Good news for tourists, the Climate Card, which is new from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, will be available for tourist for the first time and is a way to save money on transportation while you explore Seoul. Starting July 1st 2024, the Climate Card Tourist Pass will be available to short-stay and foreign visitors to South Korea. It will give visitors unlimited access to Seoul’s subway, bus system for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days.

For a short video version of this article:

Origin of the Climate Card (Not for tourist)

The Seoul Metropolitan Government started the first pilot program for the Climate Card (기후동행첃瓻) on January 27, 2024, and it will run until June 30, 2024. This is Korea’s first eco-friendly prepaid travel fare card. It lets you use Seoul’s public transportation as much as you want for a month, and it’s good for 30 days from the first day you use it. It comes in two different plans.

The first one costs KRW 62,000 for subway and bus use only. The second one costs KRW 65,000 and includes the use of the Seoul bike service (Ttareungi) along with subway and bus use. The goal of the Climate Card is to fight climate change while also making it easier for people to use public transportation. Learn more about the Korean Climate Card

Where can you purchase the Climate Card Tourist Pass?

Starting in July 2024, international tourists can purchase a physical Climate Card Tourist Pass from several locations:

• Tourist Information Center in Seoul Tourism Plaza (Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu)
• Myeongdong Tourist Information Center
• Customer safety centers in subway stations on lines 1 to 8,
• Convenience stores near subway stations.
• Machines located in Lines 1 to 8 (Seoul Metro) stations, Line 9, Sillim Line, and Ui-Sinseol Line.

How much is the Climate Card Tourist Pass?

The Climate Card Tourist Pass is offered in four durations: one-day, two-day, three-day, and five-day. The prices for each pass are as follows:

• One-day pass: KRW 5,000
• Two-day pass: KRW 8,000
• Three-day pass: KRW 10,000
• Five-day pass: KRW 15,000

Where can you use the Climate Card’s unlimited use of public transport

Here is a list of the Subway lines you can use with the Climate Card:

• (Line 1) Onsu Station/Geumcheon-gu Office Station to Dobongsan Station
• (Line 3) Jichuk Station to Ogeum Station
• (Line 5) Banghwa Station to Gangil Station/Macheon Station
• (Line 7) Onsu Station to Jangam Station
• (Line 9) All stations
• (Sillim Line) All stations
• (Gyeongui-Jungang Line) Susaek Station to Yangwon Station/Seoul Station
• (Suin-Bundang Line) Cheongnyangni Station to Bokjeong Station
• (Line 2) All stations
• (Line 4) Namtaeryeong Station to Danggogae Station
• (Line 6) All stations
• (Line 8) All stations
• (Ui-Sinseol Line) All stations
• (AREX) Gimpo Int’l Airport Station to Seoul Station
• (Gyeongchun Line) Cheongnyangni Station to Sinnae Station
• (Gimpo Goldline) All stations

You cannot use the Climate Card outside of Seoul. You can’t use the Climate Card to get on and off the subway in Seoul and outside of Seoul. Do not leave the train or bus without tapping in and out.

To give you an example, you can’t use the Climate Card to get on at Jongno 3(sam)-ga Station in Seoul and get off at Indeogwon Station in Gyeonggi-do; station workers will have to take your fare separately.

Who is the Climate card tourist pass for?

For tourist who are planning to travel strictly in Seoul, the Climate Card Tourist Pass will be useful and can save you some money travelling in Seoul. If your travel itinerary includes travelling to locations outside Seoul, then the T-Money Card is still the best transportation card for travellers.

My recommendation for saving money is, allocating one to five days of purely travelling within Seoul to fully utilize the Climate Card Tourist Pass, this way, you’ll be able to use the unlimited travel using subways and busses, while having the peace of mind of not overspending for transportation.

For those who are planning to travel in Seoul, it’ll be useful to read this guide on taking Kakao Taxis for foreigners, and also renting a car and driving in Korea.

So, if you’re ready for a South Korean road trip adventure, here’s what you should know before you hit the road!

For those who wants to watch a quick video version, watch it here:

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

Driving in Korea for Tourists: the checklist

1. To rent a car in South Korea, you have to be at least 21 years old. Young driver surcharges may apply from rental car companies if you are under 25.
2. A valid driver’s license from your home country.
3. Valid International Driving Permit (IDP) following the Geneva convention or the Vienna convention.
4. You will need to present your passport for identification.
5. A credit card in the driver’s name.

Choosing a Car Rental Company in korea and Booking Online

Both local and international car rental businesses operate in major cities, including major airports like Incheon and Gimpo. Whether you prefer manual or automatic transmission vehicles, you’ll discover rental options that meet your needs. To ensure availability and avoid scams, book reservations with reputable vehicle rental businesses ahead of time.

Popular cart rental companies in Korea include LOTTE Rent-a-Vehicle, SK Rent-a-Car, Hertz, Avis, and Budget. These companies offer a wide range of cars, from compact cars to luxury sedans, so you have plenty of options. Furthermore, many car rental companies in South Korea offer navigation systems with GPS and English-speaking staff to help foreign visitors.

If you plan to book a rental car online, here are some of the sites I recommend. You can book six months in advance and collect the vehicles at airports and major transportation hubs:

• EconomyBookings
• Rentcars.com
• Klook

Selecting the Right Car

Choosing the right car depends on your planned itinerary, personal preference, and budget. For example, if you’re exploring urban areas, a compact car is perfect due to its easy navigation in traffic jams and smaller parking lots.

Typically, economy and compact cars are the most affordable to rent. They are usually more fuel-efficient, so you can save money on gas. Smaller cars are easy to navigate through narrow city streets and crowded parking lots. The Hyundai i10 and Kia Morning are popular models.

For those seeking more space and comfort, midsize and full-size cars offer advantages, especially for longer journeys or traveling with a group or family. Despite the higher rental costs and fuel consumption, midsize and full-size cars offer better safety and seating comfort. Commonly available options are the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K7.

If you need more luggage space or are planning to shop (who isn’t?!), SUVs and vans are for you. Although it is more expensive, it will provide the extra space you need. For countryside travel or a trip to Jeju Island, consider a larger vehicle for a more comfortable ride. Available options are Hyundai Staria and Kia Carnival.

Electric vehicles (EVs) offer an environmentally friendly way to explore Korea. Renting an EV provides tourists with a modern and high-tech driving experience that includes advanced features and technology, enhancing the overall driving experience. Some rental companies, like SK Rent-a-Car and LOTTE Ren-a-Car, offer promotions or free charging for EV rentals, providing cost savings for travelers. Please note that due to limitations in EV charging infrastructure in Korea, some extra planning is required, especially for driving in remote areas like the backcountry.

Other Add-ons

When renting a car in South Korea, there are additional add-ons to consider to enhance your rental experience and ensure a smooth journey. 

Child Seat: The availability and cost of child seats vary by rental company. In South Korea, it is legally required for children under the age of 6 to be seated in a child safety seat when traveling in a car.

Car insurance for a car rental in South Korea is mandatory. The cost of a rental car typically includes insurance for personal and third-party injuries and the property of third parties. 

Additional Drivers option can be added upon picking up the car from the rental location but this will incur extra charges. Each additional driver must present the same requirements as the main driver, including a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Tips for renting car for driving in Korea as a tourist

Travellers with young child(ren)

Though not strictly enforced, I recommend getting a child safety seat when travelling with children. The good news is that some rental companies on Economy bookings offer child toddler seat as a free add-on in Korea. Look for this message when browsing the rentals.

Insurance

Whenever you rent a car in Korea, the rental company has some insurance on the car in case something happens to the car during the rental period. The rental company will then sell you an insurance product that reduces the amount of excess you need to pay if something goes wrong. The excess amount typically goes between USD1,500 to USD2,500. The options are there, drive like a safety freak and be paranoid about any moving object near your rental vehicle, or fork out an extra ~USD15 per day for the peace of mind.

If you booked your trip with a reputable credit card that comes with complimentary travel insurance, this excess amount might be covered! Please check the terms of your travel insurance to make sure you are covered.

Lastly if you purchased travel insurance for your trip, this excess amount might be covered as well. Having travel insurance has many benefits, and I always recommend getting one when travelling. Once again please check the terms before making the decision of forgoing insurance for your rental vehicle.

