English Japanese Korean Shopping & Reservation Communities & Clubs Information & Help Activities & Events Culture & Language Free Business Services & Support Related Links General Information Discussion Forums Practical information News Events Calendar Life in Korea



Practical Information > Transportation > Transportation Card


What is T-money? | To get the benefits of using Transportation Card | Types | Prices |
Purchase/recharge/refund places

What is T-money?

T-money is the new type of transportation card. The "T" in T-Money stands for "top, touch, total, travel, and technology" making it much more than just a transportation card. It is a smart card an IC chip installed for improved for security with domestic standards and international security algorithms.

From July 1, 2004, T-Money can be used for public transportation on all subways serve routes that link Seoul and on every bus (both intra-city and village) that serve routes in Seoul or local districts in Gyeonggi Province and Incheon. From the end of 2004, it can also be used for intra-city buses in both Gyeonggi Province and Incheon.

A version for youths (6-18 years old) is also available. T-Money for youths has to be registered through Korea Smart Card's web site (www.t-money.co.kr) or by the customer service telephone (1644-0088).

Effective the end of July 2004, T-Money can be used to pay admission at amusement parks or spectator facilities, as well as for pay parking fees, and other fines. As well, it is planned that mileage points accumulated in connection with LG-Caltex Oil, OK Cashbag, and KT 1st will be transferred to T-Money.

To get the benefits of using Transportation Card

Both T-Money and existing traffic cards can be used to receive fare discounts when changing mass transportation means to reach a destination. Passengers should have their T-Money or existing transportation card read by a machine and touch the card to the machine each time they embark and disembarking from a bus or a subway to get the discount benefits of the transfer. A passenger that does not intend to transfer to another mode of transit only needs to have the transportation card checked by the machine when getting on the bus. After get off the bus or subway, a passenger must transfer within 30 minutes (except from 21:00 to 07:00, when the transfer period is within 1 hour) to get the transfer discount.

T-Money Types

Regular Transportation Card This is the most basic type. The user must charge the certain amount in advance. For the deluxe version, users can get various privileges such as recharging with accumulated mileage after registering personal information through online.
Discount Card This is for youths and elementary school students, between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. Qualified holders receive a 20% discounted fare. These cards can be purchased at Seoul subway ticket windows and purchasers must show a valid ID to prove their age.
T-Money for youths must be registered through Korea Smart Card's web site (www.t-money.co.kr) or customer service telephone (1644-0088).
Credit Card T-Money services come with some credit cards. They can be used without pre-charging the cards. The expenses for using public transportation will be charged to the holder's credit card bill, just like purchases.
Mobile Phone T-Money services come with some mobile phones. First, users must check whether their mobile phone model can be used for T-Money services. Users can charge the amounts online using their mobile phone and will be charged through the bank account that the user registered when they bought the mobile phone.
Partner Cards Through partnerships with various service companies, T-Money functions (transportation card function) can be used with other services provided by partners.

T-money Prices

Type Card Price Charge Amount Sale Price
Regular 1,500 won 10,000 won 11,500 won
* The card price for the Deluxe type is 2,500 won.

T-money purchase/Recharge/refund places

Category Note
Purchase / Recharge Ticket windows in Seoul subway stations, all LG-25 stores in Seoul, vendor kiosks selling bus tickets near most city bus stops, and automated recharging machines located in each subway station
Refund All LG-25 stores in Seoul


Return to the Practical Information section