📌 How to Use Public Transportation in Korea (T-money Card Guide)
Planning your first trip to Korea? One thing you’ll love is how efficient, clean, and foreigner-friendly the public transportation system is. But to make the most of it, you’ll need a small magic card called T-money (티머니). In this guide, you’ll learn how to buy, use, recharge, and even use it like a local.
📚 Table of Contents
1. What is a T-money card?
T-money is a rechargeable transportation card you can use on public transit throughout South Korea. It’s accepted on:
- 🚌 Buses
- 🚇 Subways (all major cities: Seoul, Busan, etc.)
- 🚕 Some taxis
- 🛒 Convenience stores & vending machines
It’s super convenient — just tap in and out at subway gates or on bus sensors.
2. Where to buy a T-money card
You can purchase one at:
- 👩💼 Airport convenience stores (7-Eleven, GS25, CU, etc.)
- 🚇 Subway station ticket counters
- 🛍️ Convenience stores across Korea
The price for the card itself is about ₩2,500 (non-refundable), and you need to load money separately.
🔗 Official website (English): https://www.t-money.co.kr/ncs/pct/en/index.html
3. How to use it on the subway, bus, and more
Simply tap the card at the reader when entering and exiting:
- 🎫 Subway: Tap at the gate before and after the ride
- 🚌 Bus: Tap when you board and again when you get off
- 🚕 Taxis: Ask first! Some accept T-money
🗣️ Korean phrase: “티머니로 결제돼요?” (Can I pay with T-money?)
4. How to top up (charge) the card
Reloading your T-money card is easy:
- 📍 At convenience stores (cash only)
- 📍 At subway station machines (cash or card)
You can load from ₩1,000 up to ₩90,000. The machines have English instructions and touchscreens.
🗣️ Korean phrase: “충전해주세요.” (Please recharge it.)
5. T-money Tips & Benefits
✅ No need to buy individual tickets for each ride
✅ Can be used in many cities (not just Seoul!)
If you’re staying long-term or visiting multiple cities, keep your T-money card — it works nationwide.
6. 🤔 Did you know?
Many Koreans personalize their T-money cards! You can buy T-money shaped like K-pop characters, Kakao Friends, BTS members, or even phone accessories. It’s both a transit pass and a cool souvenir.
Bonus: some phone apps like Cashbee or Samsung Pay also support mobile transit cards.
7. Practice Korean Phrases on italki
👉 Book a travel-focused Korean lesson with me on italki and get ready for your adventure!
