What is T-money?
T-money is a rechargeable transportation card widely used for buses and subways in Korea. Instead of buying a separate ticket for every ride, you simply load money onto the card and tap it when you travel.
Where can you get one?
You can usually buy a T-money card at convenience stores and subway stations. Look for major convenience-store chains such as CU, GS25 and 7-Eleven, or ask at a subway station.
How do you add money?
Top up your card with Korean won. At convenience stores, hand over the card and tell the staff how much you want to add. Subway stations also have machines that can recharge T-money cards.
For a first trip, carrying some Korean cash is useful because payment options and machine interfaces can vary.
How do you use it on the subway?
- Tap your T-money card when entering the subway.
- Follow the signs and take the correct train.
- Tap the same card again when you exit.
- Keep the card handy during transfers.
What about buses?
The basic idea is the same. Tap when you board and follow the local instructions for tapping when you leave. Keep your card separate from other contactless cards to avoid accidentally presenting the wrong card.
Can one card be shared?
For normal individual travel, each passenger should use their own card. Do not assume that one T-money card can simply be passed between people during a journey.
What if your balance is too low?
Top up before starting another trip. If you are unsure about your balance, a convenience store or subway station can usually help you recharge the card.
Is T-money worth getting?
For most visitors using Seoul's buses and subway, yes. It saves you from buying individual tickets and makes everyday transportation much simpler.
Quick checklist: Buy a card → load Korean won → tap in → travel → tap out → recharge when needed.
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