Your Guide to Seoul's T-money Card: How to Save 50% on Transport
Hello! This is Sunny from K-Music Note.
Seoul has a world-class public transport system, but let's be honest: for a first-time visitor, the web of subway lines and complex fares can be intimidating. And if you're paying for each ride with cash, you might be accidentally spending double what you need to. Did you know that?
But don't worry. There’s a magic key to unlock the entire system: a single card called 'T-money'.
This card is about more than just convenience. It's your secret weapon for cutting your travel costs nearly in half, thanks to an amazing feature called the 'transfer discount'. Ready to learn how to master the subway, bus, and even taxis like a local? Let's dive in.
#1. The T-money Card: Your Seoul Essential
T-money is a rechargeable smart card used for transportation across most of South Korea. With this one card, you can pay for the subway, buses, and taxis. You can even use it to pay at convenience stores, virtually eliminating the need to carry cash.
Where to Buy and Recharge?
- Where to Buy: You can easily buy a T-money card at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, etc.) at the airport and all over the city, or at service centers in subway stations. The card itself costs around 3,000-4,000 KRW.
- Where to Recharge: Use the "Card Reload" machines found in every subway station or simply ask the cashier at any convenience store. Just hand them the card and cash, and say, "T-money chungjeon-hae juseyo" (Please recharge my T-money).
For a typical 3-4 day trip, loading 20,000 KRW to start is usually a convenient amount.
#2. The Transfer Discount: The Secret to Saving Big
The single most powerful benefit of the T-money card is the "Integrated Transfer Discount" system. In simple terms, instead of paying a new fare every time you switch between a bus and a subway, the system charges you based on the total distance you traveled.
The Transfer Rules: Just Remember This!
- Time Limit: You must make your transfer within 30 minutes of tapping your card to get off. (This extends to 1 hour between 9 PM and 7 AM).
- Frequency Limit: You can get the discount for up to 4 transfers in a single journey.
- The Golden Rule: You MUST tap your card on the reader when you get OFF the bus or leave the subway station!
Let's look at an example using current fares (as of Sept 2025, for an adult) to see how much you can save.
| Journey Step | Paying with Cash | Using T-money Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Take a Bus | 1,500 KRW | 1,500 KRW (Base Fare) |
| Transfer to Subway (within 30 mins) | 1,400 KRW | 0 KRW! (No additional charge) |
| Total Fare | 2,900 KRW | 1,500 KRW (48% Savings!) |
* This example assumes your total travel distance is within the 10km base fare limit. For longer distances, a small extra fee is added, but the savings are still massive.
[Insider Tip: The One Mistake to Avoid]
The most crucial rule for transfer discounts is to "tap off." It's easy to forget, especially when getting off a bus. If you don't tap your card when you exit, the system doesn't know where your journey ended and will charge you a full new base fare (1,500 KRW) on your next ride. Always tap on, and always tap off!
#3. How to Use It: Subway, Bus & Taxi
Subway
Simply tap your card on the reader at the turnstile when you enter, and tap it again on the way out at your destination. The Seoul subway lines are color-coded and well-marked, making navigation a breeze with an app like Naver Map.
Bus
When you get on through the front door, tap your card on the reader. When you're ready to get off, press the stop button and tap your card on the reader near the rear door as you exit. Don't forget this final tap if you plan to transfer!
Taxi
Most taxis in Seoul accept T-money. When you arrive at your destination, just tell the driver "T-money-ro gyeolsan-hae juseyo" (I'll pay with T-money) and tap your card on the payment terminal. Note that transfer discounts do not apply to taxi fares.
The 3-Line Summary
- Get a T-money Card: It's essential. Buy and recharge it easily at any convenience store or subway station.
- Master the Transfer: Tap off within 30 minutes to switch between buses and subways to save nearly 50% on fares. Always remember to tap your card when you get off!
- Tap On, Tap Off: The most important habit to build for both subways and buses is to tap your card when you enter AND when you exit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I get a refund for the remaining balance when I leave?
A1: Yes! For balances under 20,000 KRW, you can get a refund at a convenience store (for a 500 KRW fee). For balances under 50,000 KRW, visit a service center at a subway station. You can keep the physical card as a souvenir.
Q2: Can one T-money card be used for multiple people?
A2: No, it's one person per card. The transfer discount system is based on individual journeys, so each person in your group needs their own card.
Q3: What happens if my balance is too low?
A3: On the subway, the gate simply won't open. On a bus, the card reader will say "Jan-egi bujok-hamnida" (The balance is insufficient). You'll have to pay in cash or find a nearby place to recharge. It's a good idea to check your balance occasionally to avoid holding up the line.