When picking up the vehicle

Ask any questions you may have. Check all terms and conditions, including insurance, mileage, fuel, and any fees. Before leaving, do a visual inspection to see if there is any damage that has already occurred. Make a note of any visible damage by taking a photo or video and documenting it as evidence, so you don’t have to pay any extra when existing damages are found.

Useful Navigation Apps for driving in Korea

Naver Map (neibeo jido) is one of the most popular mapping and navigation apps in South Korea, providing accurate directions, real-time traffic information, and a variety of features like SmartAround for detailed information on locations, reviews, and menus of famous restaurants or shops.

KakaoMap (kakaomaeb) is another widely used map app in Korea, known for its high accuracy and convenience. It offers features like linking to KakaoTalk and KakaoTaxi, providing directions for various modes of transport, and voice reports for congestion and speed cameras.

Google Map is one that I keep trying to use (with disappointment), as I have had great experience using it in countries like Japan and Australia. But I don’t recommend it at all for driving in Korea, as the navigation is often inaccurate and the above 2 are just better in every way in Korea.

Most car rental companies also offer GPS devices with the rental, but I personally prefer navigating with a phone when driving in Korea, as the data is more updated and the touchscreen just feels better than most GPS devices.

To navigate with phone apps, make sure you have enough mobile data on your phone. Getting a Korean sim or esim plan will be essential. I suggest allocating at least 300MB of data per day for navigation on a typical day of driving. If you are using Naver Map, I also recommend downloading offline-ready maps specifically for the areas you plan to visit; this will save you precious mobile data and help navigate through cellular dead zones. Additionally, remember to bring a charging cable or power bank to ensure your phone stays charged for navigation.

Fueling up

Fueling up can be daunting if you’re not sure what to expect. I remember my first time fueling up at a self-service fuel station, and knowing little Korean at that time, it was tricky.

It is crucial to always return a rental car with a full tank; failing to do so can result in additional charges. In South Korea, car rental fuel policies usually follow the ‘full-full’ principle, requiring you to return the rental car with the same amount of fuel it had when you received it. As the driver, you are accountable for the fuel consumed throughout the rental period. The rental company determines the fuel usage by comparing the initial and final fuel levels of the vehicle.

Step-by-step guide for fueling up at a korean self-service station

1. Identify the Fuel Type
   • Gasoline stations are marked with the Korean word “주유소” (pronounced “joo-you-so”), while LPG stations are marked as “LPG충전소” (pronounced “LPG choong-juhn-so”) 
   • Gasoline pumps are typically yellow, while diesel pumps are green.
2. Activate the Pump 
   • Locate the anti-static pad on the pump and touch it to reduce the risk of static electricity buildup. 
   • Press the “시작하기” (“Start”) button to begin the fueling process.
3. Select the Fuel Type
   • Choose the appropriate fuel type, either gasoline (“휘발유”) or diesel (“경유”), based on your vehicle’s requirements
   • Pump the Fuel
4. Payment
   • You can pay for the fuel using cash, credit/debit cards, or the Hi-Pass electronic toll payment system. If using a card, insert it into the card reader on the pump and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the transaction.
5. Refueling Completion
   • Once the tank is full, the pump will automatically stop, and you can replace the fuel nozzle. Ensure you have properly replaced the fuel nozzle and close your vehicle’s fuel tank cover before driving away.

Cost of petrol

The cost of petrol in South Korea fluctuates according to the international oil price, with prices reported at around ₩1,673 per liter, or approximately USD 1.27 per liter, as of April 2024. Check here for recent prices.

Road and Traffic Rules in South Korea

In South Korea, traffic operates on the right-hand side of the road, so drivers should keep to this lane. Wear your seat belt at all times while driving, as safety is a top priority. Additionally, using mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited unless they are operated in a hands-free manner to minimize distractions. Do not drink and drive in Korea! The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.03% and refrain from drinking and driving to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.

Speed Limits

Like many other countries, South Korea imposes the maximum allowed speed limit on all roads.

• Highways: Speed limits vary between 100-120 km/hr.
• Open roads: The speed limit is normally 80 km/hr.
• City roads: Speed limits not more than 60 km/hr, depending on the specific area and road conditions.

Some common road signs and symbols, along with parking regulations in South Korea:

• Stop Sign (정지/): A red octagonal sign with “정지” written in white. Drivers must come to a complete stop and yield the right-of-way to vehicles and pedestrians.
• Yield Sign (양보): A downward-pointing triangle with a red border and “양보” written in white. Drivers must yield the right-of-way to vehicles on the intersecting road.
• Speed Limit Signs (속도 제한): Circular signs with the maximum speed limit displayed in kilometers per hour (km/h). Common speed limits are 60 km/h in urban areas and 80-100 km/h on highways, but they may vary.
• No Entry Sign (진입 금지): A red circle with a white horizontal bar across it and “진입 금지” written underneath. Indicates that entry into a certain area or road is prohibited.
• One-Way Sign (일방 통행): A rectangular sign with an arrow indicating the direction of traffic flow and “일방 통행” written underneath. Indicates that traffic is allowed to flow in only one direction on the specified road.
• Parking Sign (주차 허용/금지): Signs indicating whether parking is allowed or prohibited. “주차 허용” means parking is allowed, while “주차 금지” means parking is prohibited.
• Disabled Parking Sign (장애인 주차구역): Indicates designated parking spots for disabled individuals. Parking here without proper authorization can result in fines.
• Loading/Unloading Zone Sign (화물 로딩/로딩 구역): Indicates areas where loading and unloading of goods are permitted. Typically found near commercial areas.
• No Parking Sign (주차 금지): A red circle with a white horizontal bar across it and “주차 금지” written underneath. Parking is prohibited in the specified area.
• Tow Away Zone Sign (무인 단속 주차금지): Indicates areas where vehicles parked illegally may be towed away by authorities

Turning Left on a Green Light in South Korea

In South Korea, the general rule is that drivers are not allowed to turn left on green lights at intersections unless there is a specific green arrow signal indicating that left turns are permitted.

When there are four signal lights at an intersection, drivers will typically need to wait for a green arrow to appear before making a left turn, as the green light alone does not authorize left turns in most cases.

However, there is an exception to this rule when drivers see a blue sign that says “비보호” with a left arrow on it. In this case, drivers can turn left on the green signal without waiting for a green arrow.

Turning Right

Similar to the US, you are allowed to turn right on red.

Use of Hazard Lights

The use of hazard lights (or emergency lights) in South Korea has several distinct meanings beyond standard emergency signaling.

1. Indicating a search for a parking spot
2. Expressing gratitude or apology, “thank you or “sorry”
3. They are alerting others to a hazard or obstruction
4. Indicating a stopped or parked vehicle

Tolls in South Korea

Tolls in South Korea are calculated based on several criteria, including the distance traveled, the type of roads used, and the type of vehicle. Tourists can pay tolls in cash, credit card, or T-Money Card and hi-pass cards at toll booths on the expressways.

Here are the guidelines for toll payments. Here’s what you need to know:

• Ticket Collection: Upon entering a toll booth at your departure location, make sure to collect a ticket from the toll booth attendant. This ticket will indicate the entry to the highway.
• Payment at Destination: When you reach your destination and encounter another toll booth, present the ticket you received at the departure toll booth to the attendant and pay the toll fee accordingly.
• No Hi-Pass System: Rental cars in South Korea normally are not equipped with the Hi-Pass automated toll payment system.
• Avoid Blue-Marked Lanes: Do not drive through lanes marked with blue symbols, as these are designated for vehicles equipped with the Hi-Pass system. Using these lanes without the system may cause complications and delays.

Tips: Avoid the left-most lanes marked in blue unless you have a hi-pass. Instead, use the cash lane (현금 means cash), commonly located to the right, which also accepts T-money cards. Note that credit cards may not be accepted unless they are Korean credit cards, so it’s safer to carry some cash.

Parking in South Korea

Parking costs in Seoul can vary depending on location and time of day. On average, parking costs range from 1,000 to 4,000 KRW per hour.

