Why you should buy a T-money card for your time in Seoul
Seoul’s public transportation system, especially its subway, is excellent and makes it easy to explore the city without relying on taxis. While individual tickets are available, the cheapest and most efficient way to travel is by using a T-money card (a reloadable card for public transport).
Though it works like London’s Oyster card for public transport, the T-Money card has a unique perk: it can also be used for purchases at select stores, almost like a debit card. This was especially handy for us, as we were able to use up our remaining balance at a cafe before leaving Korea, so no money went to waste.
T-Money Card vs. Individual Tickets: Price Comparison
The table below shows a base fare comparison. Depending on your journey’s distance, additional fees may apply, but you’ll save ₩100 per trip with a T-money card:
| Ticket Type | Cost (₩) |
| Single Journey Ticket | 1,350 |
| T-Money | 1,250 |
Over a few days of travel, these savings add up, making the T-money card a smart choice if you’re spending quite a few days in South Korea.
Do You Need a T-Money Card to Get from Incheon Airport to Seoul?
The most affordable and popular way to travel from Incheon Airport to Seoul is by train on the Airport Railroad Express (AREX), which offers two options: the Express Train and the All Stop Train.
- Express Train: Requires a separate ticket and DOES NOT accept T-money.
- All Stop Train: DOES accept the T-money card, making it a more affordable option for getting into the city.
For more details on the differences between these trains, check out my article on how to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul by train.
Note: You can only purchase and reload a T-Money card using cash.
Where to Buy a T-Money Card at Incheon Airport (Terminals 1 and 2)
Whether you’re in Terminal 1 or 2, there are convenient places to purchase a T-money card. Here’s a breakdown of the available options:
1. T-Money Vending Machines
One of the easiest ways to get a T-money card at the airport is through a Korea Tour Card (a tourist-friendly version of the T-money card) vending machine located in the Transit Centre. Follow the signage to the ‘Airport Railroad,’ which will lead you there.
To purchase, simply:
- Insert cash (KRW only).
- Press the number corresponding to the card you want.
- Press the green button, and the card will dispense below.
The card costs ₩4,000 and comes empty, so you’ll need to add funds before using it.
To top up:
- Go to a ticket machine and change the language to your preference.
- Choose “Recharge Transportation Card,” select the amount, and confirm.
- Insert cash (one bill at a time) and place your T-money card on the card reader to complete the recharge.
Now your T-money card is ready to use, just tap to start and end each trip.
2. Convenience Stores (Terminal 2 Only)
In Terminal 2, you’ll find GS25 and 7-Eleven convenience stores, where you can purchase a T-money card directly from the counter. You can also top up your card at these stores by asking the cashier to load your desired amount.
3. LGU+ – Combined SIM and T-Money Card
For added convenience, you can purchase a combined SIM and T-money card at the LGU+ counter. The staff will help you pop out the SIM, and the remaining shell functions as a T-money card. To add funds, simply top it up at a ticket machine in the Transit Centre.
This is a great option if you also need a SIM card for your time in South Korea. We chose this option (I used the SIM in my phone for internet access when away from Wi-Fi) and then picked up a separate Korea Tour Card from a vending machine for my partner.
