🚆 South Korea’s Transportation Passes Compared: T-Money vs Korea Tour Card vs Discover Seoul Pass
Planning a trip to South Korea? One of the smartest ways to make your journey smoother and more affordable is by using a transportation pass. But with multiple options—T-Money, Korea Tour Card, and Discover Seoul Pass—how do you know which one is right for you?
This in-depth guide compares the three most popular transportation cards in Korea, helping you choose the best pass based on your travel needs, duration, and budget.
✅ Table of Contents
- Why Use a Transportation Pass in South Korea?
- Overview of Each Card
- T-Money Card Explained
- Korea Tour Card Explained
- Discover Seoul Pass Explained
- Head-to-Head Comparison Table
- Which Card Should You Choose?
- Where to Buy and Recharge
- FAQs About Korea’s Transport Passes
- Final Thoughts & Pro Tips
1. Why Use a Transportation Pass in South Korea?
South Korea is known for its fast, clean, and efficient public transportation systems. Subways, buses, and even taxis are well connected and relatively inexpensive. However, paying for every ride individually can be confusing and time-consuming—especially if you don't speak Korean.
That’s where transportation passes come in handy. They offer:
- Cashless convenience
- Discounts or fare integration
- Tourist benefits (attractions, shopping)
- Language-free payment process
2. Overview of the Three Cards
| T-Money Card | Transit only | Locals & tourists | ~2,500 KRW | No expiration |
| Korea Tour Card | Transit + tourism | Tourists only | ~4,000 KRW | No expiration |
| Discover Seoul Pass | Transit + attractions | Short-term tourists | 24/48/72-hour options | Limited by hour |
3. 🟡 T-Money Card
What Is It?
T-Money is the standard rechargeable transportation card used by locals and visitors across South Korea.
✅ Key Features:
- Use for subway, buses, and taxis in Seoul and other cities (Busan, Incheon, Jeju, etc.)
- Offers small fare discounts compared to cash payments
- Can be used at convenience stores, vending machines, and more
- Comes in various designs (Kakao Friends, BTS, etc.)
💸 Cost:
- ~2,500 KRW for the card (no balance included)
🔋 Recharge:
- Minimum top-up: 1,000 KRW
- Recharge at subway stations, convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven)
🛑 Limitations:
- No tourist discounts or attraction benefits
- Cannot be used for admission to tourist sites
👤 Best for:
- Longer stays (1+ weeks)
- Frequent subway/bus riders
4. 🟣 Korea Tour Card
What Is It?
The Korea Tour Card is a T-Money-compatible card designed specifically for tourists. It works just like T-Money but includes additional discount perks.
✅ Key Features:
- Everything T-Money does, plus:
- Discounts on shopping, attractions, restaurants, KTX trains, and more
- Supports airport limousine buses
- Available in multiple languages
💸 Cost:
- ~4,000 KRW (slightly more than T-Money)
🔋 Recharge:
- Same method as T-Money (stations, convenience stores)
🎟️ Perks:
- 30–50% off major attractions (Lotte World, N Seoul Tower, etc.)
- Up to 10% off at stores like The Shilla Duty Free, Lotte Duty Free
🛑 Limitations:
- Discount offers vary and are often seasonal
- Not all shops recognize the card benefits automatically—you may need to show the card or app
👤 Best for:
- Tourists visiting for 3–10 days
- Travelers who plan to shop or visit theme parks
5. 🟢 Discover Seoul Pass
What Is It?
The Discover Seoul Pass is a transportation + attraction access pass, combining public transit and free or discounted entry to 70+ major Seoul tourist spots.
✅ Key Features:
- Free entry to popular attractions:
- Gyeongbokgung Palace, COEX Aquarium, Seoul Tower, Seoul Zoo
- Discounted access to shows and experiences (NANTA, Hanbok rentals, etc.)
- Works as a T-Money card for transportation
- Comes in 24/48/72-hour versions
💸 Cost:
- 24-hour: 50,000 KRW
- 48-hour: 70,000 KRW
- 72-hour: 90,000 KRW
🕓 Validity:
- Valid from first use (not from time of purchase)
- Attractions access is based on time (hour) usage; transit can be used until the card runs out of funds
📱 Digital Version:
- Available as a mobile app (Apple Wallet & Google Pay compatible)
🛑 Limitations:
- Not worth it unless you visit at least 3–4 paid attractions/day
- Only valid in Seoul—not for attractions in Busan, Jeju, etc.
👤 Best for:
- First-time visitors to Seoul
- Travelers who love sightseeing
6. 🔍 Head-to-Head Comparison Table
| Subway/Bus Access | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Taxis | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Airport Limo Bus | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tourist Discounts | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Free Attractions | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Price | ~2,500 KRW | ~4,000 KRW | 50,000+ KRW |
| Rechargeable | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Expiration | None | None | Validity based on hour |
| Ideal For | Locals, Long-stay | Short-term tourists | Sightseeing-intensive tourists |
7. Which Card Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide based on your travel style:
- ✈️ First-time tourist in Seoul (2–3 days) → Discover Seoul Pass
- 🛍️ Shopaholic + theme park lover → Korea Tour Card
- 🚇 Long-stay traveler or student → T-Money Card
- 🧳 Exploring beyond Seoul (Busan, Jeju) → T-Money or Korea Tour Card (Discover Seoul Pass is Seoul-only)
8. Where to Buy and Recharge
🛒 Where to Buy:
- Incheon Airport (arrival hall counters, vending machines)
- Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven)
- Online (Discover Seoul Pass official site, Klook, Trazy)
🔋 Recharge Locations:
- Any subway station (machines or information desk)
- Convenience stores with T-Money signage
- Mobile apps for digital versions (Discover Seoul Pass)
9. FAQs About Korea’s Transport Cards
Q: Can I use one card for multiple people?
A: No. Each person must have their own card—especially for subways and buses.
Q: Can I get a refund on unused T-Money?
A: Yes, small refunds available at convenience stores (some fee may apply).
Q: Are the passes in English?
A: Yes. All three cards offer instructions in English, and apps have multilingual support.
Q: Which pass supports mobile payments?
A: Discover Seoul Pass offers digital versions. T-Money and Korea Tour Card are physical cards.
10. Final Thoughts & Pro Tips
If you're planning a trip to Korea, choosing the right transportation card can save you both money and hassle. Whether you're a casual traveler or an itinerary-maximizer, there's a pass that matches your style.
🎯 Our Recommendation:
- Budget-focused & long stay? → T-Money
- Want discounts on top of transport? → Korea Tour Card
- Short-term sightseeing heavy trip? → Discover Seoul Pass
💡 Bonus Tips:
- Keep your card even after your trip—it can be reused on future visits!
- Download the Korea Subway App for real-time transit info.
- Combine your card with KakaoMap or Naver Map for accurate directions.