If you do exactly one piece of transit prep for Korea, make it this: get a T-money card at the first convenience store you see, load ₩10,000–20,000 on it, and stop thinking about tickets for the rest of your trip.
What is T-money and why do you want it?
T-money is Korea’s rechargeable transit card. Tap in, tap out — it covers the subway, every city bus, most taxis, and small convenience-store purchases. It also applies an automatic transfer discount when you switch between bus and subway, which single-journey tickets don’t.
Where do you buy it and what does it cost?
Any GS25, CU or 7-Eleven sells them, including at Incheon Airport and inside subway stations. Expect around ₩2,500–3,000 for the card, then load value separately. Character-design editions cost more and work identically.
How do you top it up?
At the counter of any convenience store (“chungjeon, please” — or just show the card and cash), or at the top-up machines in every subway station (English menu available). Top-ups are cash-based — this surprises many visitors, so keep some won on hand.
The mistakes first-timers make
- Forgetting to tap out on the subway — you’ll be charged a penalty fare.
- Letting the balance run dry at the gate. Machines are right there; keep ₩5,000+.
- Buying single-journey tickets for every ride. They cost more per trip, add a refundable deposit dance, and lose the transfer discount.
- Assuming card top-up works — bring cash for charging.
Getting a refund before you leave
Leftover balance under ₩20,000 can be refunded at convenience stores (a small service fee applies); the card price itself is not refunded. Or keep the card — it stays valid for years and makes a decent souvenir.