T-money () is a rechargeable series of Smart card and other "smart" devices used for paying transportation fares in South Korea. T-money can also be used in lieu of cash or in some convenience stores and other businesses. The T-money System has been implemented and is being operated by T-money Co., Ltd of which 34.4% owned by Seoul Metropolitan Government, 31.85% owned by LG CNS, and 15.73% owned by Credit Card Union.
Usage
Similar to its predecessor, the "Seoul Bus Card", T-money can be used to pay for bus, subway and some taxi fares. As of June 2024, T-money is accepted by:
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All public transport buses nationwide
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All six Metropolitan Subway networks (Seoul, Incheon, Busan, Daegu, Daejeon, and Gwangju)
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AREX, U Line, EverLine, Shinbundang Line, Donghae Line and Busan–Gimhae Light Rail Transit
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Korail ticket offices
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Toll booths operated by Korea Expressway Corporation
Additionally, shops and attractions including Seoul's four palaces (except Gyeonghuigung), Lotte World amusement park, Kyobo Book Centre, GS 25, CU/FamilyMart and other selected convenience stores accept T-money as payment method.
Card types
Standard
T-money cards cost 3,000 - 5,000 Won
and can be purchased and recharged at metro stations, bank ATMs, convenience stores and kiosks located adjacent to bus stops. Self-service recharge machines are also available at Seoul and Busan metro stations.
In 2014, "One Card All Pass"-enabled T-money was introduced.
Discount cards
There are two types of discount cards available for sale, one for teenagers (age 13-18) and the other for children (age 7-12). One needs a proper ID such as a Youth Card or Student ID in order to purchase these cards. Discount cards must be registered via the Internet within 10 days after first use. Registration requires the number on the card, and a National ID number or Foreigner Registration Number. Senior citizens are entitled to free transportation and can pick up free tickets at ticket machine in Seoul metropolitan subway stations with proper ID.
T-money accessories
Smaller, more durable T-money cards with a lanyard for easy attachment to cell phones are also available, for about 6,000~8,000 won.
Related cards
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Metro Pass (정기권), a monthly pass for the Seoul and Incheon subway systems available at stations.
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T-money Mpass, a one-day transportation card incorporating the Seoul City Tour Bus ticket and limited use of the metropolitan transportation system.
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Seoul Citypass Plus is a T-money with extra benefits at tourist spots.
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Mobile T-money is a RF-/NFC-Subscriber Identity Module based T-money service. Mobile T-money application is available on Google Play and each mobile service provider's ESD.
Other cards
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eB Card (eBest Card, used in Gyeonggi & Incheon province), now discontinued. → See cashBee.
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Sensepass T-money, previously Topcash T-money, sold in the Gyeongsangnam and Gyeongsangbuk Provinces except Andong. Not wholly compatible with Smart T-money.
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Hankkumi card, sold in Daejeon. This is a rebranded version of Smart T-money.
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POP card, sold in GS25. This is a rebranded Smart T-money with GS Caltex and Happy Point Loyalty program.
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Narasarang Card, issued by Shinhan Card·Shinhan Bank and NMD/MMA. This is a K-Cash enabled debit card with POP card functionality. This card is only issued to ROTC officers and ROK Armed Forces enlisted person including KATUSA.
See also
External links
