2024 Korea T-Money Card Guide: Price, Where to Buy & FAQs
On our Korea winter trip, the first thing we did when we landed was to look for a kiosk or convenience store that sells the T-Money Card. We got it from 7-Eleven and used it to ride the subway going to our accommodation.
Had we known we could buy this Korea transport card ahead, we would have done so to save more time and avoid the inconvenience. So, take it from us – secure your T-Money Card before traveling to Korea.
We’ve created this guide so you already know where to buy and how to use the T-Money Card in Korea. We’ve broken down the basics for your reference.
What is a Korea T-Money Card?
The T-Money Card is an integrated transportation card in South Korea like the Japan Suica Card / Welcome Suica, Taiwan EasyCard, SG EZ-Link Card, and HK Octopus Card. Although there are other stored value electronic cards and tourist cards in Korea, the T Money Card is the most widely used.
What can I use my Korea T-Money Card for?
You can use your T Money Card to pay for the following:
1. Public transportation
As it is a transport card, you can mainly use the T-Money Card to pay for your rides on Korea’s public transportation such as subways, buses, and taxis.
2. Convenience stores
You can also use your T Money Card to pay at convenience stores, which include CU, 7-Eleven, MINISTOP, GS25, Emart24, StoryWay, 365PLUS, IGA Mart, C Space, and Best ALL.
3. Marts
Some affiliated marts like Homeplus and GS Supermarket also accept T-Money as payment for your groceries or home items.
4. Vending machines
You’ll find vending machines spread in many parts of Korea. If you don’t have enough cash or coins, you may use your T-Money Card instead.
5. Restaurants
Fast-food restaurants in Korea like Lotteria and McDonald’s accept T Money Card as a mode of payment. If you eat Korean food in a restaurant, you can ask if they accept T-Money or you may look for the T-Money logo and they’ll most likely accept it.
6. Cafes, bakeries, and ice cream shops
Korea is famous for its cafes, pastries, and desserts, and you can use T-Money to pay for your orders in these cafes and shops:
- Starbucks
- Paris Baguette
- Dunkin Donuts
- Ediya Coffee
- Angel in us Coffee
- Caffe Tiamo
- Caffe Pascucci
- Baskin-Robbins
- Juicy
- Jamba Juice
7. Attractions and tours
You may also use T-Money to pay for admission to some top Korea attractions and tours such as Everland, Caribbean Bay, Han River Water Taxi, and City Tour Bus.
8. Cosmetics and skincare stores
Cosmetics and skincare are a big deal in Korea. If you buy products from stores such as The Face Shop, Innisfree, and Tony Moly, you can use T-Money to pay.
Tip: Check out our list of Korea souvenirs, especially if you want to shop for skincare and more items for your loved ones back home.
9. Lockers
There are lockers in subway stations in Korea where you can leave your things or luggage temporarily. You may use T-Money to pay for these lockers.
*See complete list of T-Money affiliated retail brands in South Korea.
How much is the T Money Card in South Korea?
The standard T-Money Card costs ₩2,500 if you buy from subway stations and convenience stores, but you still need to top up an amount to use it. The minimum top-up is ₩1,000 and the maximum is ₩90,000. Do note that the amount in your card should not exceed ₩500,000.
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Tip: If you buy your T Money Card on Klook, it already comes with a Korea SIM Card with unlimited data. Sounds good to us since you don’t have to rent a pocket WiFi separately to get internet connection. |
Where can I buy T-Money Card?
You can buy T Money Card from the following options:
Option 1: Online booking platforms
We suggest that you buy your T Money Card ahead so you won’t have to worry about finding a store to buy it when you arrive. You can just pick up the actual card at designated pick-up kiosks at the airports in South Korea.
Klook
a) Klook T Money Card with Free SIM
- Card price: ₩32,500 (US$24)
- T Money Card top-up included: ₩5,000 (US$3.74)
- Nice feature: Free KT SIM card with unlimited data for 5 days or 10 days
- Pick-up locations: KT Roaming Center of Incheon Airport and Gimpo Airport
b) Klook SIM Card with Free T Money
- Card price: ₩17,500 (US$13)
- T Money Card top-up not included; Extra top-up for call and texts
- Nice feature: LG U+ SIM card with unlimited data for 3 days (validity options up to 60 days)
- Pick-up locations: LG U+ counter of Incheon Airport, Gimpo Airport, and Gimhae Airport
*If you are arriving at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, you may want to buy the Korea SIM Card with Free T Money Card instead. It costs a bit less but you will still need to load an amount to the T Money Card.
GetYourGuide
a) Incheon Airport: SIM + T-Money
- Card price: ₩17,605 (US$13)
- T-Money top-up not included
- Nice feature: Free cancellation up to 24 hours
- Pick-up location: LG U+ counter of Incheon Airport
b) Gimpo Airport: SIM + T-Money
- Card price: ₩17,605 (US$13)
- T-Money top-up not included
- Nice feature: Free cancellation up to 24 hours
- Pick-up location: U+ Mobile Roaming Center of Gimpo Airport
Option 2: Convenience stores
As mentioned earlier, we bought our first T-Money Card from 7-Eleven. If you miss buying it ahead, you can actually get it from convenience stores like 7-Eleven, MINISTOP, CU, GS25, Emart24, StoryWay, and 365PLUS.
Option 3: Subway stations
You may also proceed to any subway station in Korea to buy your T Money Card from ticket vending machines.
Korea T-Money Card frequently asked questions (FAQs)
1. How do I put money on my T-Money Card?
To reload or top up your T-Money Card, you can go to:
Option 1: Ticket vending machines at subway stations
You can easily find ticket vending machines at any subway station in Korea to top up your T Money Card. The instructions are pretty self-explanatory, and you can choose the English language option to make it easier for you.
To top up, just follow these steps:
- Choose a language.
- Put your card on the holder.
- Input the amount you’d like to top up.
- Insert the cash or coin to pay.
- Reloading process. Don’t remove the card until reloading is finished.
- Once the transaction is completed, you can already get your newly reloaded card.
Option 2: Convenience stores
Just proceed to any convenience store and ask the attendant to top up your preferred amount and pay.
2. Can I withdraw money from my Korea T-Money Card?
Your T-Money Card doesn’t work as a debit card so you can’t withdraw cash from it. You may want to consider getting a WOWPASS instead. It could serve as both your T-Money and debit card where you can withdraw cash in KRW.
3. Does the T Money Card expire?
The T Money Card is permanent and does not expire. Any amount left will still be stored for 5 years. You should keep your card in case you go back to South Korea again.
4. Can I still reuse my T-Money Card when I’m back to South Korea?
Yes, you can reuse your T money card when you travel back to Korea since it does not expire. However, if there’s any amount left from your previous trip, it’ll only be stored for 5 years so you better use it before then.
5. How long does Korea T-Money Card last?
As mentioned earlier, there’s no expiry for the Korea T-Money Card so you should be able to use it for as long as it is still in good condition. Make sure to store the card in a secure place to avoid damaging it.
6. Is the T-Money Card refundable?
Yes, you ask for a refund for the amount in your T-Money Card, but you cannot ask for a refund for the cost of the card itself. You may proceed to any T Money Card sales outlets or top-up locations and request for a refund. Do note that there is a service fee of ₩500.
We hope we covered everything you want to know about the Korea T-Money Card.
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