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Korea Transportation Card Complete Guide | Tmoney: Purchase, Top-up, and Transfer Explained
2026-05-21 23:02

To use public transportation in Korea, all you need is one transportation card. Let's find out right now where and how to buy a T-money card, which covers subways, buses, and taxis.
***
## What types of Korean transportation cards are there?
Korean transportation cards are broadly divided into two types.
**① T-money Card (Most Basic)**
This card is used by 90% of foreign travelers. It can be used anywhere on subways, buses, and taxis, and if you're traveling to Korea for the first time, buying just this is sufficient.
**② Cards Exclusively for Foreigners**
* **Korea Tour Card**: A card exclusively for foreigners that includes tourist attraction discounts.
* **T-money Travel Card**: A card combined with WOWPASS that even offers currency exchange functionality.
If you only need basic transportation, choose a T-money card; if you need discount benefits or currency exchange, choose a card exclusively for foreigners. Once you've chosen a card, let's check where you can buy it.
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## Where can you buy them?
| Purchase Location | Features |
| ----- | --- |
| Incheon Airport / Gimpo Airport | Available for purchase immediately upon arrival, most convenient |
| Convenience Stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) | Available for purchase and top-up nationwide |
| Subway Station Vending Machines | Available for immediate purchase on-site |
> **Price Information**
>
> * Card purchase fee: **approx. 2,500 \~ 6,000 KRW** (non-refundable)
> * Top-up: Top-up with cash, usually in units of **10,000 \~ 50,000 KRW**
> * Additional top-up available at convenience stores

Once you have the card, it's time to learn how to use it correctly.
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## How to use it?
<p>
### Subway
Tag your card on the terminal before boarding, and **be sure to tag it again when you exit.** You must tag both at entry and exit for the fare to be calculated accurately.

<p>
### Bus
Tag when boarding, and **be sure to tag again when exiting.** This is the most important rule on the bus.
> **Caution**: If you don't tag when getting off the bus, transfer discounts will not be applied, and an additional fare will be charged.

***
## How do transfer discounts work?
The biggest advantage of the T-money card is transfer discounts. Based on Seoul and the metropolitan area, discounts apply for up to 4 transfers, totaling 5 rides.
**Possible Transfer Combinations**
* Bus → Subway
* Subway → Bus
* Bus → Bus (including village buses)
> **Transfer Conditions**
>
> * Board within **30 minutes** after getting off (or **60 minutes** during late-night hours)
> * Must use the **same T-money card** (no transfer discount when using cash)
> * Up to **4 transfers** based on Seoul and the metropolitan area (total 5 rides)
> * Bus **exit tag required** — missing it will break the transfer and incur additional charges
> * Re-boarding the same route in the same direction may not be recognized as a transfer
**Transfer Limits by Region**
| Region | Transfer Limit |
| --- | -------- |
| Seoul·Metropolitan Area | Up to 4 times |
| Busan | Up to 3 times a day |
If you take the bus with cash, no transfer discount will be applied, so it is always advantageous to use a card. Finally, we've compiled common mistakes travelers often make.
## 5 Tips for Foreigners to Avoid Common Mistakes
1. **Card tag required when getting off the bus** — No transfer discount if you don't
2. **One card per person** — Multiple people cannot use one card together
3. **Balance check is essential** — If the balance is insufficient, you'll be stopped at the turnstile
4. **Top-up anywhere** — Available for cash top-up at convenience stores nationwide
5. **Balance refund available** — You can apply for a balance refund at convenience stores after your trip (some conditions apply)
With just one T-money card, you can perfectly use Seoul's public transportation. As soon as you arrive at the airport, purchase it at a convenience store or vending machine, and you can start your trip right away.
