A Korean transit card is a reusable, prepaid card for paying fares on many city buses and subway systems. Instead of buying a separate ticket for each ride, you add money to the card and tap it on a reader when you travel. For visitors, it can make getting around easier, especially if you plan to use public transport several times.
T-money is one of the best-known transit card brands. You may also see cards such as Cashbee or EZL, as well as visitor-focused cards. Which cards are sold and accepted can vary by place, so check the information on the card or ask at the shop before buying. A physical card is usually a straightforward choice for visitors who want to avoid setting up a local mobile payment service.
Where to buy a card
Transit cards are commonly sold at convenience stores and some subway stations. Depending on where you arrive, you may also find them at airport shops or transport counters. Look for the card name or ask a staff member for a transit card. You normally pay for the card itself separately from the money you add for fares; the card purchase cost is not the same as your travel balance.
There are many designs, but for ordinary travel, the main thing is whether the card works on the transport you plan to use. If you are travelling outside a major city, check local transport guidance, as acceptance and available services can differ by region.
How to add money
You need to load money onto the card before using it. The most dependable option for many visitors is to top up with cash at a participating convenience store or at a subway station machine that supports transit-card reloading. Follow the screen instructions or ask the cashier to help. Machines may offer more than one language, but the options can vary.
Do not assume that a bank card issued outside Korea can be used to top up a transit card. Payment options depend on the shop or machine, and cash is a useful backup. Check the displayed balance when you reload or use the card, and add more money before it runs out. If a reader rejects your card, the balance may be too low, or the card may not have been read properly.
Using your card on the subway
- At the station entrance, tap the card on the reader at the ticket gate and wait for the gate to open.
- At your destination, tap the card again at the exit gate. Keep the card handy until you have left the station.
If the gate does not open, check the screen for a message and try tapping once more. Do not walk through behind another passenger: each person needs to pay their own fare. If you need help, speak to station staff or use an assistance point where available.
Using your card on buses
When you board, tap the card on the reader near the driver or entrance. On many buses, you should also tap when you get off, using the reader by the exit. Tapping off is important because it can help calculate the correct fare and may be needed for a transfer. Follow the signs on the bus and watch what other passengers do if you are unsure.
Use one card for one passenger. A card tapped for one person generally cannot be used to pay for a group simply by passing it around. If you are travelling with others, each person should have a way to pay. For children or discounted fares, ask the card seller or transport operator about the correct card and registration requirements.
Transfers and other uses
In many places, using the same transit card across buses and subways can make eligible transfers easier and may apply transfer fare rules. You must tap as required, and local conditions such as the transfer time limit and eligible routes can vary. Do not assume that changing vehicles is always free; check local guidance if the fare matters to your journey.
Some transit cards can also be used at participating convenience stores, and some taxis accept them. Acceptance is not universal, so check for the card logo or ask before relying on it. A transit card is not a general travel ticket: long-distance trains, express services, intercity buses, and some airport services may require a separate ticket. In particular, check the payment rules for your specific airport train or other special service before boarding.
Useful tips for visitors
- Keep the card separate from other contactless cards when tapping, to avoid presenting the wrong card to the reader.
- Keep some cash available for top-ups, especially when you are away from central areas.
- Hold on to the card during your trip. If you lose it, recovering the remaining balance may not be possible.
- Before leaving Korea, ask a card seller or check the card provider's guidance about refunds for unused balance. Refund locations, conditions, and any fees can vary.
- Check route and fare information for your destination, since transit systems and card acceptance are not identical across the country.
For most visitors who expect to use local buses or subways, a prepaid transit card is a convenient way to pay as they go. Buy a compatible card, load enough money for your first journeys, and remember to tap when boarding and exiting where required.