Transportation cards are essential items for conveniently using subways, buses, and taxis during your trip to Korea.It functions like Japan's Suica and Hong Kong's Octopus cards, offering cheaper fares than cash and even transfer discounts. This guide compares the features and recommendations for all transportation cards including T-money, NAMANE Card, Climate Companion Card, and NAMANE PASS.
Representative Korean Transportation Card Types
Korea has various types of transportation cards, each with different functions and usage ranges. It's important to choose a card that matches your travel style.
T-money card
- Korea's most popular transportation card
- Available for use nationwide, centered in Seoul
- Payments accepted for subway, bus, taxi, and convenience stores
- Card fee: 3,000~6,000 KRW + top-up amount
EZL Card
EZL Cardis a transportation card primarily used in the Busan area. It provides the same functions as a T-money card and can be used on Busan subway and city buses.
Rail+Card
Rail+Cardis a transportation IC card issued by Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail). Like T-money, it can be used on subways and buses,Can also be used on KTX high-speed rail and regular railway servicesis a distinguishing feature.
What is NAMANE Card? Differences from T-money
NAMANE Card is a multifunctional card for foreigners that combines transportation card and prepaid credit card features.If T-money cards are specialized for transportation payments, NAMANE cards can handle both transportation and shopping payments with just one card.
NAMANE Card vs T-money Card Comparison
- T-money card: Provides transportation payment function only. Does not support payment at general stores
- NAMANE Card: Rail+ transportation function + prepaid credit card function + balance account transfer function
- WOWPASS: Cards for foreigners with similar functions to NAMANE Card
For detailed information about the NAMANE Card,NAMANE Card Introduction PagePlease check at.
Can I use public transportation with my credit card or smartphone?
Using subway with overseas credit cards
In Korea, foreign-issued credit cards typically cannot be used to pass through public transportation turnstiles.Even if you have a contactless payment feature, it cannot be used on Korean public transportation, so you need to prepare a separate transportation card.
Smartphone Transportation Payment
In Korea, transportation payments can be made using Kakao Pay, Samsung Pay, and other services, but these are often not available on foreign smartphones.T-money card iPhone integration features will be supported starting July 2025, butRecharge locations are limited to subway ticket machines or convenience storesIt is. A physical transportation card is the safest option.
Unlimited Transportation Plan Comparison
Climate Companion Card
- Unlimited subway and bus rides within Seoul
- Physical card 3,000 KRW + 1-day pass 5,000 KRW / 2-day pass 8,000 KRW / 3-day pass 10,000 KRW / 5-day pass 15,000 KRW / 7-day pass 20,000 KRW
- Note: Cannot be used at Incheon Airport, Shinbundang Line, intercity buses, or limousine buses
- Only available within Seoul city, so a separate card is needed when traveling to Incheon Airport
NAMANE PASS
- Unlimited use of nationwide subway, bus, and airport rail services
- 4-day pass 35,000 won / 6-day pass 50,000 won
- Available for pickup 24 hours at Incheon Airport CU convenience stores
- AREX regular trains and airport railroad also available → Can be used directly at the airport
- K-POP artist collaboration limited edition cards are also available
For a more detailed comparison of unlimited passesUnlimited Transportation Pass GuidePlease refer to.
So which transportation card is ultimately recommended?
When you only need transportation features
If you only need transportation IC functionality, we recommend the T-money card or NAMANE PASS.The Climate Companion Card only provides benefits when using public transportation for 5,000 won or more per day within Seoul, and has complex restrictions on eligible routes.
Transportation + shopping payments in one card
Considering shopping payments as well, the NAMANE Card is most recommended.While overseas credit cards charge 1.6~3% in fees, NAMANE Card uses a prepaid system that helps you save on fees. You can even customize the design with your own photos, making it a great travel memento.
How to Purchase and Recharge Your Transportation Card
Purchase Location
- Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven)Available for purchase anywhere nationwide
- Subway Station Vending Machine: Japanese and English support
- Incheon Airport/Gimpo Airport Vending Machines
- Online Pre-Purchase: Klook, KKday, creatrip, etc.
How to Top Up
- Convenience store checkout counterAsk the staff to top up your card
- Subway Station Ticket Machine: Multi-language support, cash top-up
- NAMANE Kiosk: Installed at major tourist attractions. Both cash and credit cards accepted
- NAMANE App: Easy top-up with credit card in the app. Balance checking also available
For more detailed information on how to use Korean public transportation, please visitKorea Public Transportation Usage Guide, and for benefit information, please refer toBenefits PagePlease check at.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Can I get a refund for the remaining balance on my transportation card?
T-money cards allow balance refunds at convenience stores, while NAMANE cards enable you to transfer your remaining balance to your account through the app.For T-money cards, refunds are available when the balance is 20,000 KRW or less, with a 500 KRW fee deducted. NAMANE cards are more convenient as you can transfer the entire balance to your account without any fees. For more details,NAMANE Refund GuidePlease refer to.
Q2. Can I travel from Seoul to Busan with a single transportation card?
You cannot directly board KTX between Seoul and Busan using a transportation card.KTX requires separate reservations, and transportation cards are used for city subways and buses. However, Rail+ cards can be used for KTX boarding, and NAMANE PASS offers unlimited use of airport railroad, subways, and buses.
Q3. Can I purchase a transportation card immediately after arriving in Korea?
Yes, you can purchase it immediately at convenience stores (CU, GS25) and vending machines in the Incheon Airport arrival lobby.NAMANE PASS is available for pickup 24 hours a day at CU convenience stores in Incheon Airport, so there's no problem even if you arrive late at night. After purchasing the card at the airport, you can take the AREX Airport Railroad to travel into downtown Seoul.
