If you are traveling in Korea, a transportation card is essential! If you don't have a transportation card, it is impossible to move around in Korea. In this posting we have gathered all information about Korean transportation card to help your pleasant trip in Korea.
Climate Card
The Climate Card is one of the most affordable and convenient ways to travel around Seoul.
It was originally valid only for most subway lines and city buses within the city, but as of May 2025, its coverage has expanded to include parts of the greater Seoul metropolitan area — including Seongnam (with the full Bundang Line, Gyeonggang Line, and Line 8), Goyang, Gwacheon, Gimpo, Namyangju, and Guri.
30-Day Pass (Subway + Bus) | 62,000 KRW (62000) |
30-Day Pass (Subway + Bus + Bike) | 65,000 KRW (65000) |
1-Day Pass | 5,000 KRW (5000) |
2-Day Pass | 8,000 KRW (8000) |
3-Day Pass | 10,000 KRW (10000) |
5-Day Pass | 15,000 KRW (15000) |
7-Day Pass | 20,000 KRW (20000) |
* Prices are as of May, 2025.
* Bike option includes access to Seoul’s public bike system (Ddareungi) for up to 2 hours per day.
Can Foreigners Use Ddareungi with the Climate Card?
Yes, but only if you purchase the 30-day Climate Card that includes Ddareungi access (priced at 65,000 KRW). Short-term passes (1–7 days) do not include bike access.
Please note that registration requires a Korean phone number for identity verification. Without a Korean phone number, you won't be able to complete the registration process necessary for Ttareungi access.
Where Can You Use It?
- All subway lines in Seoul
- Seoul city buses (blue, green, yellow)
- Seongnam, Goyang, Gwacheon, Gimpo, Namyangju, and Guri
❌ Not valid on:
- Other cities like Busan Daegu, Daejeon, etc.
- Airport limousine buses
- Shinbundang Line(Red line), M Bus(Bus number starts with M) or G bus(metropolitan express bus), express buses, or airport limousine buses.
| Shinbundang Line(Red line) | M Bus | G Bus |
 |  |  |
Also the Climate Card may not be right for you if you stay very short (1–2 days) You’re Visiting Other Cities in Korea.
✔️ A single subway or bus ride usually costs about 1,250 KRW.
❗ If you only ride transit once or twice a day, even the 1-day pass (5,000 KRW) may not be worth it.
Where to Buy
- Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, etc.) near subway stations.
- Subway station customer centers (Lines 1–8).
- Tourist information centers (e.g., Seoul Tourism Plaza, Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center).
The physical card costs 3,000 KRW, and you'll need to load it with the appropriate pass.
T-Money Card
 T-Money Creatrip edition |  T-Money Charging zone in the station |
If you're traveling in Korea, especially outside of Seoul, T-money card is likely the most convenient and cost-effective option for public transportation. It works not only in Seoul, but also in most major cities like Busan, Jeonju, Gyeongju, and Daegu.
You can also use the airport buses, express (red) buses, and the Shinbundang Line, which are not covered by the Climate Card. If you're heading to or from the airport or traveling across regions, T-money is essential.
Where Can You Use It?
- Subways and city buses nationwide (including Seoul, Busan, Jeju, Daegu, Daejeon, etc.)
- Taxis that accept transportation cards
- Convenience stores, cafes, fast food chains (e.g. Starbucks, Paris Baguette, McDonald's)
- Some airport limousine buses and intercity express buses
Where to Buy
- Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, emart24)
- Subway stations
- Airports (Incheon, Gimpo) at convenience stores or tourist centers
How to Recharge
- At any convenience store (cash)
- Subway station recharge machines
- Through T-money Pay app (supports Android & iOS; some features may require a Korean phone number)
T-Money cards have different styles and designs. If you want these cute T-Money cards search the airport and convenience stores to get your favorite T-Money card!
 |  |
Also if you visit KAKAO FRIENDS popup stores you can find T-Money cards in key chain style. It's very convenient to carry!
T-Money collaborates with many different brands and artists. If you are lucky you might just find a card with your favorite star on it.
FAQ
Q. I charged too much money onto my T-Money card. Can I get refund?
A. If the amount is less than 20,000 KRW, you can get it back from a nearby convenience store. If it's over ₩20,000, you have to visit a T-Money office to get a refund.
Q. Can I return an empty T-Money Card and get the money back?
A. No, you cannot. Use it later or just keep it as a souvenir.
Q. Do I have to purchase a T-Money card? Can I travel without it?
A. You can, but it is much more convenient and you can save money from basic rate.
Q. How much is T-Money card?
A. It depends on the type you purchase. The price ranges between 2,500 to 5,000 KRW.
Q. Do T-Money cards have expiration dates?
A. No, they don't. You can charge it and use it over and over.
Q. What other benefits does using a T-Money card have?
A. If you have enough loaded, you can take a taxi with your T-Money card. You can also get the receipt, and if the driver causes some trouble you can track the taxi with the receipt.
NAMANE Card
With the NAMANE card, you can make your very own customizable card that has a picture of your favorite celebrity or a picture of your pet. You can even keep the card as a souvenir to remind you of Korea after your trip. You can use the card as a transportation card AND as a normal debit card at restaurants and for shopping, so you get the convenience of 2 services in one card!
