Why get a transit card
With a card, an adult subway ride in Seoul starts at ₩1,550; a single-journey ticket costs ₩100 more every time. A card also unlocks free transfers between buses and the subway. Use our subway fare calculator to see fares by distance.
Where to buy and top up
Transit cards are sold at convenience stores (look for the T-money logo) and at machines in subway stations. Top-ups are usually done in cash at station machines or at the convenience-store counter, so keep some won notes for the first day.
How to ride
- Tap the card on the reader when you enter and when you leave the subway.
- On buses, tap when you get on and when you get off. If you forget to tap off, you lose the transfer discount.
- Transfers within 30 minutes (60 minutes from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.) count as one trip; you pay only for the extra distance.
Help in English
The T-money customer center is 1644-0088. Seoul’s Dasan call center offers foreign-language help: dial 120, then press 9.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy a T-money card?
At convenience stores showing the T-money logo and at machines in subway stations.
Does T-money save money?
Yes. Each adult subway ride is ₩100 cheaper than a single ticket, and bus–subway transfers are free within the time limit.
Can I top up T-money with a credit card?
Station machines and convenience stores usually take cash for top-ups, so carry some won.
Sources: Seoul Metro — fares and transfer rules. Last checked 2026-10-09.