For most visitors, a T-money card is enough: buy it at any convenience store for ₩3,000–5,000, top it up with cash, and tap it on subways, buses and taxis anywhere in Korea. If you will ride a lot and stay inside Seoul, add a Climate Card short-term pass (₩5,000 for 1 day up to ₩20,000 for 7 days, plus ₩3,000 for the card). WOWPASS suits travelers who want one card for both shopping and transit and would rather not carry much cash.
The cards compared
| Card | Card price | How you pay for rides | Where it works |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-money | ₩3,000–5,000 | Pay as you go from a balance you top up with cash | Nationwide: subway, buses, most taxis, convenience stores |
| Climate Card (short-term) | ₩3,000 card + ₩5,000–20,000 pass | Unlimited rides for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days | Seoul subway (not Sinbundang Line or GTX) and Seoul city buses only |
| WOWPASS | ₩5,000 | Prepaid card loaded at kiosks in several currencies, with a transit card function | Shops that take cards, plus transit |
| Mpass | ₩15,000 (1 day) to ₩64,500 (7 days) | Up to 20 rides a day | Seoul subway, city buses and AREX all-stop train |
Each card in detail
T-money
- Buy At GS25, CU, 7-Eleven and other convenience stores, or at subway information centers on Seoul lines 1–8.
- Top up With cash at subway ticket machines or at a convenience store counter. Foreign credit cards generally cannot be used to top up.
- Use Tap in and out on the subway, and tap when you get on and off the bus to get transfer discounts.
- Refund Small balances can be refunded at convenience stores for a fee, so it is easier to spend down the balance near the end of your trip.
It works in every major city, which makes it the best default if your trip includes Busan, Jeju or anywhere outside Seoul.
Climate Card short-term pass
- Buy The card at Seoul Metro information centers or nearby convenience stores, then load a pass at a subway ticket machine.
- Pay With cash or a Korea-issued card. Foreign credit cards may not work, so bring won.
- Use The pass starts when you load it. It covers Seoul subway lines and Seoul city buses, including night buses.
- Limits It does not cover the Sinbundang Line, GTX, or trips to Incheon Airport. From 1 October 2026 it only works inside Seoul, and the 30-day version has ended.
Rough math: a basic subway ride costs about ₩1,550 with a card. If you ride three or more times a day for three days, the 3-day pass (₩10,000, plus ₩3,000 for the card) costs less than paying per ride.
WOWPASS
- Buy At WOWPASS kiosks in airports, major subway stations and some hotels. You need your passport.
- Load At the kiosk in won, US dollars, Japanese yen, Chinese yuan and other currencies.
- Use Pay in shops like a debit card, and use the transit function for rides.
- Leftover money You can take the remaining balance out in won at a kiosk.
Mpass
- Buy At Tmoney Town near Seoul Station (Exit 10), with Korean won cash.
- Use Up to 20 rides a day on Seoul subway, city buses and the AREX all-stop train (not the Express).
- Note It costs much more than the Climate Card, so it mainly makes sense if you need the AREX included.
Tips that save time
- Keep ₩10,000–20,000 in cash for top-ups. Subway machines take Korean won notes.
- Tap out when you leave the subway, and tap again when you get off a bus. Skipping the tap-off can cost you the transfer discount.
- One card per person. Two people cannot share one card on the same ride.
- Kids and teens get lower fares, but the card has to be registered with their age at a convenience store.
FAQ
Can I just tap my foreign credit card at the gate?
Not yet. Seoul plans to let overseas cards work directly at subway and bus readers from 2027. For now, get a T-money or one of the cards above.
Which card should I get if I only stay in Seoul for three days?
T-money plus a 3-day Climate Card pass if you will ride a lot; T-money alone if you mostly walk or take taxis.
Can I use T-money in taxis?
Yes, most taxis accept T-money as well as credit cards.
Sources and last check
Card prices and rules are from the Korea Tourism Organization's transportation card guide and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, checked on 26 October 2026. See VisitKorea for the latest details.