Public parking lots typically offer more affordable rates compared to private parking lots. They often provide a 50% discount for “light cars,” which are small and eco-friendly vehicles. Some parking zones implement a “first two hours free” policy, making them convenient for quick stops or visits to nearby stores.

If you park at public or private parking lots, you’ll encounter signs near the entrance or at the worker’s booth displaying the applicable rates. Some lots utilize automated systems that scan your license plate and calculate the parking fee automatically upon exit. 

Street parking is not allowed unless the parking spot is marked with a white line. If the parking spot has numbers or signs on it, then it is a residential parking spot.

Double Parking

Don’t be surprised! Parking in residential areas is quite challenging. Double parking in residential areas is normal due to the lack of space. Most Korean cars display their phone number on their windshields so they can be reached if their car is blocking someone in parking lots.

Advanced Parking System

Shopping centers, hotels, and multiplex cinemas in city areas often offer automated car parks that incorporate conveyor-type systems to prioritize user safety and convenience. Drivers can drive into a platform within a garage of single-car size, exit the vehicle, and have it automatically parked like a car vending machine.

Tips:  When booking accommodation, look for ones that explicitly mention parking availability in their descriptions or amenities list. Having parking available at your hotel can save you time and hassle.

The alternative: Public transport and taxis in Korea

If your itinerary consists mainly of the main cities like Seoul and Busan, I recommend taking public transport instead. Public transport is generally the more convenient and comfortable option for tourists in South Korea. After factoring expenses like fuel, tolls, parking fees, and insurance, or if a short budget is a constraint, still taking a bus, subway or taxi is often more cost-effective and practical than renting a car.

Subway: Seoul

The Seoul subway system is one of the most efficient ways to travel around the city. Trains run non-stop from approximately 5:30 am until midnight. All subway lines are color-coded and stations display signs in Korean, English, and Chinese. To ride the subway, you must use a single or multiple journey pass. Single-journey passes can be purchased in the subway stations and require exact fare to your destination plus a 500-won refundable deposit.

Multiple journey passes called T-money can be purchased at most convenience stores. Transfers between subway lines are free, and T-Money Card users can transfer for free between bus and subway lines. Smartphone and tablet users can download a variety of apps that give routes, times, and transfer information in English, including Seoul Subway, Metroid Korea Subway Info, and Subway Navigation by Kakao.

Bus

Riding a bus as a tourist is another convenient way to explore the cities of South Korea. Bus routes reach places that may not be accessible by other modes of transport, like subways.

Tourists can easily check bus routes or map apps, and digital bus stops in city centers provide real-time information on bus locations for travel convenience. Tap the T-Money Card to the card reader when you enter the bus to start your journey, then tap it again when you exit the bus. In most city buses in Korea, you enter at the front of the bus and get off in the middle. There will be a T-Money Card reader in both locations.

Taxi

In South Korea, taxis offer wide options based on your needs including regular and deluxe standard taxis, as well as international taxis with multi-lingual drivers for travelers’ convenience. Fares vary by city and taxi type, usually a base fare and additional charges based on distance traveled, with late-night surcharges applicable during specific hours.

The best way to get a taxi in Korea is with a taxi booking app, such as Kakao Taxi. This will allow you to call a taxi directly to your location and to set the final destination. This allows you to book taxis without speaking Korean and also shows you the expected cost of the journey. If you’re arriving at a train or bus terminal, there are usually taxi ranks outside where you can get a taxi any time of the day.

Driving in Korea as a tourist FAQs

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The good news for travellers to Korea is that taxis are affordable and reliable and they offer a convenient way to travel around Seoul and other cities when you’re in a rush. With busy subway systems often packed to the brim during rush hours, and confusing bus routes, hailing a cab can be a lifesaver when you need to get somewhere fast. If you’re travelling in a group, it can be cheaper, too!

This quick guide to taxis in Korea explains everything you need to know about catching taxis in cities across Korea like Seoul, Busan, Daejeon and Daegu. It covers how to hail a taxi on the streets or book one through an app, provides tips on communicating with drivers, and outlines the pricing structure and payment process so you never get ripped off. Read on to master the art of riding taxis like a local!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

How To Get A Taxi In Korea: Summary

Taxis in Seoul are relatively cheap compared to countries like Japan, the US and the UK, with prices starting at ₩4,800 ($4 USD) for a short journey. You can hail a cab from the street or use taxi booking apps like Kakao Taxi to call a taxi to your location. Taxis are a convenient way to get around big cities like Seoul and to get from Incheon Airport to your hotel, possibly saving you time and money.

To check if a taxi is available, look at the sign in the windscreen. Here’s what each sign means:

Taxis are broken down into four main types – regular, deluxe, international, and jumbo. These taxis each charge different fares based on the services they provide. More details about costs and types of taxis are covered later in this guide to how to get a taxi in Korea. First, here’s how to hail a cab in Seoul.

How To Hail A Cab In Seoul & Other Cities

To hail a cab in Seoul, simply find a main street and look for taxis displaying the “빈차” (empty car) sign, which will be displayed with a red light. This indicates availability and the taxi will stop to pick you up if you hail it by sticking out your arm and waving to the taxi. Alternatively, you can book a taxi using an app, which will be covered in the next section.

There are several types of taxi in Seoul that you can hail from the street:

Regular Taxis (일반 택시): These taxis are usually grey or white saloon cars that can accommodate up to 4 passengers with limited space in the boot for 1 or 2 suitcases at most.

International Taxis (인터내셔널 택시): These taxis look similar to regular taxis, but they are bright orange and can only be found in Seoul. These taxis cater to tourists and the drivers can speak other languages, including English, Chinese, or Japanese. The price for these taxis is 20% higher than regular taxis.

Deluxe Taxis (모범 택시): Taxi drivers in deluxe taxis are known for their experience and service, so you can expect a very pleasant ride with this type of taxi in Seoul in a more luxurious car. However, the prices are also higher for the same journey length and time, so be careful.

Jumbo Taxis (대형 택시): These large taxis can accommodate larger groups and people travelling with luggage, which makes them ideal for airport transfers between Seoul and Incheon Airport. Not so common outside of transportation centres like major stations and airports.

You can find taxi stands outside busy areas like bus and train stations, department stores, and central shopping and entertainment areas. If you can’t hail a taxi from the street, it might be because there’s a taxi stand nearby and taxis will only pick up customers from there. Look around and see if you can see a taxi stand, which usually has a signpost with the word ‘taxi’ or ‘택시’ on it.

How To State Your Destination

Once you’ve hailed a taxi, you need to tell the driver your destination. Try saying the location in English or Korean, or show the driver the location on a map app, such as Naver Map or Kakao Map. However, I’ve found some older taxi drivers have trouble looking at maps on phone screens, so this may not work. You can use those map apps to check your journey so you arrive at the right place.

Tip: Pick up a business card from your hotel as they usually have the address in Korean on them. You can show this to the taxi driver to get back to your hotel easily.

Tip: Make sure the driver starts the meter after you’ve stated your destination. It’s a legal requirement to use the meter and if they don’t, they’re likely trying to rip you off.

How To Pay For A Taxi Ride In Korea

If you hail a taxi from the street in Korea, you can pay for the ride at your destination in cash, by card, or with a transportation card such as the T-Money card. Card payments are the easiest method to pay as you don’t have to worry about carrying cash with you as you travel. You can use international credit cards (Visa / Mastercard), or a local debit card like a WOWPASS to pay for the taxi.

For travel money in Korea, I recommend getting either a Wise travel card (Visa / Mastercard debit card accepted in Korea) or the aforementioned WOWPASS. I use both to pay for taxis and other services in Korea. You can find out more about both of those in my article about how to pay in Korea.

Tip: Taxi drivers never ask for tips and it is not expected that you will tip them. I’ve lived in Korea since 2015 and never once paid or been asked for a tip by a Korean taxi driver.

Taxi Prices In Seoul & Other Cities

Taxi fares in Seoul start at ₩4,800 for the first 1.6km of your journey and rise by ₩100 for every 131 metres or 30 seconds in the taxi. This is the price for regular taxis in Seoul. Deluxe, jumbo and international taxis start with higher base charges and there are additional costs for taking a taxi at night. Outside of Seoul, the base charge is typically lower and the additional costs may be different.

