Korea public transport: choose a card and plan your route
A rechargeable transport card and a time-limited pass solve different problems. Check your exact route and the pass coverage before deciding which to buy.
Card or pass?
Visitor options include rechargeable products such as Tmoney, EZL and WOWPASS, and products with defined periods and coverage such as Climate Card. Tmoney is available at convenience stores and selected subway information centers. The purchase of a card and the balance used for travel are separate costs. Begin with the journeys in your itinerary: a familiar product name does not establish that every service is included.
Before you pay
Write down your airport connection, day-trip destinations and expected journeys. Ask whether each journey is included, whether a separate ticket is needed and how to reload or refund the product. Cash, card and app support can differ by product and sales channel.
At the station
Save the destination station and exit number, check the direction before entering the platform, and leave time for transfers. Keep a fallback route for a late return. Tap a compatible transport card at subway entry and exit, and when boarding and leaving buses.
Compare the journeys you will actually make
Do not compare only purchase prices: compare the full journeys you expect to make. A pass that excludes one important leg can be less useful than a rechargeable card. In your own notes, give each option a row for airport travel, city journeys, day trips, validity and refunds. Continue with our train, bus and taxi guides to identify the details to check for each journey; fares and coverage can change.
Reference notes
- VISITKOREA: transportation cards
- VISITKOREA: using Tmoney