T-money and Seoul Public Transport Basics

Seoul's subway and bus network is extensive, but the easiest way to use it is with a rechargeable transportation card rather than buying individual tickets. According to the Korea Tourism Organization, there are four main cards available to travelers: T-money, EZL, WOWPASS, and the Climate Card. Understanding the differences before your trip saves time at the station.

T-money and EZL: the standard options

T-money and EZL are chargeable prepaid cards that work on subways, city buses, and most intercity transport, and both offer transfer discounts when you switch between bus and subway within a set time window. These cards are sold at convenience stores nationwide, including GS25, CU, and 7-Eleven, as well as at Seoul subway station information centers on Lines 1 through 8.

The card itself costs between 3,000 and 5,000 won, separate from the balance you load onto it. You can recharge it at subway ticket vending machines, up to a maximum balance of 500,000 won. One detail that surprises some travelers: if you are under 18, you need to register your date of birth at a convenience store to receive the youth discount on fares. Without that registration, you will be charged the full adult fare even if you qualify for a discount.

WOWPASS: built for foreign visitors

WOWPASS is designed specifically for foreign travelers. Beyond working as a transportation card, it also functions as a currency exchange tool, letting you convert foreign cash into a prepaid balance at a WOWPASS kiosk. If you have leftover balance at the end of your trip, you can withdraw it as Korean won cash directly from any WOWPASS kiosk, which is more convenient than mailing a card back or visiting a company office.

Climate Card: Seoul's unlimited pass

The Climate Card is Seoul's unlimited public transit pass, available in options ranging from 1 day to 7 days. If you plan to take the subway or bus many times a day, an unlimited pass can work out cheaper than paying per ride. One limitation: if you are a foreign traveler without a Korean bank account and have leftover balance or need a refund, you need to visit the T-money headquarters in person, and it is recommended to spend down the balance before you leave rather than count on getting it refunded easily.

The Mpass option for short tourist stays

For travelers who want a simpler all-in-one option, there is also the Mpass, a foreigner-exclusive T-money card that allows up to 20 rides per day on Seoul subways, city buses, and AREX trains, excluding the AREX Express Train. Pricing is tiered by how many days you need it:

• 1-day: 15,000 won
• 2-day: 23,000 won
• 3-day: 30,500 won
• 5-day: 47,500 won
• 7-day: 64,500 won

If you are sightseeing heavily across a short trip and expect to ride public transit more than four or five times a day, the Mpass can be worth the upfront cost compared to loading a regular T-money card.

Refund rules differ by card

Refunds are not identical across all four card types, so it helps to know this before you try to cash out at the airport on your last day:

• EZL: only refunds under 20,000 won are available directly at convenience stores.
• WOWPASS: remaining balance can be withdrawn as cash at any WOWPASS kiosk, no bank account needed.
• Climate Card: foreigners without a Korean bank account need to visit T-money headquarters for a refund, so plan to spend the balance down instead.

Which card should you pick?

If you are staying a short time and sightseeing across the city, the Mpass or Climate Card may offer better value given how often you will ride. If you are staying longer or plan to use the card for more than transit, like paying at some convenience stores, a standard T-money or EZL card gives you more flexibility since recharging is easy and widely available. If you want built-in currency exchange, WOWPASS removes an extra step from your trip.

Key takeaways

• T-money and EZL are the standard rechargeable cards, sold at major convenience store chains and subway information centers for 3,000 to 5,000 won.
• WOWPASS doubles as a currency exchange tool and lets you withdraw leftover balance as cash at its own kiosks.
• The Climate Card offers unlimited rides for 1 to 7 days but is harder to refund without a Korean bank account.
• The Mpass is built for short tourist stays, with daily ride limits and set prices from 15,000 won for one day up to 64,500 won for seven days.
• Refund processes vary significantly by card, so check the rules for your specific card before assuming you can cash out easily at the end of your trip.