Trains, Buses & Taxis
How do I buy and use a transport card?
Short answer
A T-money card is a practical starting point for local buses and subways. Buy the card and add a balance before boarding.
Practical next steps
- Ask separately how to pay for the card itself and how to add travel balance. Confirm that your planned route accepts that card.
- Before boarding, check the balance and the operator’s tap-in and tap-out instructions. Check limited-area passes against your whole itinerary before choosing one.
Korean message to show or send
교통카드 구매와 잔액 충전은 각각 어떤 결제수단으로 가능한가요?
Fill in any blanks, show it, and check the reply you get.
Check the service you are taking; a transport card does not cover every train or ticket type.
What to do: buy → add money → ride
1. Buy the card
Find a retailer displaying the T-money logo, such as a participating convenience store. Ask about availability and price. The card price and its travel balance are separate.
2. Add money before boarding
Use a participating convenience store or station charging machine. Check its top-up method and keep Korean won in cash as a backup; do not assume a foreign bank card can recharge standard T-money. Check the balance after loading.
3. Tap and ride
On supported local buses, tap when boarding and leaving. At subway gates, tap on entry and exit. Follow the operator’s instructions; transfer benefits depend on the service and fare rules.
Other payment options and passes
Foreign bank cards: Buying a ticket at a machine is different from tapping a bank card at a gate or bus reader. Selected Seoul subway machines accept international cards for certain tickets or passes; check the machine and ticket type.
Cash: Rules differ by operator. Cash for topping up a transport card does not mean cash is accepted on every bus.
Climate Card: Check Seoul’s official coverage and current pass conditions against your actual route before buying. Do not assume that every train, bus or airport journey is included.
Using a foreign card in shops →Official sources
Last checked online: September 29, 2026. Confirm current payment methods and coverage with the operator.