T-money vs WOWPASS: Which Card Should You Get in Korea? (2026)
Last updated: September 2026
Here's the short answer:
- If you only need public transport, a T-money card is all you need.
- If you also want to exchange cash and pay in shops with one card, get a WOWPASS.
WOWPASS now has more than 3.4 million users, so it's become a standard for visitors. But there's one thing most people don't realize: every WOWPASS has a T-money card built into it. So you're not really choosing between two rival cards. You're choosing between T-money on its own, or T-money plus a payment card.
The key thing about WOWPASS: it has two balances
This is where most travelers get confused. One WOWPASS card holds two separate balances:
- Payment balance: money you load by exchanging foreign cash at a kiosk or topping up in the app. You use it to pay at restaurants, cafes and shops.
- Transit balance (T-money): money that's deducted when you tap on the subway, buses or taxis.
Your payment balance can't pay for the subway. You have to top up the transit balance separately. Plenty of visitors only find this out when the ticket gate flashes "insufficient balance."
T-money vs WOWPASS at a glance
| T-money | WOWPASS | |
|---|---|---|
| Card price | About 2,500–4,000 won | About 5,000–6,000 won (check the kiosk) |
| Card price refundable? | No | No |
| Subway, bus, taxi | Yes | Yes (T-money built in) |
| Paying in shops | Only some places, like convenience stores | Most places that take cards |
| Currency exchange | No | Yes (foreign cash to won at kiosks) |
| Topping up transit | Convenience stores (cash), station machines (cash or foreign card) | Same as T-money, plus moving money from your payment balance in the app |
| Refunding what's left | 500 won fee | Transit: 500 won fee. Payment balance: 1,000 won to withdraw |
| Best for | Short trips, transit only | Lots of shopping and eating out, backup for foreign cards |
T-money: buying, topping up and refunds
Where to buy
You can buy a T-money card at convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven and others) at the airport and all over the city, or from ticket machines in subway stations. The card costs 2,500 to 4,000 won, and you can't get that money back.
How to top up
- Convenience stores: hand the card and cash to the cashier and they'll load it for you. Cash only.
- Subway station machines: you can top up with cash, and since March 2026, some top-up machines in Seoul subway stations also take foreign cards (with a fee of about 3.7%).
- Mobile T-money app: you can top up with a foreign Mastercard, Amex or UnionPay card. Visa isn't supported. The app shows the fee before you pay.
Getting your leftover balance back
- For small balances, convenience stores can refund you for a 500 won fee. Limits vary by store, but it's usually up to around 20,000 won.
- For larger balances, go to a subway station customer service center.
- If you're getting a refund at the airport, do it before security. It's hard to find a place to do it once you're airside.
WOWPASS: getting one, topping up and refunds
Where to get one
WOWPASS cards come from WOWPASS kiosks at Incheon and Gimpo airports and near major stations like Seoul Station, Hongik University Station and Myeongdong Station. Bring your passport when you go.
Topping up your payment balance
- Exchange cash at a kiosk: insert notes in dollars, euros, yen and many other currencies, and the kiosk converts them to won on your card. It doesn't take coins.
- Top up in the app: you can also load money in the app with a foreign credit card or e-wallet, so you don't need cash. The app shows any fee before you pay.
Topping up your transit balance (T-money)
- It works exactly like a normal T-money card: top up with cash at convenience stores or station machines.
- You can also move money from your payment balance to your transit balance in the WOWPASS app. This uses your phone's NFC, and whether it works depends on your phone model.
Getting your leftover balance back
- You can withdraw your payment balance as cash at a kiosk (1,000 won fee).
- Your transit balance is refunded the same way as T-money (500 won fee).
- Your balance stays valid for six years after your last top-up, so you can also just keep it for your next trip to Korea.
Tips that save money with either card
- Tap your card when you get off the bus, too. Transfers between the subway and buses within 30 minutes are discounted, but only if you tapped out.
- The base fare is 1,550 won on the subway and 1,500 won on the bus when you pay by card.
- Most taxis also accept transit cards.
Which card is right for you?
- 2–3 days, mostly subway: T-money
- Lots of shopping and restaurants, or worried your foreign card will be declined: WOWPASS
- Several days in Seoul riding the subway and buses a lot: compare the Climate Card short-term pass too (5,000 won for 1 day up to 20,000 won for 7 days)
- Already have a WOWPASS: you don't need a separate T-money card
Coming in 2027: tap your own card
T-money is working with Visa, Mastercard and other card networks so that visitors can tap a card issued abroad straight on the reader. It's due to start on Seoul city buses in 2027. Until then, you'll need a T-money card or a WOWPASS.
Still deciding which apps to install? Start with my list of essential Korean apps for travelers.
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