T-money Card Guide: Where to Buy, How to Top Up, Fares & Climate Card
Where to buy a T-money card in Seoul, how to top it up with cash, how subway fares and bus transfers work, and whether the Climate Card tourist pass is worth it.
What is T-money?
T-money is a rechargeable card for the subway, buses, some taxis and convenience stores. Tap it on the reader when you enter and when you leave, and the fare for your distance is deducted. It's cheaper than single-journey tickets and gets you transfer discounts with buses.
Where to buy one
Convenience stores at the airport and across the city (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, emart24) sell them. The card itself costs a few thousand won and starts with no balance, so top it up right away. Tourist cards such as WOWPASS also include a T-money function.
Topping up and refunds
Every station has top-up machines with an English menu: place the card on the reader, choose an amount and insert banknotes. Top-ups are cash only. You can also top up at a convenience store counter; just say “T-money charge” and pay in cash.
Leftover balance can be refunded at convenience stores for a small fee, up to a limit. Spending it on snacks before you fly home works too.
Fares and transfers
Subway fares go by distance. The base fare (around 1,500 won with a card) covers the first 10 km, then rises a little with distance. Single-journey tickets cost slightly more and carry a 500-won deposit you reclaim at a refund machine after your ride.
Changing between subway lines inside the gates costs nothing extra. Board a bus within 30 minutes of leaving the subway (1 hour between 9 pm and 7 am) to get the transfer discount, and remember to tap your card when you get off the bus too.
Is the Climate Card tourist pass worth it?
The Climate Card is Seoul's unlimited pass for the subway and city buses. Visitors can buy 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7-day versions. If you'll ride three or four times a day or more, it usually pays off.
It isn't valid on some lines and sections outside Seoul, including trips to Incheon Airport, so check your plans against the coverage before you buy.