If you’ve just landed in Seoul and want to reload your T-money card, you might feel stuck. The machines can be tricky, and sometimes your foreign credit card just won’t cooperate.
Where to Recharge Your T-money Card
Subway Station Machines
Every subway station has reload machines right past the ticket gates. Look for a blue or silver box that says “Card Reload Device.” Heads up, though: these machines can feel like a puzzle for first-timers.
The English language option pops up only after you press the screen. Many visitors hesitate when the first screen is in Korean, but just give the screen a gentle tap to jump in.
Convenience Stores Are Easier
If the subway machine is giving you the side-eye, just walk into the nearest GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, or Emart24. Bring your T-money card, hand it to the cashier, and tell them how much to load. You can say “삼천 원 충전해주세요” (samcheon won chungjeun haeju-seyo) to request a 3,000-won charge.
Even locals avoid the machines in favor of the register. The cashiers are friendly and used to helping tourists, so don’t worry if your Korean is limited.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Recharge Your T-Money Card
Follow these exact steps and recharging your T-Money card will be easy:
1. Locate a recharge machine. You’ll find these near the ticket gates, look for a sign that says “Ticket Vending and Card Reload.”
2. Wake up the machine. Touch any part of the screen—don’t wait for English messages to load.
3. Pick your language. The machine usually offers English, Japanese, and Chinese.
4. Select “Reload transit card.” Tap that option; don’t hit “Buy new card” by mistake.
5. Tap your T-Money card. Put it flat on the reader pad (look for the blue circle).
6. Choose how much to add. Options will be in 1,000 won; the least you can add is 1,000, the max is 90,000.
7. Insert bills. Put in your cash, one bill at a time (no coins or foreign cards).
8. Pause for 5-10 seconds. Keep your card on the reader while the machine does its thing.
9. Look for the “Complete” notice. The screen will show your new balance.
10. Take your card. Only remove it when the screen says it’s finished.
A few tips: don’t lift the card too soon, don’t insert a credit card, and don’t try to add an amount that isn’t in thousands. Keep it flat and wait for the check mark to be sure it’s done.
The Cash-Only Reality for Foreign Cards
Visitors to Korea often hit a snag: recharging T-money cards means you need cash. If you whip out a foreign credit card at a metro vending machine or a convenience store, you’ll be out of luck. The machines won’t accept them, and cash or Korean mobile payment is the only way to go.
Some tourists do get by with Korean credit cards inside mobile wallets, but for a peace-at-the-gate experience, pay cash on the T-money card itself. If your balance is low, find an ATM first—it helps you keep moving.
Recharge Amounts and Limits
When you do top up, you’ll find the machine is picky. It only takes multiples of 1,000 won: the least you can add is 1,000 won and the most is 90,000 on a single tap. And the card can only carry a max of 500,000 won at once.
Avoid the temptation to load 5,500 or 12,500. The machine won’t budge. Stick to the plain old thousands and you’ll breeze right through.
Checking Your Balance
You can check your balance without knowing any Korean:
While you ride: Tap your card and the screen at the gate or bus reader will flicker with your current balance.
At the vending machine: Slide your T-money card onto the reader, and the balance pops up before you hit the recharge choice.
Smartphone NFC apps: Download apps like "BucaCheck-Korea," tap your card to the phone, and the app will show your balance and the last few rides.
Many travelers are wowed that the phone reads the card’s chip directly. It’s a nifty way to keep tabs without cramming for language.
T-Money Refund Rules You Should Know
T-money refunds don’t follow the usual refund rules, so it’s good to know the small print. You can only return cash when the card balance is under 20,000 won. For that amount, your best bet is to head to any convenience store. If the balance is between 20,000 and 50,000 won, only subway customer centers can take care of it.
One more thing to watch out for: there’s a 500 won fee, and the app only lets you refund the whole balance. Partial refunds don’t fly. You keep the card for the next trip, so don’t worry about tossing it.
Keeping Your T-Money Card Valid
What’s odd is T-money cards don’t officially expire. The balance sticks around for 5 years from your last top-up or trip. Travelers sometimes rediscover a card from last vacation, tap it, and the balance is still there.
Stash the card where it won’t bend or get scratched, since a faint scratch can throw off the scanner. Most of the time the chip is safe, so it’s worth checking a damaged card at the counter if you find one.
What First-Time Visitors to Seoul Need to Know
- Always have a bit of cash on hand to add T-money value.
- Cards issued in 2019 and after will still be valid in 2025.
- A single T-money card covers the subway, bus, taxi, and select shops.
- Kids under 6 travel free, and a T-money card is not required.
- Fare machines accept only Korean won bills, so save the coins for later.
Once you get past the first visit, Seoul’s payment scene is a breeze. Slip your T-money card into the reader, and you’re on your way—no extracting coins, no figuring out distinct rates. The elegance is in the uniformity!