Tip: You can work out the expected cost of taking a taxi in Seoul and other cities with Kakao Taxi. More details on how to use Kakao Taxi in the next section.

Here are the base charges for taxis in Seoul during the day and at night, as well as additional charges.

Late Night Taxi Surcharges

There is a late night surcharge applied to taxi fares in Korea between 10pm and 4am to cover the unsociable working hours. The amount you pay for the base taxi fare at night increases, with higher costs between 11pm and 2am. Due to the increased fee during these hours, it’s often difficult to find taxis right before the increase as drivers wait a while for a higher fee, even on taxi booking apps.

Problems Finding A Taxi In Seoul

Finding a taxi in Seoul at night has become increasingly difficult since the pandemic, with taxi drivers leaving the industry to become delivery drivers for Korea’s growing home delivery services instead. Some taxi drivers also refuse to accept low-value fares, although they are legally obliged to do so. This is a growing issue due to taxi booking apps allowing drivers to screen out low-value routes.

How To Book A Taxi With Kakao Taxi App

The best way to book taxis in Korea, especially for foreigners, is with a taxi booking app. The main taxi booking app in Korea is called Kakao Taxi and is useful for travellers as it’s available in English and other languages. Kakao Taxi allows you to enter your start and end destinations and search for nearby taxis. You can request different types of taxi and the fare you see is usually close to the final charge.

Here is how to book a taxi with Kakao Taxi:

Step 1: Open the app and select the ‘Taxi’ feature. There are lots of other services available in Kakao Taxi, but the taxi feature is the main one and can be found in the top left corner of the screen.

Step 2: Select your pickup destination. The app will ask permission for your current location. Move the ‘From’ marker to the correct location to choose where to start your ride.

Step 3: Select your final destination. Click on the ‘Where are you going?’ button at the bottom of the screen. You can either search by typing in the name or use the map symbol to move the marker manually to where you want to go to. If you can’t find your destination, search in a different map app and then copy and paste address. Once you select your destination, click ‘set as destination’.

Step 4: Choose your taxi type. Depending on your location, you will see a range of available taxis to choose from. The best option is ‘General Request’ as this will be a regular taxi that can accommodate up to 4 people. If you need a larger taxi, choose the jumbo taxi option (if it’s available).

Step 5: Confirm payment payment method. The price of the taxi will appear at the bottom of the screen along with a ‘Request’ button. Before ordering the taxi, you’ll need to confirm the payment method. Fortunately, the default option is to pay to the driver. Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘Request’ again.

Step 6: Wait for your taxi. Check the progress of the taxi in the app. It will show you how far away the driver is and you can also track the journey from start to finish. Pay when you exit the taxi.

Kakao Taxi is available on Android and Apple. To learn more about how to use the app to book taxis in Korea, including how to set up a Kakao account, check out my useful guide to using Kakao Taxi in Korea, which includes screenshots of each step and more tips about how to book taxis with Kakao Taxi.

Tip: Apps like Kakao Taxi need an internet connection. Save money on SIM cards by booking them online from Klook before you travel. These are cheaper than the SIM cards at Incheon Airport.

Alternatives To Kakao Taxi

Travellers from other countries may be familiar with Grab, Uber, and other taxi hailing services where people can freelance and provide their own taxi services. Due to Korea’s strict taxi laws, these aren’t really possible and only registered taxi drivers can operate taxi services. Uber does exist in Korea, but it’s not widely used and offers the same services that Kakao Taxi does (booking registered taxis).

How To Get A Taxi From Incheon Airport To Seoul

There are many ways to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul, including high speed train, subway, and limo buses. Perhaps the most convenient for travellers to Korea for the first time, especially those with luggage or in a group, is to get a taxi from Incheon Airport directly to their hotel. There are all types of taxis available at Incheon Airport, including jumbo taxis that can take large groups with suitcases.

Taking a taxi from the airport direct to your hotel can save you time vs. public transport and may be cheaper than booking individual tickets for a limo bus if you’re travelling as a group. Travel time from Incheon Airport to central Seoul is around 40 minutes, but may be longer depending on the time of day and which part of Seoul you’re going to. Hongdae is closer than Myeongdong and Gangnam.

Tip: Order an airport pickup service before you arrive to ensure a taxi is waiting to take you to your hotel. Ordering online lets you pay in your home currency and avoids trying to get a taxi when you arrive.

Where To Get A Taxi At Incheon Airport

To get a taxi at Incheon Airport after you arrive, you should exit the Arrival Hall on the 1st floor through gates 4, 5, or 6 and cross the road, past the airport buses. As you can see in the map below, there are sections for regular taxis (outside gate 6) and international taxis (outside gate 4). These taxis will both take you to Seoul but the price is different, as explained later.

How Much Does A Taxi From Incheon Airport Cost?

The cost to travel to various parts of Seoul by taxi from Incheon Airport is displayed on the wall in the taxi boarding area to allow you to check the price before you get a taxi. The price of a taxi from Incheon Airport to Seoul depends on which district of Seoul you’re travelling to and can also include tolls. Expect to pay around ₩60,000 to ₩75,000 to get to central areas of Seoul by regular taxi.

Tip: Don’t let the drivers offer you a set price to get to your hotel, as this is likely to be much more expensive and there have been numerous reports of tourists getting ripped off in this way. Always use the meter and check the expected fare before you travel.

International Taxi Service From Incheon Airport

If you want to use an international taxi to get from Incheon Airport to your hotel in Seoul, you can book them online using the International Taxi website. This is a taxi service designed to help foreign tourists in Korea and provides taxi drivers who can speak English, Chinese, Japanese, or other languages. The service is focused on providing safe and convenient taxi booking from Incheon Airport.

The main benefits of the international taxi service is that you can book it online (at least 24 hours in advance), the drivers can speak other languages, and the prices to each district in Seoul are set. The cost of booking an international taxi service from Incheon Airport starts from ₩70,000 (about $55 USD). The price for a taxi to the Myeongdong area is ₩85,000 (about $65 USD).

Please note: The international taxi service is more expensive than regular taxis at Incheon Airport. There is also an international taxi service that offers services within Seoul, but this has a 20% surcharge on the regular taxi price. Due to these extra costs, I would recommend using Kakao Taxi or hailing a cab from the street instead of this service if you’re moving around the city.

Useful Phrases When Using A Taxi In Korea

Here are some useful phrases that show you how to get a taxi in Korea and how to give directions during the ride. Learning a few basic Korean phrases is a great way to understand more of your trip to Korea and makes a good impression when interacting with Korean people. You can also use translation apps like Papago to help you translate English into Korean and vice-versa.

How To Avoid Taxi Problems In Korea

Despite the Korean government regularly cracking down on the minority of bad taxi drivers, there are a few issues with taking taxis in Korea that it’s useful to be aware of. These problems are probably worst in Seoul and other touristy areas, but I’ve experienced them in less-touristy places, too. Here’s some of the common problems you might have taking a taxi in Korea and ways to hopefully avoid them.

Offering a fixed price: Taxi drivers at Incheon Airport might offer a set price to customers arriving to Korea instead of using the meter (as they are legally obliged to). This is likely to cost you a lot more, with some taxi rip-offs being as much as ten times the actual cost. Always use the meter unless you’ve pre-booked the taxi and paid in advance.

Saying the meter is broken: Another way taxi drivers may try to charge you a higher price is by not turning on the meter or telling you it’s broken and quoting a (higher) price instead. Be sure to check the meter is running when you start your journey and don’t accept a ride if it’s ‘broken’,

Taking a longer route than necessary: This is an issue I’ve had several times in Korea where taxi drivers take an indirect route to increase the fare. The best way to avoid this is to use Kakao Taxi and check the route as you go. If the driver goes off course, you can ask them why.

Driving at dangerous speeds: Time is literally money for taxi drivers in Korea and so some drive excessively fast and dangerously, including running red lights. I’ve seen a handful of crashed taxis who have done this. If you’re worried that your taxi driver is going to fast, tell them ‘chon-chon-hee‘, which means ‘slowly’ in Korean.

