Complete Guide to Buying and Recharging the T-money Card
As a foreigner who has lived in Korea for many years, I understand how important the T-money card is for tourists—it’s not only a “pass” for traveling around cities like Seoul and Busan, but it also saves you the trouble of exchanging change and even unlocks discounts at attractions! In this guide, I will walk you through the simplest way to buy, recharge, and make the most out of your T-money card.
Why Do You Need a T-money Card?
Save Money and Time:
It’s cheaper than paying with cash (saving around 100 KRW per subway/bus ride).
Transfer Discount: Free transfer within 30 minutes (subway → bus). Some special vehicles, like late-night buses, may not be eligible for free transfers.
One Card, Multiple Uses:
The T-money card can be used for the subway, bus, purchases at convenience stores, and even for taxi fares and some attraction tickets.
Tourist-Friendly:
No need for language communication—just tap and go! It’s easy to buy at airports and convenience stores.
Step 1: Buy the T-money Card
Where to Buy:
Recommended first choice: Convenience stores (GS25/CU/7-Eleven)
Steps to Follow:
- After entering the store, simply say: “T-money card, please.” (Or point to the cards on the shelf, as they are usually next to the counter).
- Choose your card design (the regular card costs about 3,000 KRW, while limited edition cards range from 5,000 to 20,000 KRW).
- Pay for the card and proactively say: “Charge xxxxx (the amount you wish to top-up) won, please.” (It’s recommended to first top-up with 10,000-30,000 KRW, using simple English or by placing the money and card together, as most staff can understand).
Convenience:
- Open 24 hours, with most staff able to communicate in simple English, and the card is ready for immediate use.
Incheon Airport:
You can buy the T-money card at the CU/GS25 convenience stores or the self-service ticket vending machines on the 1st-floor arrival hall.
Step 2: Recharge the T-money Card
Cash Recharge (Most Common)
Convenience Store Recharge:
Hand your card to the cashier and say: “Charge xxxxx (the amount you want to recharge) won, please.” (It’s recommended that the minimum recharge amount is 1,000 KRW, with a maximum of 100,000 KRW).
Subway Station Self-service Machines:
- Select “Reload” → Place the card → Choose the amount → Insert cash → Take the card.
Note:
It is not recommended to recharge your T-money card with a credit card, as there are many restrictions, making it very inconvenient!
Important Notes:
If your balance is insufficient:
Before exiting the subway, look for the help exit (as shown in the image below).
Press the green “Help” button, and a staff member will contact you through the microphone at the help exit.
Inform the staff that your balance is insufficient (simple English: “No enough money, Help please.”), and they will assist you in covering the shortfall.
Please be sure! Always carry 10,000 to 30,000 KRW in cash. T-money card recharge only accepts cash, and if you don’t have enough, you’ll need to ask someone else to exchange money, which is quite troublesome!
Recommended Balance: Keep 10,000 to 30,000 KRW to avoid frequent recharges.
Step 3: How to Use the T-money Card?
Public Transportation
- Subway: Tap once when entering and once when exiting (automatically deducts the fare).
- Bus: Tap once when boarding and once when getting off (if you don’t tap when getting off, you’ll be charged for the full route!).
- Fare: Depends on the type of bus (city buses, suburban buses, or late-night buses), ranging from 1,200 KRW to 3,000 KRW.
- Taxi: Most taxis accept T-money for payment; simply tap the card when you get off.
- Important Note: You need to tap your card again when exiting the subway and when getting off the bus in Korea.
Convenience Store/Sightseeing (Some Locations) Purchases
When checking out, say: “Pay with T-money, please.” (Simple English is fine, but some merchants may require a minimum purchase of 1,000 KRW to use the card).
Transfer Discount Rules (Only for T-money Cards!!! Cash cannot be used)
- Within 30 minutes: From subway → bus transfer, though some special models (like late-night buses) may not allow free transfer.
- A maximum of 4 transfers per day, and the system will automatically calculate the discount.
Step 4: How to handle your T-money card before leaving Korea?
- Card Refund and Balance Return
- Regular Anonymous Cards:
- When the T-money card balance is below 20,000 KRW:
Go to GS25 or 7-11 convenience store with the card, deduct a 500 KRW handling fee, and receive the balance in cash.
- When the T-money card balance is between 20,000-30,000 KRW:
Go to CU, emart 24, or MINISHOP convenience store with the card, deduct a 500 KRW handling fee, and receive the balance in cash.
- When the T-money card balance is between 30,000-50,000 KRW:
Go to the customer service center in a Seoul subway station with the card, deduct a 500 KRW handling fee, and receive the balance in cash.
- When the T-money card balance is above 50,000 KRW:
It is recommended to use the card until the balance is below 50,000 KRW, then proceed to the above locations to request a refund.
2. Keep as a souvenir
If the balance is ≤500 KRW, it is recommended to keep it as a souvenir (the refund fee may be higher than the balance).
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I use T-money card in Busan/Jeju Island?
Yes, the T-money card can be used in both Busan and Jeju Island.
Q2: How is the transportation fee for children?
The fee is based on the basic fare for Seoul and the capital area subway (local charges may vary):
- Children under 6 years old (preschool) ride for free. One adult can take up to 3 children under 6 years old for free on the subway.
- Children aged 6-13: 450 KRW. It is recommended to inform the driver and ask if the child fare can be applied.
Teenagers aged 13-18: 800 KRW. It is recommended to inform the driver and ask if the teenager fare can be applied.
(These amounts are for reference only. The fare may vary depending on the type of public transportation, and actual conditions should be checked.)
Q3: What should I do if I lose my card?
Anonymous cards cannot be reported as lost. It is recommended to recharge small amounts multiple times to reduce the risk.
Useful Tips
- Carry some cash: Most T-money card recharges only accept cash. It is recommended to carry 10,000-30,000 KRW in cash for emergencies.
- Download "Naver Map": Check real-time transportation routes and fares (supports English and Chinese).
- Learn and prepare some simple English phrases: such as "T-money card, please," "Charge 10,000 won, please," "Pay with T-money, please," "No enough money, Help please," etc. These can be useful in key situations.
Master the steps above, and you’ll be able to travel around Korea like a local! Wishing you a pleasant journey!
