T-money and the Seoul subway: the 10-minute starter guide
One small card unlocks the whole city. Buy it, load it, tap in, tap out—and Seoul becomes simple.
Seoul's subway is vast, clean and English-friendly, but it runs on one habit: the T-money card. Learn this card in your first hour and every later journey is easier.
Buying and loading the card
T-money cards are sold at convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven), subway stations and the airport. The card itself costs roughly ₩2,500–5,000 depending on design; rides are loaded separately. Top up with cash at store counters or station machines, in ₩1,000 units—keep some cash handy, as top-ups are generally cash-based.
Fares and the tap rule
- Basic adult subway fare with T-money: about ₩1,550 (a single-use ticket costs about ₩100 more)
- Tap in AND tap out—the fare is distance-based, and forgetting to tap out can cause problems on your next ride
- One card per person, so transfers are tracked correctly
- Transfers between subway and bus within about 30 minutes are free or discounted with the card
The app locals actually use
Google Maps transit directions are unreliable in Korea. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap instead—both give exact platforms, transfer corridors and last-train times in English.
The same card also works on buses, in many taxis, and even for small purchases at convenience stores. It is the single most useful ₩5,000 of your trip.