Fortunately, the number of taxi scams seems to be declining in Korea and with taxi booking apps like Kakao Taxi, it’s easier than ever to book a taxi in Korea and travel safely. Apply the same caution and common sense you’d use when taking a taxi in your own country and you should be fine.

If you’re think taking taxi is too much and prefer to drive by yourself, make sure to check out our comprehensive guide on driving in South Korea for foreigners, it includes detail from renting a car, all the way to driving nuances in South Korea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get a taxi in Korea. These answers are based on my own experience and from research conducted to write this article. If you have any more questions about this topic, please feel free to post a comment at the end of this article.

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This river boat service in Seoul will allow easier access to riverside destinations for locals and tourists alike, helping them get between some of the most popular destinations in Seoul, such as Yeouido and Jamsil (home of the Lotte World Tower). Seoul’s river bus service will allow people to cross the city’s mighty Han River, which is currently a hassle to do, with ease and speed.

The Seoul river bus service hasn’t started yet, and some of the details in this article may change by the time it launches in October 2024. I will continue to update this article before and after the river boat in Seoul begins operation so you have the most up to date information available. Read on to discover more about Seoul’s latest innovation, which prioritises accessibility, sustainability, and tourism needs.

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

What Is The Seoul River Bus Service?

The Seoul river bus service is an innovative new river-based transportation service being launched by the Seoul government to promote sustainability as well as tourism and accessibility around the Han River area. It will allow people to travel between various destinations on the Han River for a small fee and save time and effort vs. current methods of travelling between Han River locations.

There will be a total of 8 eco-friendly vehicles to carry up to 199 passengers, bicycles, and wheelchairs at a time along the length of the Han River in central Seoul. The boats will move at 17 knots (31 km/h), which will make them faster than rush-hour traffic. It will run from Magok in the west of the city (close to Gimpo Airport) to Jamsil in the east – home of the Lotte World Tower and Seokchon Lake.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-Hoon stated the electric vessels will offer a climate-friendly transit option for 2.5 million citizens and visitors alike by 2030. He envisions the service as both a practical mobility solution and tourism draw, showcasing the innovative attractions of Seoul while addressing environmental issues through green transportation infrastructure enhancements along the iconic river.

When Will The Seoul River Bus Service Begin?

The metropolitan government has stated that the Seoul river bus service will begin in October 2024, as long as the construction of river bus terminals meets the expected schedule. The service will connect seven terminals along the Han River at first, but could be expanded to other parts of the city at later dates. I will add updates about extensions to this article when announced.

What Hours Does The Seoul River Bus Run?

The river bus service will run during the following hours:

The earlier hours during the week are to allow commuters to travel along the river instead of using congested road and public transportation routes. This should make travelling in Seoul during rush hour less stressful (it’s really busy now) and save commuters a lot of time in some situations.

How Often Will The River Boat In Seoul Operate?

The river boat in Seoul will run at different frequencies depending on the time of day and week:

The Seoul river bus service takes up to 75 minutes to travel the full route between Magok and Jamsil, or 54 minutes between these two destinations if you use the express service that only stops at Magok, Yeouido, and Jamsil.

What Are The Seoul River Bus Stops?

The Seoul river bus service will stop at the following locations (as shown from left to right in the map image above) along the Han River:

You can see these destinations with this Seoul River Bus Locations Map from Google Maps. These destinations were chosen based on a number of factors and provide services to residential, commercial and tourist areas. The most popular areas for tourists on the Han River are Mangwon, Yeouido, and Ttukseom, but each area has attractions and services that travellers are likely to travel to.

What Can You See Near These Stops?

As mentioned, the most popular stops on the river bus in Seoul for tourists are Mangwon, Yeouido, and Ttukseom, as these stops are home to popular Han River parks and other tourist attractions. If you’re planning to ride the Seoul river bus service when you visit Seoul, this table shows you some of the key attractions and areas you’ll find near each stop. This will help you plan your Seoul itinerary.

Future Terminals On The Han River Boat Service

Besides the original 7 stops on the Seoul river bus service, the city government has announced plans to add more destinations to help increase convenience for commuters and to make Seoul more attractive for tourists. The line might extend past Magok to the Gimpo Ara Han River dock, which is close to Gimpo Airport hotels and duty free shops. There may also be more stops between terminals.

As well as the river bus, the Seoul government has a number of other future attractions in the works, such as the world’s first twin ferris wheel and an aerial gondola connecting various cultural and tourist hotspots along the river. These are part of Seoul mayor Oh Se-Hoon’s “Great Han River Project Plan” that will transform the capital’s riverside area in the next few years.

How Much Does The Seoul River Boat Cost?

The Seoul river boat service will cost ₩3,000 (about $2.25) per ride, which is more expensive than the current price of subway rides and bus rides in the capital, but offers a convenient method of crossing the river which will certainly save a lot of time. You should be able to use transportation cards such as the T-Money Card to pay for the rides, although this is still to be confirmed.

Seoul’s public transportation network currently allows free transfers between buses and subways within 30 minutes, as long as you touch out with your transportation card when leaving the bus or subway. It hasn’t been confirmed whether the Seoul river bus service will also feature free or discounted transfers between journeys with other methods of public transportation.

How To Get Discounted River Boat Rides In Seoul

As part of the Seoul government’s push to reduce commuting costs and encourage people to use more public transportation, people with a Seoul Climate Card will also be able to ride on the Han River boat service for free. The Climate Card, which launched in January 2024, offers unlimited public transportation within the city for a monthly fee starting at ₩62,000.

What To See And Do On The Han River

The Han River offers an abundance of attractions for visitors to Seoul to enjoy. Travellers can explore lengthy riverside parks perfect for cycling, jogging or leisurely strolls, with scenic stretches like Yeouido Hangang Park and Ttukseom Hangang Park. There are also swimming pools, sports facilities and performance venues situated along the shores, and various festivals throughout the year.

Here are 15 top sights along the Han River in Seoul:

With so much recreation, entertainment and sightseeing available along the banks of the river, the Han River area promises appealing destinations for any visitor to Seoul, which will only be enhanced with the forthcoming water bus service. The natural scenery, historic landmarks, and wealth of activities offer compelling reasons for travellers to explore this iconic river and its parks.

Han River Night Cruises In Seoul

When the sun goes down, the Han River comes alive with illuminated cruise boats that provide a magical way to see Seoul’s skyline. The Seoul Hangang River Cruise is a popular way to see the sights of Seoul along the river at night. Lasting about an hour, the river cruise brings passengers past the glittering Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain, city landmarks, and picturesque parks after dark.

Gliding gently down the river, the evening cruise allows visitors to view Seoul’s vibrant energy from a unique vantage point amid the glistening reflections of a capital that truly never sleeps. As well as night cruises that show you Seoul’s vibrant city lights under moonlit skies, you can also take a Han River cruise during the day with regular departures daily. Book online or buy tickets on the day.

Other Ways To Get Around The Han River

The Han River encompasses some of the most beautiful parts of Seoul, with 12 riverside parks, attractions, and areas of natural beauty to enjoy throughout the city. Besides taking a river bus in Seoul to see the Han River, here are some other ways you can explore the waterway.

By Bicycle: The Seoul Public Bike rental service provides people the chance to rent bikes and cycle along the long stretches of the river’s edge. Popular areas for cycling are around Yeouido and in Seongsu-dong between Seoul Forest Park and Ttukseom Park and beyond. This is one of the best places to ride a bike in Korea, with 240km of cycle routes along the Han River.

By Foot: Along with cycle paths that run along the Han River’s shore, there are also walking paths in similar areas. The walking path around Yeouido is especially beautiful and home to several spring flower festivals, including one of Seoul’s largest cherry blossom festivals. Walking between the two banks of the river has been hard until the introduction of the river bus in Seoul, which will making exploring easier.

River Cruise: As mentioned, a river cruise is a great way to see the sights of Seoul, both during the day and at night. Even though the new Seoul river bus service might reduce people’s desire to pay for a cruise, the fact that you can travel in peace and pass under the many beautiful bridges at a slow pace will keep the cruise popular.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Seoul river bus service. These answers are based on my own experience and from research conducted to write this article. If you have any more questions about this topic, please feel free to post a comment at the end of this article.

