Why Must Travelers Have This Magical T-money Card in Korea?

In South Korea, travelers can buy a Single Journey Ticket or a rechargeable card called T-money Card. We advise you to get a T-money Card as it is a magic wand that will make your journey super convenient!

These cards can be used for all the buses, subway and taxis. If you’ve forgotten to bring your wallet, you can even make payments with these cards in convenience stores. ;) Other T-Money items: There is a variety of accessories such as key chains, mini mirrors, straps, all of which can be used just like the T-money Card.

1. Where to buy your T-money Card

You can easily purchase the basic T-money Card at retail convenience stores such as CU, GS25 and 7-Eleven. The card itself costs 2,500 KRW.Nowadays, Kakao Friends is gaining a huge popularity and it has released T-money Cards with totally cute Kakao characters. These cards cost 4,000 KRW.

2. How to recharge your T-Money Card

There are 3 ways to recharge your T-money Card.

1. Locate a ticket vending machine. They are located inside all the subway stations and train station.

Click the third button with the T-money logo on the far right. Place your card and then select the amount of money. Insert coin or bill and wait until the charge is over.

2. Newstands near bus stops with a display of the T-money sign. You can find them usually next to the subway station exits and entrances.

3. Head over to retail convenience stores. This is the easiest way to recharge your card!

Tip: Some Student IDs offer the T-money card service, but may not be recharged at convenience stores. Therefore, find the closest subway station to reload your card.

Refunds: If you have a T-money balance of 20,000 won or less, visit a T-money affiliated convenience store and receive your money. If your remaining balance is more than 20,000 won, please visit the T-money headquarters at:

Address: 1st FL. T-money Town, Seoul City Tower Building, Namdaemun-ro 5Ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

Phone: Customer Service, 02-1644-0088/080-389-0088

Directions: Located just outside Seoul Station Exit #8, Seoul Subway Lines 1 and 4

3. How to use T-Money Card

Bus: When you get on the bus, place the card on the sensor. It will tell you how much money has been charged and your remaining balance. If an error occurs, give it a second or two, and try again. If this continues, the bus driver will let you know what the issue is. When you exit the bus, tap the sensor one more time to get a discount for the transfer. You can enjoy 4 discount transfers in a day.Tip: Make sure you tap your card again and you hear a beep. If you don’t, you will be charged extra for distance traveled.

Metro: When you enter the subway station, place the card on the sensor. If an error occurs, press the red “help” button and the staff will come and help you.

Taxi: Not all but some taxis do accept T-money as a form of payment. Look out for the signs on the taxi and see if the driver accepts to money.

When you arrive at your destination, simply tap your card on the sensor and the screen above the gray box (see picture below) will let you know your remaining balance.

*If you’re looking for a train pass that travels throughout all regions of Korea, we recommend you a KR Pass! Find more details here or read A Beginner’s Guide to Train Travel in South Korea from our previous post.

Don’t forget to visit Trazy.com for more tips and advice about new locations and things to do reviewed by users like you