How To Use A TMoney Card in Korea

One of the most commonly asked questions I get is how to use public transportation in Seoul. While it may seem intimidating at first, I guarantee it is easy as pie once you get the hang of it. In this blog post, I’m going to teach you how to use a Tmoney card in Seoul, where to buy a Tmoney card in Korea, and how to navigate Seoul like a pro.

So you may be wondering, why should you listen to me out of all the other bloggers out there? Simple. I’m the best at breaking stuff down and I have insider knowledge after living in South Korea almost six years. I know the ins and outs of public transport in Seoul and this guide will definitely help you figure it out.

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Where to buy a Tmoney card in Korea?

There are many places you can purchase a Tmoney card in Korea. Below are the places you can find them.

Any convenience store – Gs25, CU, Emart 24, 7Eleven, Ministop.
Any train station – Kiosks at the train station have signs that say T-Money Card Vending Machine Charger.
Digital Tmoney Card – You can buy one off Klook with a 5,000won (about $5) top off coupon
Discover Seoul Pass – If you buy this pass, it gives you free entrance to 35 of Korea’s top attractions and also serves as a T-money Card

What is a Korea Tmoney card?

A Korea Tmoney card is basically a plastic card the size of a credit card. It’s a card where you can tap on an off of public transport including buses, trains, and taxis. Think of it as Seoul money to make your life easy.

What is a Cashbee card?

Essentially a Tmoney and a Cashbee card are exactly the same. They both function in the same ways and are used for public transport and at convenience stores.

Click Here to Learn Korean with KoreanClass101.com

Do Tmoney cards expire?

TMoney cards have no expiration date and the unused balance will remain on your card until the entire amount is used up. You can receive a refund for the balance on your card at convenience stores like GS25 that charges a 500 Korean won fee. They will not refund the card and you get to keep it.

How much do Tmoney cards cost?

The Tmoney card Seoul costs about 5,000 Korean won or $3.80 USD.

How much does it cost for public transportation in Korea?

There are different age categories for how much you will have to pay for your public transport. The fees are as follows.

Adults – 1250 Korean won
Teenagers – 720 Korean won
Children – 480 Korean won

Where can I use a Tmoney card in Korea?

Tmoney cards are good for all public transportation including buses, trains, and taxis. You can also use them to purchase items at the convenience store.

How To Use a Tmoney card?

It’s super simple! In Seoul, when you want to get on the bus or train you tap the card reader or the turnstile. Repeat this process when getting off public transport. You would also tap the card reader in the taxi and at the convenience store to pay. Transfer discounts are also available and are limited to four times a day, within a transfer time limit of 30 minutes (up to 1 hour from 21:00 to 07:00 next day). However, the transfer discount doesn’t apply if you are transferring to the same numbered bus even if it’s within 30 minutes or re-entering the same subway station after exiting.

How To Recharge a Tmoney Card

There are a few different ways to recharge the Tmoney card.

Recharge the card at a Kiosk in the subway station
Recharge the card at any convenience store
Top off your digital Tmoney card on the app

Seoul Money to USD

Just so you know the currency in South Korea is the South Korean won. Currently the won is about 1113 Korean won per US dollar. You can check day to day stats on this currency calculator here.

Tmoney Card Designs

What’s super awesome about the Tmoney card Korea is that it comes in a plethora of fun designs that can showcase a personality as unique as you. I’ve owned many Tmoney cards (and have lost a bunch too) so I highly recommend you get this trusty card carrier lanyard to keep it safe and never lose it.

Korean holidays like Chuseok
Special Korean landmarks
Kpop idols and actors
BTS Tmoney card

I hope you found this post super helpful when navigating public transport in Korea. Good luck and have the best time in Seoul!

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