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A Complete Guide to Transportation Payment Options in Korea for International Travelers — T-money, Gihudoonghaeng Card, WOWPASS, and International Credit Cards at a Glance
30 Minutes After Arriving at the Airport: What Do I Need to Buy to Take the Subway? (As of 2026) Latest Edition
The first thing I run into when I arrive in Korea is Subway turnstile Here we go. “Should I buy a card? Can’t I just tap my credit card? And what’s this ‘Climate Companion Card’ anyway?” The good news is, Since 2026, the number of options has increased significantlyThat’s the thing. The bad news is that it makes things even more confusing. This post is A Decision Chart That Covers It AllC. This guide compiles prices, issuers, and coverage into a single table—and even explains which option to choose based on your travel style. This isn’t a review written by someone pretending to have been there; it’s a guide compiled using official information.
The goal is to be done within 30 minutes of arriving—you just need to decide what to buy
At a Glance — A Comparison of 5 Payment Methods
First, here’s the summary table. The five options below are all the choices that international travelers actually make.
Payment Methods | Card/Issuance Fee | Where | Charging & Payment | Coverage | To someone like this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
T-money | 3,000–4,000 won (no refunds) | Convenience stores, airports, and train stations | Cash Top-Up (The new 2026 terminal will also accept international cards) | Nationwide Public Transportation + Convenience Store Payments | Most travelers, those planning to visit rural areas |
Climate Companion Card(Tourism Voucher) | Card: 3,000 won + 1-day pass: 5,000 won and up~ | Station Information Center, Ticket Vending Machines, Convenience Stores | Accepts international credit cards (March 2026–) | Seoul Subway and City Buses Unlimited | People who take the subway 4 or more times a day in Seoul |
WOWPASS | 5,000 won (No refunds) | Yellow Kiosks (Airports, Myeongdong, etc.) | Foreign Currency Cash / Overseas Card Top-Up | Payment + Transit (Built-in T-money) Nationwide | People who want to combine currency exchange, payments, and transportation into a single card |
Overseas Contactless Cards / Apple Pay | 0 won (Keep my card as is) | — | At the gate and ticket machine Tab | Seoul Subway Hub (Expanding) | Someone who’s only staying for a short time and will just carry a card |
Single-use transit card | 500 won deposit (refundable upon return) | Station Vending Machine | Cash | Just that one ride | When you ride it just once or twice |
Subject to change — Prices, coverage, and support for international cards are constantly changing. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, VISITKOREACheck on our official channels.
That covers 90% of the answer. If you're just in Seoul and ride often, use the Climate Companion Card. If you travel to other regions or use it for general purposes, use T-money. The rest is a matter of personal preference. Below, I’ll go into more detail on each one.
Starting with the base fare — How much does a single ride cost?
You can tell why people buy the card by looking at the fare. If you ride using the card, The base fare is cheaper, and transfers are freeC.
Category | Transportation cards (T-money, etc.) | Single-use · Cash |
|---|---|---|
Subway Base Fare | Medicine 1,550 won | Approximately 1,650 won + a 500 won deposit (Returns and Refunds) |
City Bus | Medicine 1,500 won | Similar or slightly higher |
Transfer Discount | ✅ Free or discounted for a certain period after getting off | ❌ None |
Distance Surcharge | Additional charges per segment when a certain distance is exceeded | Same |
Subject to change — These are 2026 rates for the Seoul Metropolitan Area and may vary by region, distance, and time of year. The exact amount is VISITKOREA Transportation GuideCheck it out here.
If you just use transfers wisely, you'll recoup the cost of the card in no time.
Getting a T-money Card — Where and How Much
The safest default option. It works on subways and buses nationwide, and you can even use it to pay at convenience stores. Buy a blank card and load it with cash. Prepaid, rechargeableThat is.
Item | Content |
|---|---|
Credit card bill | 3,000–4,000 won (Varies by design, No refunds) |
Places to Live | Airport convenience stores/ticket counters, convenience stores nationwide (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, E-Mart 24, Ministop), subway station |
First Charge | When buying a card, just say "charge" and hand over the cash. |
Where to Use It | Payments on subways, city and local buses, and some taxis nationwide, as well as at convenience stores and vending machines |
Subject to change — Prices and designs vary by store.
Since you can't get the value of the card itself back,, remaining Prepaid BalancePlease note that only these items are eligible for a refund.
In one page Several people tagged separatelyYou can ride that way (combined payment for the group). However, since the transfer discount is calculated per person, it’s more advantageous for each person to use their own card if there are multiple people.
"T-money, top up 10,000 won"—that's all it takes
Recharging (Refilling) — What's New in 2026
This is the spot that confused foreign travelers the most. To cut to the chase: In 2026, some avenues for reloading overseas cards opened up.
Charging Locations | Cash | International Credit and Debit Cards |
|---|---|---|
Convenience Store | ✅ | ❌ (Still stuck — fee issue) |
Subway station New Unmanned Vending Machine | ✅ | ✅ (Multiple stations on Seoul Subway Lines 1–8; starting in 2026—Visa and Mastercard) |
Reverse-type charger | ✅ | ❌ |
Subject to change — The network of stations equipped with new ticket vending machines and supporting card payments is expanding. Please note that an average fee of approximately 3.7% applies when using foreign cards. Please check on-site notices and official channels for specific stations and fees.
The new vending machines released in 2026 now support English and international credit cards.