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Find out where to buy a T-Money Card at Incheon Airport and other locations in Korea, learn how to top-up your card in Korea and where to top-up, and also discover the many benefits of using a T-Money Card. This in-depth article will answer all your T-Money queries quickly and easily.

This comprehensive guide is updated regularly to bring you the latest information about changes and additional ways to use the T-Money Card. There are also lots of my own tips about how to use the T-Money Card, where it can be used, and lots of really useful travel advice for visiting Korea.

For those who prefer to watch a video version of this article, please watch it here:

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links and I may earn commission for purchases made after clicking these links.

What Is The T-Money Card

The T-Money Card is a prepaid transportation card that can be used to pay for public transportation in cities across Korea, including buses and subways. It provides cash-free travel around Korean cities, and takes the hassle out of to get around Korea and buying tickets for each journey.

The T-Money Card can be used to pay for a range of items and services, including taxi charges, items in convenience stores, entrance fees for attractions, vending machines, and food and beverages in restaurants. Anywhere you see the T-Money logo (above), you can pay with T-Money Card.

Why Do I Need A T-Money Card In Korea?

Korea is fast becoming a cash-free society and in recent years Korea’s buses have moved away from accepting cash payments. Almost a quarter of all buses in Seoul are now cash-free and you can’t pay with cash at all on Daejeon’s buses. This will likely be the norm everywhere in Korea very soon.

Even when you can buy tickets in cash, it’s inconvenient making sure you have the right cash available (no change is given on buses). Queueing up to buy a ticket at a crowded subway station is a real hassle when you could just touch-and-go straight through the barriers with a T-Money Card.

The biggest reason is the two rates to travel in Korea’s subways and buses – one for cash and one for transportation cards like the T-Money Card. The rate for the T-Money Card is lower, meaning you’ll save money when you travel with a T-Money Card, as you can see in the table below:

*Bus fares in Seoul rose to ₩1,500 from August 2023. However, it hasn’t been confirmed whether cash and T-Money costs will be the same now or not.

Quick Summary

Here’s a summary of the T-Money Card and why you should get one when you travel to Korea.

Where To Buy A T-Money Card

T-Money Cards are available in many places in Korea, including at Incheon Airport, in convenience stores, and in public transportation stations. This section of the T-Money Guide will show you where to buy a T-Money Card in each of these different locations and extra services that include T-Money.

Buy T-Money At The Incheon Airport, Seoul

The most convenient place for most travellers to get a T-Money Card is at Incheon Airport in the Transit Centre (Floor B1) of Terminal 1 or Terminal 2. There are vending machines that sell the Korea Tour Card, which is the tourist-friendly version of the T-Money Card that comes with extra benefits.

Follow the directions to the ‘Airport Railroad‘ in either terminal and it will lead you to the B1 Transit Centre. The T-Money Card vending machines will be well signposted and located next to the All-Stop subway train, which is the subway to central Seoul that you can pay for with T-Money.

Please note: If you arrive at Incheon Airport Terminal 1, the Transit Centre is the only place you can buy a T-Money Card (Korea Tour Card). The CU convenience stores in Terminal 1 don’t sell T-Money Cards. In Terminal 2, you can buy T-Money Cards from GS25 and 7/11 convenience stores.

How to buy T-Money card At Incheon Airport Transit Centre:

It’s easy to buy a T-Money Card from the Transit Centre. Head to the All-Stop train station where the T-Money Card vending machines are located. You must have cash (KRW) to purchase at the vending machines, as well as cash to top-up the balance afterwards.

Here are the 4 steps required to buy a T-Money Card from the vending machine:

1: Insert Cash

The cost of the Korea Travel Card (hereafter called T-Money Card) is ₩4,000. Insert cash into the machine. Change is available.

2: Press The Number

Like a normal vending machine, press the number of the card you want to buy. Don’t select a number which is empty.

3: Press The Green Button

To confirm your purchase, press the green button at the bottom of the keypad.

4: Collect Your T-Money Card

The vending machine will collect your T-Money Card and dispense it to you.

Once the T-Money Card has been dispensed, don’t forget to collect any change from the vending machine. To top-up, take it to the ticket machines outside the All-Stop terminal. Full details about how to top-up will be included in the section ‘How To Top-Up A T-Money Card‘

Need Cash For T-Money?

One issue with T-Money is that it can only be topped-up using cash (KRW). Unfortunately, airport money exchanges typically give bad exchange rates. You can get better rates by taking the Airport Express non-stop train into Seoul and changing money in Myeongdong or Hongdae, or by ordering a Korean sim card from Klook with a T-Money Card with a preloaded balance of 5,000 KRW or 10,000 KRW.

Where to Buy A T-Money Card In Korea

I recommend buying a T-Money Card at the Incheon Airport Transit Centre. However, if you’re not arriving in Korea at Incheon Airport, want to get a card with a cuter design, or want to save money by combining T-Money with other services, here are 6 other places where you can buy T-Money Cards.

Buy T-Money At A Subway Station In Korea

Subway stations in Korea sell the basic version of the T-Money Card, which comes with no balance. You can usually top-up from the same machine that dispenses them.

Price: ₩2,500

Buy T-Money At A Convenience Store In Korea

Korean convenience stores, including GS25 and 7/11, sell T-Money Cards with their own designs. These come with no balance but can be topped up straight after purchase with cash.

Price: ₩3,000

Buy T-Money On The Airport Express

It is possible to buy a T-Money card inside the subway stations along the Airport Express all-stop train between Incheon Airport and other parts of Seoul. You can even personalise this card and add your own picture to the card.

Price: From ₩6,000

Buy T-Money From Klook

Klook offers a combined Korean sim card and T-Money package that comes with a T-Money Card with Klook’s own cute design. You save money on both the T-Money Card and sim card with this combined package.

Price: From ₩32,500

Get T-Money With The WOWPASS

The WOWPASS is a travel money card that allows you to pay for goods and services like a local. It includes T-Money functions and the WOWPASS Airport Package comes with ₩10,000 T-Money balance included.

Price: From ₩5,000

Get T-Money With The Discover Seoul Pass

The Discover Seoul Pass is a city-pass that offers free entry to dozens of premium attractions in Seoul. It also includes T-Money functions to allow you to travel on public transport without having to buy a separate T-Money Card.

Price: From ₩50,000

You can also buy T-Money cards from stationery stores like ArtBox. ArtBox is a popular place to buy souvenirs and cute stationery. They also have their own line of T-Money Cards with ever-changing fun designs for you to collect. There is no T-Money balance and the cards cost more.

How Much Does The T-Money Card Cost?

The price of the T-Money Card is ₩2,500 for the standard T-Money Card that is sold at public transportation stations in Korea. This does not include any credit and you will need to add funds to the card before you can use it. The cost of the Korea Travel Card at Incheon Airport is ₩4,000.

T-Money Cards from other locations, such as convenience stores and stationery stores, which include special artworks, typically cost more money. The cost of T-Money can be free when it is included in another service, such as the WOWPASS or Discover Seoul Pass.

Where Can You Buy Special T-Money Designs?

If you want to buy a T-Money Card with an interesting design, there are several options in Korea. The stationery store ARTBOX offers some cute designs with their own characters, as do convenience stores. These cards have the same functions as a regular T-Money Card and work the same way.

Please note: T-Money Cards with unique designs are a bit more expensive – around ₩5,000 to ₩6,000 per card. The base cost of a T-Money Card is ₩2,500. These can make nice gifts or souvenirs and as the T-Money Card doesn’t expire, you can use them every time you visit Korea.

BTS-Themed T-Money Cards

BTS ARMY members may want to get a special souvenir of their time in Korea and can do so with a BTS-themed T-Money Card. These special edition BTS T-Money Cards work the same as regular T-Money Cards, but come with 7 different designs, one for each member of the hit group, BTS.

These aren’t widely available, and new versions replace older versions frequently. If you want to buy a BTS-themed T-Money Card, you can find them in some convenience stores or in K-Pop merchandise stores in areas such as Gangnam, Hongdae, or in the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

Where Can You Use T-Money In Korea?

