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?
VISITKOREA lists Tmoney, EZL, WOWPASS and Climate Card among the options for visitors. 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. Check the current operator information rather than assuming a pass covers every service.
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.
Avoid a misleading comparison
Do not compare only the purchase prices: compare the full journeys you actually expect to make. A pass that excludes one important leg can be less useful than a rechargeable card. Coverage and fares change, so this guide intentionally links the current official comparison instead of publishing a permanent fare table.