Climate Pass — If you want to ride unlimited times in Seoul
Within Seoul A lot If you're planning to ride public transportation, this might be the best option. If you buy a pass, you can use it on the Seoul subway and city buses during the validity period. UnlimitedThat is.
Genre | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
1-Day Pass | 5,000 won | If you ride it at least four times a day, you'll break even or make a profit |
2-Day Pass | 8,000 won | |
3-Day Pass | 10,000 won | Perfect for a three-day, packed itinerary in Seoul |
5-Day Pass | 15,000 won | |
(Physical card) | + 3,000 won | Single-use, reusable |
Subject to change — The composition and prices of tourist passes are adjusted each season. For the latest pass types and coverage areas, Official Information on the Seoul Climate Commute CardCheck it out here.
The Pitfall of "Unlimited" — It All Depends on What "Unlimited" Actually Means
WOWPASS — Currency Exchange, Payments, and Transportation All in One Card
Popular among foreign tourists. If you insert foreign currency cash or an international card, it will be converted to Korean won and added to your balanceIt's a prepaid card that can be used for card payments anywhere in Korea and even includes a T-money function.
Item | Content |
|---|---|
Credit card bill | About 5,000 won (No refunds, (not a security deposit) |
Issuing Authority | Yellow WOWPASS Kiosks — Incheon Airport Terminals 1 and 2, Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun, Seoul Station, Busan, and more |
Charging | Foreign currency banknotes (USD, EUR, JPY, etc.) or international Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay cards |
Strengths | When paying in-store With no overseas transaction fees Payment in Korean won + Dual-purpose transit card |
Points to Note | Transportation (T-money) balance: Korean won cashRecharge only with (separate from foreign currency top-ups) |
Subject to change — Fees (1,000 won for balance inquiries, 3,000 won for card reissuance, etc.), exchange rates, and kiosk locations are subject to change. For the latest information, WOWPASS OfficialCheck it out here.
If you want to combine currency exchange, payments, and subway rides into a single card,
Just Tap Your International Card — Ride Without a Card
If you're thinking, "Even using a card is a hassle," some options will become available starting in 2026.
Method | Current Situation (2026) | Note |
|---|---|---|
Purchasing Single-Ride Tickets and Commuter Passes with Foreign Credit Cards at New-Model Ticket Vending Machines | Available at many Seoul subway stations | Limited to stations with ticket vending machines |
Pay with Apple Pay (Mastercard + iPhone) at the gate Tap to Ride | Currently being introduced and expanded in the Seoul subway system | Supported Cards, Devices, and Routes |
Tap your international credit card directly on the gate | Not yet fully implemented (Expanding in stages) | The bus is running late |
Subject to change — As of 2026, this area Changing the fastestThat's it. The list of eligible cards, stations, and devices is constantly expanding, so before you leave, VISITKOREA·Official Notice from the Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentBe sure to check the latest updates there.
Just your phone, no card needed — though the "compatible cards and locations" are still limited
So, What Should You Choose? — By Traveler Type
Since there were so many tables, I've summarized them in a single line.
If you're like this, | Recommendations |
|---|---|
It’s my first time in Korea—I’ll be visiting both Seoul and the provinces—and I’d prefer something straightforward. | T-money (+ Charging via the new release unit) |
At least four times a day within Seoul, staying for several days | Climate Companion Card (+ T-money for the airport segment) |
I want to combine currency exchange, card payments, and transportation into one card | WOWPASS (T-money compatible) |
Short trips of 2–3 days, don't want the hassle of carrying a card, use the cards I already have | International Contactless Cards/Apple Pay (T-money Backup) |
I plan to ride it just once or twice | Single-use transit card (Deposit refunded) |
There isn't just one right answer—you can choose or mix and match depending on your schedule.
Refunds and Returns — Recovering Your Balance When You Leave
It's a waste to leave any money behind. The refund process varies by card.
Card | Refund of Remaining Balance | Credit card bill |
|---|---|---|
T-money | Refund of Remaining Balance at a Convenience Store (Small fee, subject to limits) | The card itself is non-refundable. |
Climate Companion Card | Separate refund policy for unused periods | No refunds for physical cards |
WOWPASS | Check Your Balance via the App or Kiosk (Fees) | No credit card refunds |
Single-use transit card | — | Refund of the 500-won deposit via the refund machine |
Subject to change — Refund limits, fees, and procedures are subject to change. Please check each official channel (convenience store notices, WOWPASS (etc.). [info] Once you've used up your single-use transit card, Security Deposit Refund MachineIf you insert it, you’ll get 500 won right away. Be sure to return any single-use cards lying around in your pocket before you leave the country.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Get one card on the first day at the airport (T-money or WOWPASS)
First recharge: 10,000–20,000 won (Cash or international credit cards accepted at new vending machines)
If you have a busy schedule in Seoul, be sure to figure out which type of Climate Companion Card to get
The bus is Tag both when boarding and when exiting Memory
Tapping an international card to pay for transit "might work," so be sure to bring a backup card
Make Sure to Get Your Balance and Refunded Deposit Before Departure
Once you choose just one card, public transportation in Korea is no longer a barrier.
Collection of Official Channels — Prices, schedules, and international credit card acceptance are subject to change, so please check them one more time before you leave.
Comprehensive Transportation Guide — VISITKOREA
Climate Companion Card — Official Seoul Metropolitan Government
T-money — T-money Official
WOWPASS — WOWPASS Official
Sources: