Seoul Transport Cards: The Complete Guide (2026)

🎯 Quick Decision Guide

Choose based on your situation:

Your Situation	Best Option	Why
Most tourists (Android)	KOREA TOUR CARD Tmoney app	Cashless, foreign cards work
Most tourists (iPhone)	Physical T-money	Simple, cash top-up, works everywhere
Seoul 3-7 days, heavy transit	Climate Card	Unlimited rides = best value
Need easy refunds	WOWPASS	Cash withdrawal at kiosks
Family/group travel	NAMANE	Manage up to 4 cards in one app

*iPhone users can also use Apple Wallet T-money (setup via Mobile T-money app), but top-ups still require cash—so a physical card is simpler for most tourists. Choose phone-based if you prefer not carrying a physical card.

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✈️ Transport Card Planning

BEFORE YOU FLY (Optional – Skip Airport Card Lines)

📱 Set Up T-money on Your Phone:

T-money for Android (Completely Cashless)

• Download: KOREA TOUR CARD Tmoney app before your flight
• Top-up: Use foreign credit/debit cards in-app (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, JCB, UnionPay)
• How to use: Tap your phone on subway/bus readers (NFC) — no physical card needed
• Best for: Android users who want zero cash hassle
• Set up now: Download app → Register → Add ₩20,000–50,000 → Ready to use when you land

T-money for iPhone (Phone-Based, Cash Top-up)

• Download: Mobile T-money app before your flight
• Setup: Add T-money to Apple Wallet via the app
• Top-up: Cash only at convenience stores or subway machines after you land
• How to use: Tap your phone/watch on readers — no physical card needed
• Best for: iPhone users who want phone-based card
• Set up now: Download app → Add to Apple Wallet → Top up with cash after landing

💡 If you set this up: You can skip buying a physical card at the airport! Just exchange cash when you land (see Step 1 below) and you’re ready to go.

AT THE AIRPORT (Everyone Follows These Steps)

💵 STEP 1: Get Korean Cash First!

Before buying your T-money card, exchange cash at the airport.

Why You Need Korean Cash:

• ⚠️ T-money top-ups are cash-only — no credit cards accepted at convenience stores or subway machines
• ⚠️ ATMs charge high fees — typically 3–5% withdrawal fee + your bank’s international fees
• ✅ Airport exchange counters offer competitive rates with no ATM fees

Smart Arrival Strategy:

1. Step 1: Exit customs → Find currency exchange counter (arrivals level) — look for signs saying “환전” (Exchange) or major banks
2. Step 2: Exchange $100–200 USD to Korean won
3. Step 3: Buy T-money card if needed (credit card OR cash both work)
4. Step 4: Keep cash for T-money top-ups throughout your trip

How Much Cash to Exchange:

• $100 USD (~₩135,000) = minimum for 3–4 day trip (top-ups + small purchases)
• $200 USD (~₩270,000) = comfortable for 7–10 day trip

What You’ll Need Cash For:

• T-money card top-ups (₩10,000–30,000 per top-up)
• Street food and small restaurants
• Traditional markets
• Some taxis and small shops

💡 Pro tip: Don’t overthink finding “the best exchange rate in Seoul.” Airport rates are competitive, and the convenience is worth it.

💳 STEP 2: Get Your Transport Card (if you didn’t set up phone option)

What You Can Buy at Incheon Airport:

1. T-money (Physical Card) — Recommended if you didn’t set up phone option

• Where: 1F convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven) or B1 Transportation Center
• Price: ₩2,500–4,000
• Top-up: Cash only at convenience stores or subway machines
• Why simplest: Always in stock, works everywhere, no app needed

2. WOWPASS

• Where: CU stores (pre-booking recommended) or AREX area kiosks (requires AREX ticket)
• Pre-book: Via WOWPASS app, Klook, or Trazy for guaranteed pickup
• Why: Easy refunds, currency exchange, separate transit and shopping balances

3. NAMANE

• Where: CU stores (T1 Exits 2/13, T2 select), NAMANE kiosks (AREX areas), HiKR Station (T1 B1)
• Why: Manage up to 4 cards in one app, custom designs, app-based top-ups

⚠️ Climate Card NOT available at Incheon Airport
Purchase after arriving in Seoul at:

• Subway station customer centers (Lines 1–8)
• Convenience stores near subway stations
• Tourist Information Centers

💡 Kimchiman’s Tip: Most tourists should either (1) set up phone T-money before flying, or (2) buy a physical T-money card at a 1F convenience store when you land. Both work perfectly.

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💁🏻‍♂️ Kimchiman’s Recommendations

Now that you’re in Seoul, here’s when each card shines:

Already have T-money? ✅ Perfect! You’re set for:

• All of Seoul
• Busan, Daegu, other cities
• Convenience store purchases
• Keep using it your whole trip

Staying in Seoul 3–7 days + taking subway/bus 3+ times daily? Consider adding Climate Card:

• Buy at any subway station customer center (Lines 1–8)
• Price example: 3-day ₩10,000 + ₩3,000 card = ₩13,000
• Worth it if: 10+ rides in 3 days
• Keep your T-money for: purchases, trips outside Seoul

Running low on cash & have WOWPASS?

• Top up at WOWPASS kiosks
• Move balance to transit wallet for subway/bus
• Withdraw leftover money when leaving Korea

Traveling with family & have NAMANE?

• Use app to transfer balance between family members
• Monitor everyone’s spending in one place
• Customize cards with family photos
• Skip if traveling solo/couple (T-money is simpler)

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❓ Common Questions

Q: Can I use T-money on iPhone with foreign cards?
A: No. iPhone top-ups are cash-only at convenience stores/subway machines.

Q: Can I get refunds as a tourist?
A: Yes, but policies vary. WOWPASS is easiest because you can withdraw at kiosks.

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📥 Need More Help?

• Naver Map or Kakao Map
• K-RIDE taxi app
• Save your accommodation address in Korean

Planning your Seoul adventure? Check out our phone-free Seoul tours—we’ll help you set up your transport card on day one! ✨