The T-Money Card is primarily a transportation card that can be used to pay for bus and subway journeys in most Korean cities. However, it also functions as a payment card that can be used to make small purchases in certain Korean shops, cafes, restaurants, and attractions.

If you bought the Korea Tour Card from the Incheon Airport Transit Centre, you will be eligible for discounts at tourist attractions, shops, entertainment, restaurants, and other locations. For example, you get 30% off entry fees at N Seoul Tower and 20% off entry fees at COEX Aquarium.

Here are the places you can use the T-Money Card in Korea:

On Buses

It’s really simple to use T-Money on Korea’s buses. Touch the T-Money Card to the card reader when you enter the bus to start your journey, then touch it again when you exit the bus. In most city buses in Korea you enter at the front of the bus and get off in the middle. There will be a T-Money Card reader in both locations.

Most bus journeys cost the same price, however, if your bus travels more than 10km, you will be charged an extra fee. If you don’t tap-off when you leave the bus, you may be charged this fee.

On The Subway

The T-Money Card is accepted on all subway systems in Korea, including in Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, and Gwangju, Touch the T-Money Card when you enter the security gates at the start of your journey, then touch again to exit. If you run out of credit, there are machines inside the gates to top-up (but you’ll need cash).

Like bus journeys, most short journeys on the subway will be the same fee. If you travel a long way on the subway, or make many transfers, the fee can be higher.

Transfer discounts: When you transfer between subway or bus rides within 30 minutes, you’ll get a discount on your next ride as long as you tapped-off when on your previous journey. Also, if you accidentally enter the wrong subway gate, you can leave within 10 minutes for free on some lines.

For Taxis

You can use a T-Money Card to pay for taxis in Korea. It’s quick, easy, and allows you to avoid using a credit card or having the right change. As long as the taxi driver has the T-Money logo displayed, you can pass your T-Money Card to the driver who will touch it to the card reader and complete the payment.

You can call taxis directly to you using the Kakao Taxi app, which is available on Android and iPhone and can be used in English, Korean, and Chinese. My guide to using Kakao Taxi will show you how to order and pay for a taxi in Korea.

For Shopping

The T-Money Card is really useful when you want to buy small items, such as a bottle of water, coffee, or some snacks. When you see the T-Money logo, you can use the card to pay for goods and services. You can use T-Money to pay for purchases in convenience stores (CU, GS25, Emart 24, 7/11).

You can use the T-Money Card in Korea’s supermarkets and chain stores, including Home Plus (supermarket) Emart (supermarket) Face Shop (cosmetics) Innisfree (cosmetics) Tony Moly (cosmetics) and others.

Using the T-Money Card for shopping: As the T-Money Card needs to be topped-up in cash (KRW), using it for shopping isn’t really that convenient. Instead, I recommend getting a WOWPASS in Korea, or bringing a travel money card like the Wise Travel Card or Revolut Travel Card.

In Cafes

Food and beverage outlets also accept the T-Money Card, including Starbucks, McDonald’s, Angel-in-Us Coffee, Ediya Coffee, Gong Cha Tea, and Paris Baguette and more.

It’s best to check for the T-Money logo before trying to pay with your T-Money Card or asking if T-Money is accepted. Again, using the T-Money Card is possible for this, but usually not the most convenient way to pay.

At Attractions

You can use T-Money to pay for entry fees for major attractions, including theme parks and sports stadiums, as well as other locations like pay-phones and vending machines.

Here are some of the locations you can use T-Money: vending machines, public pay-phones, Everland theme park, sports stadiums (including Wyverns Baseball Club), and at festivals (to pay for food and drinks).

Where Can’t You Use T-Money In Korea?

You can’t use T-Money to pay for intercity train tickets, including the KTX – Korea’s high speed train network. You also can’t enter intercity buses and pay with T-Money like you can when entering a regular city bus. However, you can use T-Money to buy intercity bus tickets and board with those.

Generally, the T-Money Card is accepted in major cities across Korea, especially destinations popular with tourists. If T-Money isn’t accepted, there will be other options available, such as using Cashbee or paying with cash.

How To Top-Up A T-Money Card

The T-Money Card can be recharged (reloaded) at subway stations and convenience stores throughout Korea. Vending machines at subway stations are the easiest locations to recharge a T-Money Card and will also allow you to check your balance before or after the top-up

These machines can be found in each major city in Korea where you can use T-Money. They are available in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. These T-Money recharging machines only accept cash and the T-Money Card can’t be reloaded with a credit card.

This is how to top-up a T-Money Card using a ticket machine in subway stations in Korea. The T-Money card can only be topped-up using cash and can’t be topped up using credit or debit cards or money transfers. This method works for other transportation cards in Korea, too.

1: Go to a ticket machine in a subway station

Go to a ticket vending or transportation card at a subway station. These machines are usually close to the entrance barriers to the subway inside the station.

2: Select ‘Recharge Transportation Card’

Change the language of the ticket recharge machine as desired, then select ‘Recharging the Transit Card’ or a similar option to begin to top-up your T-Money Card.

3: Select the value to top-up

Select the amount of money that you wish to add to your existing T-Money balance. The screen should show you what balance the T-Money Card already has. New T-Money Cards usually have no balance. You can recharge the T-Money Card with as little as 1,000 Korean won.

4: Confirm the value to top-up

Once you’ve selected the desired amount you wish to top-up the T-Money Card with in Korean won, confirm the top-up value by pressing ‘confirm’ on the screen.. You should select the amount that you have available in cash as you can’t top-up the T-Money Card in any other way.

5: Insert cash

To top-up a T-Money card, enter cash into the ticket vending machine up to the value you wish to top-up. Insert each bank note separately. Please note: only KRW can be used to top-up a T-Money Card.

6: Place your t-Money Card on the card reader

After inserting cash to top-up your T-Money Card, place your T-Money Card on the card recharge plate, which is usually located below the main screen of the recharging machine. Make sure the card is placed flat on the reader.

7: Wait for the T-Money Card to be recharged

The T-Money Card will be recharged once the recharging machine recognised the T-Money Card placed on the card recharge plate. Wait for the recharge to complete, which should take about 5 to 10 seconds in total.

8: Take your T-Money Card and start using it

Once the T-Money Card has been topped-up, take the card from the card recharge plate and you can use it to travel on the subway, on buses, and in other places. Tap to start your journey, and tap again when you finish.

Besides subway stations, you can also recharge a T-Money Card at a convenience store. The same rule about only charging with cash applies. You can’t recharge a T-Money Card with a credit or debit card. Here’s how to top-up the T-Money Card at convenience stores in Korea:

1: Go To A Convenience Store

Go to any major convenience store in Seoul or other towns and cities across Korea, including CU, GS25, Emart 24, and 7/11.

2: Ask To Top-Up T-Money

Show your T-Money Card to the cashier and ask to top-up the balance. Use Papago to translate into Korean if you’re not sure what to say.

3: Give the amount of cash to top-up to the cashier

You can only use cash to top-up T-Money balances, so make sure you have cash available to pay with. Give it to the cashier.

4: Place your T-Money Card On the Card Reader

Place your T-Money Card on the electronic card reader and wait for confirmation from the cashier that the balance has been updated.

There is a T-Money office at Seoul Station where you can ask for advice, purchase & reload the card, and get your remaining balance refunded when you leave Korea. T-Money Headquarters Address: 1st Floor. T-money Town, Seoul City Tower Building, Namdaemun-ro 5-Ga, Jung-gu, Seoul.

How Much Money Should I Add To A T-Money Card?

How much money to add to a T-Money Card depends on how you intend to use it. If you will use your T-Money Card mostly for transportation, I recommend adding ₩10,000 per day. This should cover all subway / bus travel costs within a city like Seoul, which cost ₩1,400 /₩1,500 per journey.

If you plan to use your T-Money Card to pay for small purchases, such as snacks, bottled water, and coffee, then add ₩20,000 per day, which includes transportation costs. A coffee in Seoul costs between ₩2,000 – ₩5,000, water is ₩1,000, and snacks from ₩1,000 – ₩5,000.

