Which transit card is cheapest for your Seoul trip?
T-money pay-as-you-go vs Climate Card short-term pass — compared for your itinerary
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The cards, explained
| Card | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| T-money | ₩2,500–4,000 + top-up | Everyone. Works on every subway, bus and taxi nationwide and in convenience stores. Unused balance refundable (minus ₩500) at convenience stores. |
| Climate Card (기후동행카드) short-term | 1 day ₩5,000 · 2 days ₩8,000 · 3 days ₩10,000 · 5 days ₩15,000 · 7 days ₩20,000 | Heavy riders staying inside Seoul city. Unlimited subway + bus + Ttareungi bikes. Not valid on AREX express, red buses, Sinbundang Line or outside Seoul (e.g. Suwon, Incheon). |
| WOWPASS | Free card, load with foreign currency | Tourists without Korean cash. A prepaid debit card for shops with a built-in T-money chip you top up separately in won. Kiosks at airports and major stations. |
| Korea Tour Card / M-Pass | ₩4,000– | Basically T-money with discount coupons. Fine, but not essential. |
- Phones: Android with a Korean SIM can run Mobile T-money. Apple Pay does not support T-money as of 2026.
- Foreign contactless credit cards do not work at subway gates yet — you need one of the cards above.
- Climate Card physical cards cost ₩3,000 extra and are sold at Line 1–8 station offices and nearby convenience stores; load the short-term pass there.
FAQ
Where do I buy a T-money card?
Any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24) and subway station machines, including at Incheon Airport. Pay ₩2,500–4,000 for the card, then load cash at the same counter or at subway machines.
Can tourists buy the Climate Card?
Yes. Short-term passes of 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days are sold to anyone at Seoul Metro station offices and designated convenience stores. Bring ₩3,000 for the physical card.
Can I get my T-money balance refunded?
Yes, up to ₩20,000 at any convenience store or at the T-money service centre at Seoul Station, minus a ₩500 fee. The card price itself is not refunded.