How to use the T-Money card on the Seoul Metro — buying, loading, transfer discounts, Apple Pay, and tips for 2026 visitors.
How to Get the T-Money Card
Buy at any convenience store (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, Emart24) or subway ticket machine. ₩4,000–₩6,000 including a small starting balance. Also available as phone NFC (T-Money app, Samsung Pay built-in).
T-Money Card Benefits
- ₩100 discount per trip vs single tickets on all metro lines.
- Transfer discount: metro-to-bus or bus-to-metro within 30 minutes costs only ₩100–₩300 extra.
- Works on all city buses, some taxis, and many convenience store purchases.
- Top up at subway machines, convenience stores, or the T-Money app.
- Refundable at bank branches (₩500 fee) or subway service offices.
Fare Reference (KRW)
Payment methods: T-Money card · Cashbee card · Contactless bank card (Visa/Mastercard) · Apple Pay · Samsung Pay · Single-use QR ticket.
💡 The T-Money card (₩4,000 deposit + loaded credit) gives a ₩100 discount per trip vs single tickets. It also works on all city buses, and bus-metro transfers within 30 minutes cost only ₩100–₩300 additional rather than full fare.
| Journey | Off-Peak (KRW) | Peak (KRW) |
|---|---|---|
| Base fare (0–10 km, T-Money) | ₩1,400 | ₩1,400 |
| Base fare (0–10 km, single) | ₩1,500 | ₩1,500 |
| 10–50 km (per 5 km add) | +₩100 | +₩100 |
| AREX All-Stop (to Seoul Station) | ₩4,950 | ₩4,950 |
| AREX Express (to Seoul Station) | ₩9,500 | ₩9,500 |
| Korea Tourist Pass (1-day) | ₩15,000 | ₩15,000 |
Peak hours: No peak fare surcharge — flat distance-based fares at all times.
T-Money Card vs Single-Journey Ticket
| T-Money Card | Single-Journey Token / Ticket | |
|---|---|---|
| Fare benefit | ₩100 discount per trip vs single tickets on all metro lines. | Standard full fare |
| Queue time | Tap and go — no queue | Buy at machine each time |
| Initial cost | ₩4,000 | Journey cost only |
| Works on all lines | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Best for | Anyone staying 2+ days | Single one-off journey |
Tips for Using the T-Money Card
- Always tap in AND tap out at every fare gate — tapping out is required to correctly calculate the fare.
- Keep the card topped up before travel to avoid holding up queues at entry gates.
- The T-Money Card works for the airport connection — see the airport guide.
- If you lose the card, contact Seoul Metro & Korail — some systems allow balance transfer to a new card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I top up my T-Money card?
At any GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, or Emart24 convenience store (most common), subway ticket machines, and some banks. Minimum top-up is ₩1,000. The card can hold up to ₩500,000.
Is Cashbee the same as T-Money?
Cashbee is a competing transit IC card system (used mainly on buses) that is interoperable with T-Money on metro and buses. For practical purposes both work the same way on the Seoul Metro. T-Money is more widely available.
Can I get a refund on my T-Money card?
Yes — at Hana Bank branches or T-Money Service Centres in major stations. A ₩500 processing fee applies. Remaining balance plus deposit is refunded in cash. If the remaining balance is under ₩500, no refund is given.
Does Apple Pay work on the Seoul Metro?
Yes — Apple Pay launched in South Korea in March 2023. Add a Korean Hyundai Card or compatible card to Apple Wallet, or use the T-Money function if your card supports it. Tap at the turnstile reader as you would a T-Money card.
See also: Seoul Metro ticket prices · Airport connection · Full Seoul Metro guide
Source: Seoul Metro & Korail. Fares and card terms subject to change — verify before travel.