When you first top-up a T-Money Card, add ₩50,000 for the starting balance. This balance should last most travellers for a week if they use their T-Money Card just for bus and subway rides. You can check your balance during your travels and top-up when the balance gets low (under₩ 5,000).

Can You Recharge A T-Money Card With A Credit Card?

It is not possible to recharge a T-Money Card with a credit or debit card. Only cash can be used to top-up the T-Money Card. There are restrictions that only allow cash top-ups. The app version of T-Money can be topped-up by card payments or online transfers, but not physical T-Money Cards.

How To Your Check T-Money Card Balance

There are a number of ways to check your balance. When you use the T-Money Card on the subway or a bus, the electronic card reader will show you the fee for the ride and the remaining balance. This is the most common way to check your balance.

You can also check your card balance at subway ticket machines and T-Money recharge stations. When you recharge your card, it will show your balance before you add credit. This is a good way to check your balance, even if you don’t intend to recharge the T-Money Card right then.

Using T-Money Mobile App To Check Your Balance

The T-Money mobile app is an online-only version of T-Money that doesn’t come with a card. Instead, you can use your phone’s NFC function to use your T-Money balance. You can also use your phone’s NFC function to scan a physical T-Money Card and check the balance when logged into the app.

However, I don’t recommend using the T-Money mobile app to check your T-Money balance. There have been reports by travellers in Korea that the app sometimes accidentally wipes the T-Money Card, making it useless. I can’t confirm this myself, but it is much easier to check your balance elsewhere.

How To Refund A T-Money Card Balance

You can refund the existing balance of your T-Money Card at major convenience stores and subway stations across Korea, as well as at the T-Money headquarters in Seoul. These are the locations you can top-up a T-Money Card. Refunds will be paid in cash and partial refunds aren’t possible.

There’s a ₩500 fee to refund a T-Money balance, which is deducted from the existing balance. The cost of the T-Money Card won’t be refunded, but you can keep the T-Money Card after the balance is refunded. The T-Money Card doesn’t expire, so you can use it if you visit Korea again.

Tip: The credit balance on the T-Money Card will stay active for 5 years from the date of the last top-up. If you plan to visit Korea again in the next 5 years and have a small balance left, it might be best to keep the balance on your T-Money Card so you don’t need to top-up the card when you return.

Alternative Korean Transportation Cards & 1 bonus (UPDATED with Climate Card Tourist Pass July 2024)

There are several alternative transportation cards to T-Money, including the Cashbee Card (pictured above), Namane Card, which uses Rail+, and varieties of the T-Money Card that offer slightly different benefits from the original T-Money Card. Here’s a summary of those cards and what they offer:

Cashbee Card

The Cashbee Card by Lotte can be purchased and used in most of the same locations as T-Money. You can purchase a Cashbee Card at convenience stores and subway stations across Korea. The CU chain of convenience stores only offers the Cashbee Card, not T-Money.

The Cashbee card can be used to pay for journeys on buses and subway across Korea. Tap the card when you enter the bus or subway, then tap again when you finish your journey. Transfer discounts should also be applied. Cashbee can be used in Lotte shops, including Lotte Department Store and Lotte Cinema.

Price: ₩2,500

Where to buy: Convenience stores, subway

Namane Card

The Namane Card by KB Bank uses the Rail+ transportation card system by Korail, Korea’s national train service. One big advantage the Namane Card has over T-Money and Cashbee is you can use it to pay for train services, including Korea’s high-speed KTX trains.

The other big difference with the Namane Card is that you can personalise your card by uploading pictures of yourself or other designs you upload using the Namane app. The Namane Card is available from locations across Korea, including inside major train stations, department stores, stationery stores, and book shops.

Price: ₩7,000

Where to buy: Convenience stores, subway, Namane machines, online from Klook

Korea Tour Card

The Korea Tour Card was designed for tourists travelling to Korea and provides not only with the standard T-Money functions, but also offers lots of discounts. This is the version of T-Money that’s available at Incheon Airport.

Price: ₩4,000

Buy: Incheon Airport

Discover Seoul Pass

The Discover Seoul Pass is a city-pass that offers free entry to more than 50 premium attractions in Seoul. It also includes T-Money functions to allow you to travel on public transport without having to buy one. Discover Seoul Pass comes in flavours of 24, 48, and 72 hours validity, and only starts counting down starting when you use it for the first free benefit.

Price: from ₩50,000

Buy: Online from Klook

Creatrip X Bellygom Transportation Card

The Creatrip X Bellygom transportation card is a colourful travel card from Creatrip, which really stands out thanks to its bright pink picture of Bellygom, a popular Korean character that’s big on YouTube. With the ‘Decoration Card’ feature, you can make your own special transportation card, too. This makes it a lovely souvenir of your trip.

Please note: this card is a version of Cashbee and can be used and charged in all the same locations as Cashbee can.

This card comes with ₩5,000 loaded, which means you don’t need to worry about charging it at the airport (which should be done in cash). Simply collect the card at Incheon Airport (either terminal) or Gimpo Airport and then take the all-stop train straight into Seoul with it. It’s really convenient.

You can use the Creatrip X Bellygom transportation card to pay for public transportation across Korea, as well as in franchises such as Paris Baguette, Baskin Robbins, Angel In Us, and Lotte Mart.

Price: Around ₩10,200 (includes ₩5,000 balance)

Buy: Online from Creatrip.

Climate Card Tourist Pass

The Climate Card Tourist Pass is a new public transport card that will give visitors unlimited access to Seoul’s subway, bus system for 1, 2, 3, or 5 days. n addition to getting unlimited access to Seoul’s public transport, tourist pass users can also benefit from the same discounts for cultural and performance facilities that are applied to the Climate Card, such as 50% off admission to the Seoul Science Center and Seoul Grand Park.

For more information, please read the Climate Card Seoul Tourist Pass Guide.

Bonus: Driving in Korea

If taking public transport is not your style of travelling, consider driving in South Korea. You’ll get to see things outside of the bigger cities, and also added convenient of not following rigid timetables. Check out our guide on driving in Korea for foreigners!

Tip: The Discover Seoul Pass includes a free Airport Express journey from Incheon Airport to Seoul. This can be useful to get yourself into the city before you top-up the T-Money balance on the card. Find out more tips and ways to use the pass in my list of Discover Seoul Pass itineraries.

Is The T-Money Card Worth Buying?

So, if you’ve read all this and you’re still not sure if you should get a T-Money Card or not, here is a simple summary to show why you might want to get one. This is based on my personal experience of using a T-Money Card, as well as opinions shared from members of my Korea Travel Group.

For travellers who want to pay for transportation across Korea’s bus and subway networks, the T-Money Card will be perfect and an essential purchase. However, if you’re looking for a way to pay for goods, services, and attractions in Korea, then the T-Money Card isn’t really what you’re looking for.

Instead of the T-Money Card to pay for things in Korea, I recommend getting a WOWPASS or Wise Travel Money Card. These are both more convenient and allow you pay in Korea using your card’s balance, which can be topped up in foreign currency (WOWPASS) or by bank transfer (Wise).

Learn more: Check out my guide to using Wise in Korea to learn how to get a Wise card, who is eligible, how to activate the Wise card, and all the ways it can save on your travel money expenses.

The T-Money Card is really useful and I can’t imagine travelling in Korea without one. I’d recommend buying one when you arrive in Korea. If you want to know more about T-Money and its alternatives, you can find lots of useful information in my complete South Korea travel guide.

Tips For Using T-Money In Korea

Here are a few quick tips to help you use the T-Money Card more effectively when in Korea:

1: Check the remaining balance as you travel so that you don’t run out by accident.

2: Don’t top-up too much. I’d recommend adding ₩50,000 starting balance and then ₩20,000 – ₩30,000 each time after that. Maybe less if you don’t plan to travel much.

3: Buy one as soon as you arrive. Get a Korea Tour Card at Incheon Airport.

4: Make use of the T-Money Card when you are shopping in convenience stores. You’ll end up with a lot less change.

5: Store the T-Money Card away from other cards that can be used to pay by touch as card readers can be confused by multiple cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Finally, here are a few FAQs about using the T-Money card in Korea, in case the above information didn’t cover enough for you. If you have any other questions you’d like to ask, feel free to leave a comment.

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