T-money purchase and recharge as cash only. Seoul's newer ticket machines reportedly accept foreign Visa and Mastercard, but only for single-journey tickets and Climate Card passes.

Does T-money work on the airport train?

It works on the AREX All Stop train but not on the AREX Express, according to the iVisitKorea guide.

How much should I load on my first day?

For a short trip, iVisitKorea suggests about 10,000-20,000 KRW. Then top up as needed. Convenience stores add money in 1,000 KRW steps.

What happens to the money left on my card?

The balance stays valid for 5 years after your last recharge. If you do not plan to return, refund it before you pass airport security. Small balances can be refunded at CU, GS25 or 7-Eleven for a 500 KRW fee.

Before you go

Prices, machines and refund limits can change, and the sources above do not agree on every detail. Confirm current rules with the 1330 Korea Travel Helpline (+82-2-1330) and carry enough cash for your first top-up.

Sources: VisitKorea (Korea Tourism Organization) - Transportation Cards · iVisitKorea - All About T-money Card · The Soul of Seoul - Where to Buy a T-Money Card

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