Money & transit cards
Foreign cards, transit cards compared, ATMs, tax refund
Cards for visitors compared
| Card | What for | Top-up | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| T-money | Subway, bus, convenience stores | Station machines: cash only. Cash is safest at stores too | Sold at GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, emart24; check balance there |
| Climate Card (short-term pass) | Unlimited Seoul subway & buses | Visa/Master OK at new machines on Lines 1–8 (fee applies) | 1 day 5,000 / 2 days 8,000 / 3 days 10,000 / 5 days 15,000 / 7 days 20,000 won + 3,000 won card |
| WOWPASS | Prepaid payment card with T-money built in | Foreign cash (16 currencies) at machines; Visa, Master, JCB in the app | T-money balance is separate. Cash withdrawal 1,000 won per time (up to 100,000 won) |
The Climate Card does not cover the Sinbundang Line, GTX, airport or regional buses. It starts on the day you charge it; you cannot charge it in advance.
Sources: 서울시 (기후동행카드) ↗ · Seoul (international cards) ↗ · 서울시 (교통카드 충전) ↗ · T-money blog (convenience stores) ↗ · WOWPASS ↗
When foreign cards fail
- Visa, Mastercard and Amex are widely accepted, but some shops do not take cards.
Sources: VisitKorea (payment) ↗
- Apps and sites that need ID checks, some kiosks and some small shops may reject foreign cards. Carry at least two cards.
Sources: Korea Times (payment problems) ↗
- Kakao Pay and Naver Pay do not support tourist accounts. Waitlist kiosks often ask for a Korean phone number.
- For ATMs, cards with Plus or Cirrus logos work best. If one refuses, try ATMs at stations, bus terminals or department stores.
Sources: VisitKorea (ATM) ↗
Getting cash from ATMs
| Where | Notes |
|---|---|
| Bank & convenience-store ATMs | Look for a "Global" sign or foreign network logos. Most offer English, Chinese and Japanese. Convenience-store ATMs often charge more |
| Hours | Many run until 23:00 and some 24 h, but bank ATMs may be closed 22:00–08:00 |
| Fees | You may pay both the Korean ATM and your home bank. Check the screen and ask your bank before you go |
| WOWPASS | At WOW Exchange machines: up to 100,000 won each time, 1,000 won fee. Not at machines inside CU stores |
| Woori NOL World Card | Prepaid card for tourists, issued at Woori Bank exchange counters at Incheon Airport. Withdraw at Woori ATMs and more |
If the ATM offers to charge in your home currency, choose KRW to avoid an extra conversion markup.
Sources: VisitSeoul (Money) ↗ · Seoul (living convenience) ↗ · WOWPASS guide ↗ · Korea Times (Woori NOL World Card) ↗ · VisitKorea (ATM) ↗
Tax refund
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Minimum purchase | 15,000 won |
| Instant refund in the shop | Under 1,000,000 won per purchase, up to 5,000,000 won per trip |
| Take goods out within | 3 months of purchase |
| At the airport | Show goods, receipts and passport for the customs stamp, then get the refund at a counter or kiosk |
Sources: VisitKorea (tax refund) ↗
For exchange & payments
Checked 2026-11-08