Seoul Subway & T-money for First-Timers
- Easiest card T-money or WOWPASS
- Top up Cash at convenience stores and station machines
- Transfers Tap in and out every time
- Route app Naver Map or Kakao Map
Which transit card to get, where to buy and top it up, how transfers work, how the airport train fits in, and the small mistakes that trip up first-time visitors.
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T-money, WOWPASS or Climate Card?
T-money is a rechargeable transit card: you load money and each ride is deducted. It works on the Seoul subway and buses, and on subways, buses and many taxis in other cities such as Busan. WOWPASS is a prepaid card for visitors that combines a T-money transit function with card payments in shops. The Climate Card is Seoul’s unlimited-ride pass for a set period, with short-term versions for visitors — it covers Seoul’s subway and city buses, but not every line or bus outside Seoul.
| Card | How you pay | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| T-money | Load money, pay per ride | Short trips, travel outside Seoul too |
| WOWPASS | Prepaid; transit + shop payments | One card for transit and shopping |
| Climate Card | Unlimited rides for a set period | Many rides a day, mostly inside Seoul |
- How you pay
- Load money, pay per ride
- Good for
- Short trips, travel outside Seoul too
- How you pay
- Prepaid; transit + shop payments
- Good for
- One card for transit and shopping
- How you pay
- Unlimited rides for a set period
- Good for
- Many rides a day, mostly inside Seoul
The adult subway base fare paid by transit card is ₩1,550 in Seoul (since 28 June 2025); longer trips cost more. Card prices, pass prices and covered lines change, so check the official pages before you buy.
Official source: Seoul Metropolitan Government — public transport fares
Buying and topping up
- Buy: at convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, emart24) and at machines in many subway stations — look for the T-money logo.
- Top up: with cash at convenience store counters and at the top-up machines in stations. Keep some cash for this.
- Single-journey ticket: station machines sell single-journey cards with a refundable deposit — return the card to the deposit refund machine after your trip.
- Leaving Korea: ask a convenience store about refunding leftover balance before you go (conditions apply).
Get a transit / payment card
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How transfers work
Transfers between the subway and buses are counted as one journey when you use the same transit card and tap within the allowed time window. To get the transfer, tap in and tap out every time — including when you get off a bus. Each person needs their own card.
You might also need: Busan Taxi Fare Calculator 2026 — late-night & out-of-city
The airport train (AREX)
AREX runs from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station in two versions: the All-stop train is part of the subway network, so you just tap your T-money, and the Express train is a separate ticket that runs non-stop. Compare it with the bus, taxi and pickup in Incheon Airport to Seoul.
Arriving late or with heavy bags? A pre-booked transfer takes you door to door.
Pre-book a private airport transfer (fixed price, driver waits with a name sign)
Useful for late-night arrivals, families and lots of luggage. Pick the vehicle size and check the current price and what it includes before you book.
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Compare Korea eSIM options
Compare plan length, data allowance and the current price on the provider’s page before you buy.
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Apps for routes and exits
Naver Map and Kakao Map show the fastest route, the best car to board, the exit number and the last train. Citymapper also covers Seoul. Google Maps works for transit but walking directions are limited in Korea. Set the apps up before you fly — see Using Korean apps without a Korean number.
Rush hour and last trains
- Weekday commuting hours are very crowded on central lines — travel with big luggage outside those times if you can.
- Trains stop around midnight; the last train depends on the line and direction. Check it in Naver Map or Kakao Map.
- Missed the last train? Check what a fair taxi fare looks like with the Seoul taxi fare calculator.
Common first-timer mistakes
- Wrong platform: the platform sign shows the end station of the direction — check it, not just the line color.
- Not tapping off the bus: you lose the transfer discount on your next ride.
- Sharing one card: one card per person, otherwise transfers don’t work.
- Express vs All-stop: the AREX Express needs its own ticket; T-money is for the All-stop train.
- Priority seats: seats at the ends of each car are for older people and the pink seats are for pregnant women — leave them free.
Last checked: October 2026. Fares, passes and rules change — confirm on the official site.
FAQ
Should I get T-money or the Climate Card?
For a few rides a day, T-money (or WOWPASS) is simplest. If you will ride a lot inside Seoul over several days, compare the Climate Card — check which lines it covers first.
Can I pay at the gates with my credit card?
Don’t rely on it. A transit card such as T-money, WOWPASS or the Climate Card works at every gate.
Does T-money work outside Seoul?
Yes — T-money also works on subways, buses and many taxis in other cities, such as Busan.
What time does the Seoul subway stop running?
Around midnight, depending on the line and direction. Check the last train in Naver Map or Kakao Map.