Start with a physical Tmoney card
Buy an ordinary card at a participating CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24, Storyway or transport sales point. Typical card prices are around ₩3,000–5,000, before you add a balance. You can buy an unregistered card without identification, a Korean phone number or an account. Add cash at a supported counter or station machine, then tap when boarding and leaving.
The card works on many bus and subway networks across Korea, so you normally do not need a new one when moving from Seoul to Busan or another city. Check less common rural, island and private services separately. Keep the balance modest because money on a lost unregistered card may not be recoverable.
Compare other options
| Option | What it offers | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Tmoney | A rechargeable balance for eligible transport fares | Check the card price and add money before boarding. |
| WOWPASS | Shopping payments and a separate Tmoney balance | Funding the shopping balance does not fund transit. |
| Tmoney on a phone | Transit payments using a compatible device | Check device support, the app and funding methods. |
| Tmoney Travel Card | Transit payments and partner discounts | Check whether you will use the discounts. |
| Climate Card | Unlimited travel on eligible routes for a chosen period | Compare coverage and price with your planned journeys. |
WOWPASS kiosks exchange supported foreign banknotes and add won to a prepaid shopping balance. The same card has a separate Tmoney balance. Add money to that balance before boarding. Bank-card funding may incur both WOWPASS and issuer charges; compare the displayed total with the cash exchange option.
On a supported iPhone or Apple Watch, Tmoney in Apple Wallet can use Express Mode without unlocking the device. For overseas-card funding, Mobile Tmoney’s Foreigner option lists Mastercard, Amex, UnionPay and JCB, but not Visa. Check the current payment screen and charges. Supported cash-reload locations provide another way to add money.
On Android, KOREA TOUR CARD Tmoney lists Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB and UnionPay. Enable NFC and choose the app in contactless-payment settings. The app needs an internet connection. A physical card can be useful if the phone is unavailable.
The Tmoney Travel Card costs ₩4,000 and adds discounts at participating businesses. The ₩6,000 Travel Card+ also offers WOWPASS shopping payments. The older Korea Tour Card is no longer sold, although previously issued cards remain usable.
Check Climate Card coverage
Seoul ended top-ups for the 30-day Climate Card on 31 August 2026. Short-term passes continue. Check the exact stations and bus services in Seoul’s coverage list, including any special airport-rail conditions. Coverage includes some services outside Seoul; the city boundary alone is not a reliable test.
Compare the pass price, the cost of buying a physical card and the fares you would otherwise pay. Check separate requirements for bicycle or other add-ons.
Plan for any remaining balance
Tmoney refunds depend on the channel and balance: the usual limits are ₩20,000 at GS25 or 7-Eleven, ₩30,000 at CU or Emart24 and ₩50,000 at a subway customer-service counter. A partner-bank route can handle larger amounts but may require a suitable Korean account. Check the current fee and conditions for your card type.
WOWPASS shopping balances use the kiosk withdrawal process, with a stated ₩1,000 fee and ₩100,000 limit per withdrawal. The separate Tmoney balance follows Tmoney’s refund rules. The ordinary card purchase price is normally not refunded.