Single Journey Ticket
If you're only staying in Seoul for a very short time — for example, just one day — and you plan to take the subway once or twice, then a single journey ticket is both simple and cost-effective. You can easily buy one at any subway station using a ticket machine, without needing to purchase or recharge a separate card.
All subway stations have single journey ticket machine at the entrance. Also, you can charge your transportation card here. English, Chinese, Japanese are serviced, so you don't have to worry about language problems.
| Single Journey Ticket | T-Money | |
| Basic Rate | 1,350 KRW (1350) | 1,250 KRW (1250) |
| Mileage | Additional fee is charged for longer travel distance. | |
| Deposit | 500 KRW (500) | - |
The basic rate of a Single Journey Ticket is 100 KRW, more expensive compared to T-Money. Also you have to pay the deposit of 500 KRW, and retrieve it. It is quite troublesome, if you are in hurry. You have to purchase a card to use T-Money, but you can save the basic rate, and you skip the deposit process. Locals recommend that you purchase a T-Money card.
EZL(former Cashbee)
EZL Card is a rechargeable transportation card used across Korea — including in Seoul, Busan, Jeju, and many other cities. It’s a convenient way for foreign visitors to pay for public transportation and small purchases without carrying cash.
Where Can You Use It?
- Subways and city buses nationwide (including Seoul, Busan, Incheon, Daegu, Daejeon, Gwangju)
- Some taxis that accept transportation cards
- Convenience stores, cafes, fast food chains, and vending machines (especially in Lotte-affiliated stores like Lotte Mart and Lotteria)
Where to Buy
- Major convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, etc.)
- Subway station ticket counters or kiosks
- Airports (Incheon, Gimpo) at tourist centers or stores
- Online (Klook, Trazy, KKday) with airport pickup
M PASS
M PASS is a special card you can use only in Seoul and on Jeju Island. It was designed for travelers in Seoul. You can use all public transportation except for the Metro Shinbundang line, Gyeongchun Line and red buses.
You can take public transportation 20 times, but it's not easy to fully use it in one day, and you have to return it to get your 5,000 KRW deposit back.
| Price | After 5pm | |
| M PASS 1 day pass | 15,000 KRW (15000) | 12,000 KRW (12000) |
| M PASS 2 day pass | 23,000 KRW (23000) | 20,000 KRW (20000) |
| M PASS 3 day pass | 30,500 KRW (30500) | 27,500 KRW (27500) |
| M PASS 5 day pass | 47,500 KRW (47500) | 44,500 KRW (44500) |
| M PASS 7 day pass | 64,500 KRW (64500) | 61,500 KRW (61500) |
| Deposit | 5,000 KRW (5000) | |
We personally don't think M PASS is very practical. If you take public transportation 4 times it will be less than 8,000 KRW. For those of you who often enter the wrong gate, it is much cheaper to ask for help to metro staff.
Pickup Location
- Incheon Int'l Airport T1 1F, Travel Store (Exit 5, 10); 7am ~ 10pm
- Incheon Airport T1 AREX Travel Center; 5:30am ~ 11am
- Myeongdong Tourist Information Center (Euljiro 1-ga Station Exit 5); 9am ~ 6pm
- Seoul Station Exit 10 (City Tower 1F); 9am ~ 6pm
Return Location
- Incheon Int'l Airport T1 1F, Travel Store (Exit 5, 10); 7am ~ 10pm
- Myeongdong Tourist Information Center (Euljiro 1-ga Station Exit 5); 9am ~ 6pm
- Seoul Station Exit 10 (City Tower 1F); 9am ~ 6pm
Note: Return the card to get your 5,000 KRW deposit back.
Amazing Pay T-Money
 |  |
The last card is the Amazing Pay T-Money card which you can get discount benefit from Incheon Airport Bus. Also you can get discount benefits in certain attractions, concerts and restaurant. Other than that it has same function as normal T-Money cards.
| Price | 50,000 KRW (50000) |
| Note | Deposit 4,000 KRW (4000) + fare 46,000 KRW (46000) |
| Pick-Up Location | Incheon Int'l Airport T1, Bus Ticket Booth (Between Exit 4 and 9) |
| Refund | You can get a refund for the remaining value - 4,500 KRW (4500) |
Discover Seoul Pass
Discover Seoul Pass (DSP) is a special all-in-one pass designed specifically for foreign tourists visiting Seoul. It gives you free or discounted access to popular attractions, and also functions as a T-money transportation card, making it ideal for sightseeing and getting around the city.
| General (24hrs) | 39,900 KRW (39900) |
| General (48hrs) | 55,000 KRW (55000) |
| General (72hrs) | 70,000 KRW (70000) |
Where to Buy
- Incheon & Gimpo Airport booths
- Major subway station tourist centers (e.g. Myeongdong, Hongdae, Seoul Station)
- Available in 24-hour / 48-hour / 72-hour options
- Physical or mobile versions available
Does it look too expensive? Well, you can enter free to Namsan Tower, Gyeongbokgung, Grevin Museum, SMTOWN, Aquarium and over 30 must visit places in Seoul with Seoul Pass card. It's really cost efficient.
Note: Your time starts to count down the moment you enter your first attraction.
You can purchase certain items, visit landmarks, and choose to enjoy concerts with this card. If you use it 100% you can save a lot of money, all while using it as a transportation card too! Plan your trip well with Seoul Pass and you can enjoy your time in Seoul on a budget!
If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Facebook to stay updated on all things Korea!