NAMANE Card is a rechargeable prepaid card in Korea that any foreigner can create without passport verification, allowing you to handle public transportation, shopping, restaurant payments, and cashback with a single card. Since Korea has a cashless culture, a travel card is essential. This article will tell you everything about the NAMANE Card.
1. What is NAMANE Card?
It is a rechargeable prepaid card in Korea that any foreigner can create. No passport verification or identity verification process is required, and you can design your own original card with your favorite image.
2 Balance Systems
- Pay Balance: Payment at credit card merchants such as restaurants, shopping malls, taxis
- Transportation Balance: Use for public transportation such as buses, subways, trains
The biggest advantage of NAMANE Card is that you can freely switch between these 2 balance types in the app.
2. How to Create NAMANE Card
It's a simple 2-step process: Design in the NAMANE app → Issue at kiosk.
- Download NAMANE app and select 'Card Design (Kiosk)'
- Design with your favorite image → Save design QR (valid for 2 weeks)
- Visit NAMANE kiosk → Scan QR → Payment → Issuance complete
Major Kiosk Locations
- Incheon Airport Terminal 1: CU Store 1, CU Store 4, AREX Terminal 1
- Incheon Airport Terminal 2: AREX Terminal 2
- Gimpo Airport: 7-Eleven S Gimpo Airport Station
Check all kiosk locations on the Kiosk Map.
3. How to Top Up NAMANE Card
Various top-up methods are supported:
- Cash: Top up at kiosks
- International credit/debit cards: VISA, MASTER, JCB, Union Pay (top up in app)
- International e-payments: Touch N Go, DANA, GCash, Alipay HK, Truemoney
Currently offering fee discount promotion for international card/e-payment top-ups!
4. How to Transfer Balance
When you top up in the app, it goes to Pay balance. If you need transportation balance, you can easily transfer using the '<>' button in the app.
- Recognize card with NFC
- Set transfer direction and amount
- Recognize card again → Transfer complete
*NFC-enabled smartphone required.
5. NAMANE Money Transfer Feature
When street food stalls or small shops in Korea don't accept cards, you can use NAMANE's Pay balance transfer feature.
- Transfer to Korean bank account
- NAMANE QR transfer (when the other party is also a NAMANE user)
Review of actual payment with PayPay in Myeongdong is also worth checking out.
Recommended for These People
- Those who want to create their own original design card
- Those who want to freely switch between Pay and transportation balances
- Those who need to transfer money to locals without a Korean bank account
- Those who want to easily issue a card without passport verification
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. How much does it cost to issue a NAMANE card?
NAMANE card issuance cost varies by design, but basic cards start from about 5,000 won. You can purchase with cash, international credit cards, or mobile payments at kiosks.
Q. Is it possible to refund the balance on NAMANE card?
Yes, you can get on-site refunds for Pay balance at MONEY BOX. For detailed refund instructions, refer to NAMANE Balance Refund Guide.
Q. International credit card vs NAMANE card, which is better?
International credit cards incur exchange rate fees (1-3%) and may not work at some stores, while NAMANE card can be used without fees by topping up in local won. You can also receive cashback benefits at partner stores, making it more economical.
