T-money Card in Korea: Where to Buy, How to Top Up, and Getting Your Money Back (2026)

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The T-money card is a small prepaid transport card, and it is the single most useful thing to have in your pocket in Korea. You tap it on buses, subways and many taxis, and it works far beyond Seoul — including Busan and Jeju, where buses no longer take cash.

Checked in October 2026. Card prices and refund rules are set by the operator and stores; confirm at the counter if something looks different.

The short version

Where to buy one

• Convenience stores: CU, GS25, 7-Eleven and emart24 all sell them at the counter. Stock sometimes runs out at busy stores, so try another.
• Subway stations: ticket machines in many stations sell and top up cards.
• The airport: convenience stores at Incheon and Gimpo sell them, and you can also order one in advance for pickup at Incheon.

The card itself costs about 2,500–5,000 won depending on the design. That part is not refundable — only the balance is.

How to top up

The traditional way is cash: hand the card and cash to the convenience store clerk, or use a top-up machine in a subway station. Topping up 20,000–30,000 won at a time is typical for a few days in Seoul.

Some newer kiosks and apps accept foreign credit cards, but this is not universal yet. Carry some cash for top-ups and you will never be stuck.

How it works on the go

• Tap in and tap out on subways and buses — tapping out on the bus matters, because it gives you the transfer discount on your next ride.
• Transfers between subway and bus within about 30 minutes are discounted when you tap out properly.
• Taxis: most taxis in big cities accept T-money; look for the card reader by the meter.
• Convenience stores accept it as payment, which is a handy way to use up a small balance.

Beyond Seoul

T-money works on subways and buses in Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and Daejeon, and on Jeju’s buses. On Jeju, buses have been card-only since October 2024, so a T-money card is not optional there.

Getting your balance back

Before you fly, either spend the balance at a convenience store or ask for a refund:

• Convenience stores refund smaller balances (up to about 20,000 won) for a small fee (around 500 won).
• Subway station service centres handle larger balances.

The card purchase price is not refunded.

Alternatives: SIM + T-money bundles and tourist cards

Some eSIM and SIM bundles for Korea include a T-money card, which saves a stop at the convenience store after a long flight:

Tourist cards such as prepaid “travel” cards that combine payment and transport also exist; compare their fees with a plain T-money card before buying.

FAQ

Can two people share one card?

On some subway gates you can tap twice for two people, but it is easier and safer for each traveller to have their own card.

Does T-money work on the KTX?

No. Book KTX tickets separately (see our Seoul to Busan KTX guide).

Can I top up with a credit card?

Sometimes, at newer kiosks and in apps — but not everywhere. Cash always works.

What happens if I forget to tap out on the bus?

You may lose the transfer discount on your next ride. On some long-distance buses you may be charged the maximum fare.

The short version

Buy a T-money card at the first convenience store you see, top it up with cash, tap in and out on every bus and subway, and spend or refund the balance before you fly.