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Transit Β· ν‹°λ¨Έλ‹ˆ

πŸ’³ T-money in plain English

One plastic card (or a phone wallet) pays subway, bus and many taxis. Buy it once, tap it everywhere.

Buy at CU, GS25, 7-Eleven or a station machine. Card itself is about β‚©2,500–4,000 empty. Ask for ν‹°λ¨Έλ‹ˆ μΉ΄λ“œ μ£Όμ„Έμš” (T-money please).
Load cash at the same machine or counter. β‚©10,000 is a safe first load for 3–4 days of city travel. Keep the receipt.
Subway: tap in on the gate, tap out on the other side. Missed tap-out = maximum fare. Buses: tap when you board and again if the driver/sign asks (many city buses need tap-off).
Refund leftover value at a service center (Seoul Station, major transfer stations) minus a small fee, or spend it down at convenience stores that take T-money.
ProductWhen to use it
Stored-value T-moneyMost visitors. Works Seoul, Busan, many other cities.
Climate Card κΈ°ν›„λ™ν–‰μΉ΄λ“œUnlimited Seoul buses + subway for a set period. Worth it if you ride 4+ times a day. Check current tourist version at ICN desks.
Apple / Samsung walletIf your phone already provisioned a T-money card at home or via the app β€” still carry a plastic backup.
Cashbee / Rail PlusCompatible on many gates; T-money is the one staff recognize fastest.

Intercity trains are not T-money. Book those on the KTX guide. Live subway arrivals: subway page.