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| A typical transit card recharge machine found in Korean subway stations |
So, you've decided to visit Korea—probably Seoul or Busan. Once you arrive, you'll likely be using public transportation quite a bit, since buses and subways can take you almost anywhere around the city. One of the first things you'll need is a transit card.
While transit cards are primarily used for buses and subways, Korea's transit cards can do much more. They can also be used at convenience stores, cafés, supermarkets, and many other participating businesses, making them a convenient alternative to carrying cash for everyday purchases. In practice, a transit card can function much like a prepaid cash card during your stay in Korea.
In this guide, we'll look at which transit card to buy, where to purchase and reload it, and where you can use it beyond public transportation.
1️⃣ Which Transit Card Should You Buy?
Several types of transit cards are available in Korea, but the two most widely accepted options are:
- T-money
- Cashbee
Both are prepaid transit cards. You purchase the card once and then add funds whenever needed.
Because they are accepted throughout most of Korea, either option is suitable for short-term visitors and long-term residents alike.
2️⃣ Where to Buy and Reload a Transit Card
Buying a Card
You can purchase T-money and Cashbee cards at:
- Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, emart24, etc.)
- Some supermarkets
- Transportation service centers at major subway stations
Basic cards typically start at around KRW 3,000, although special designs may cost more.
When purchasing a card, simply tell the cashier how much money you would like loaded onto it. They can sell and reload the card in a single transaction.
Reloading Your Card
When your balance runs low, you can reload your card at:
- Convenience stores
- Some supermarkets
- Subway station recharge machines
Recharge machines are commonly located near ticket vending machines inside subway stations.
Cash is the most commonly accepted payment method for reloading transit cards, so it is a good idea to keep some Korean won available.
Maximum Balance
Transit cards can hold a surprisingly large amount of money.
- Maximum balance per card: KRW 500,000
- Cash reload amount per transaction: KRW 1,000 to KRW 90,000
In other words, a single card can store up to KRW 500,000, although individual cash reloads are generally limited to KRW 90,000 at a time.
Instead of carrying large amounts of cash, many people simply keep funds on their transit card and use it throughout the day.
Refunds
Unused balance can be refunded.
A service fee may apply depending on the remaining amount. As a general guideline:
- Balances of KRW 20,000 or less may incur a fee of around KRW 500.
- Larger balances may be subject to a percentage-based fee.
Refund policies can change over time, so it is best to confirm the current policy at the place where you request the refund.
3️⃣ Where Can You Use a Korean Transit Card?
Public Transportation
The primary purpose of a transit card is paying for public transportation.
You can use it on:
- City buses
- Subways
- Many participating taxis
Simply tap your card on the reader when getting on a bus or entering a subway station.
Many buses in Korea no longer accept cash fares, making a transit card one of the most useful items for visitors.
Everyday Purchases
One feature that surprises many visitors is that transit cards can also be used for small purchases.
Depending on the merchant, you can often pay with your transit card at:
- Convenience stores
- Supermarkets
- Cafés
- Bakeries
- Fast-food restaurants
- Cosmetics stores
For this reason, some Korean parents even load money onto transit cards for their children instead of giving them cash.
🏪 Examples of Places That Commonly Accept T-money
Convenience Stores
- GS25
- CU
- 7-Eleven
- Storyway
- emart24
Supermarkets and Retail
- Homeplus
- Daiso
Cafés and Bakeries
- Starbucks
- Ediya Coffee
- Paik's Coffee
- Baskin-Robbins
- Paris Baguette
- Dunkin'
- Angel-in-us Coffee
Fast Food
- McDonald's
- Lotteria
Cosmetics
- The Face Shop
- TonyMoly
- Innisfree
- Aritaum
💳 Examples of Places That Commonly Accept Cashbee
Convenience Stores
- GS25
- CU
- 7-Eleven
- emart24
Shopping
- Lotte Mart
- Lotte Super
Cafés and Restaurants
- Pascucci
- Jamba Juice
- Baskin-Robbins
- Paris Baguette
- Dunkin'
- Angel-in-us Coffee
- Lotteria
Other Services
- Lotte Cinema online ticket purchases
- Public pay phones
4️⃣ How to Check Your Balance
Both T-money and Cashbee allow users to check balances and transaction history online.
However, online account registration typically requires Korean identity verification using a Korean mobile phone number registered in your name.
For many foreign visitors, this is not practical.
The easiest alternative is to use a subway station recharge machine. Most machines can display your current card balance instantly without requiring registration.
Final Tip
If you're visiting Korea, getting a T-money or Cashbee card should be near the top of your to-do list.
Not only will it make buses and subways easier to use, but it can also serve as a convenient prepaid payment card at many everyday businesses across the country.