Which transit card is cheapest for your Seoul trip?

T-money pay-as-you-go vs the Climate Card short-term pass — worked out for your itinerary

Count a bus-to-subway transfer as one trip. Prices below include the ₩3,000 card itself; if you already have a T-money card, subtract that.

Please enter 1–30 days and 1–20 trips per day (whole numbers).

The cards, explained

T-money
The default. Works on every subway, bus and most taxis nationwide, and in convenience stores. Buy at any convenience store or airport kiosk, load with cash. Unused balance refundable up to ₩20,000 at convenience stores (₩500 fee).
About ₩3,000 + top-up
Climate Card short-term pass (기후동행카드)
Unlimited Seoul subway and bus for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days. Not valid on the AREX ride in from Incheon Airport (it's outside Seoul), the AREX Express, red express buses, the Shinbundang Line or anywhere outside Seoul city. Bike sharing is not included in the short-term pass. The 30-day pass was discontinued in October 2026.
1 day ₩5,000 · 2 days ₩8,000 · 3 days ₩10,000 · 5 days ₩15,000 · 7 days ₩20,000
+ ₩3,000 card
WOWPASS
A prepaid card you load with foreign currency at airport and station kiosks and use in shops like a debit card. It has a separate T-money balance you top up in won for transport. There is an issuance fee at the kiosk; check the current price when you buy.
Issuance fee + top-up
Korea Tour Card
A T-money card with a few tourist discount coupons attached. Fine, but not essential.
About ₩4,000
  • iPhone: T-money has been in Apple Wallet since July 2025, but topping up needs a Korean-issued card, so it's not practical for most visitors. Android Mobile T-money needs a Korean phone number. A physical card is the simple answer.
  • As of October 2026, tapping a foreign Visa or Mastercard directly at a subway gate isn't available on most lines.
  • Climate Card short-term passes are sold at Seoul Metro station offices on Lines 1–8 and nearby convenience stores; the physical card costs ₩3,000 and you load the pass there.

Source: Seoul Metropolitan Government (subway & bus fares) · Seoul Metropolitan Government (Climate Card (short-term passes)) · Apple Newsroom · Verified 9 Oct 2026 · All sources & changelog

FAQ

Where do I buy a T-money card?

Any convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24) and the machines in subway stations, including at Incheon Airport. The card is about ₩3,000; load cash at the same counter or at a subway machine.

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. The 30-day pass is no longer sold.

Can I get my T-money balance refunded?

Yes, up to ₩20,000 at any convenience store or at the T-money service centre in Seoul Station, minus a ₩500 fee. The card itself isn't refunded.

Does Apple Pay work for the Seoul subway?

T-money has been available in Apple Wallet since July 2025, but you need a Korean-issued credit or debit card to top it up, which rules it out for most visitors. Get a physical T-money card instead.