T-money, WOWPASS and bank cards: paying for the subway in Korea, what changed in 2026
Since March 2026, Seoul subway machines accept foreign cards and the T-money app works with Apple Pay. Which card to get and how to top it up.
Machine translation from French, being reviewed. Read the French version (reference)
Contents
Many guides still say a T-money card can only be topped up with cash. In 2026, two changes made life easier for visitors. Here is what works today.
Subway machines now accept foreign cards
Since 17 March 2026, 440 new transport card machines in 273 stations on Seoul Lines 1 to 8 accept credit and debit cards issued abroad, including Visa and Mastercard1. They also take Kakao Pay and Naver Pay.
You can buy1:
- a single-journey ticket;
- the Climate Companion Card (기후동행카드), and top it up;
- a short-term pass for 1, 2, 3, 5 or 7 days. The 30-day pass is not sold there yet: the city says it will consider it depending on demand.
Expect an average 3.7% fee on a purchase or top-up paid with a foreign card1.
The T-money app on iPhone
Since 18 March 2026, the T-money iOS app accepts Mastercard, American Express and UnionPay cards issued abroad. Visa is not accepted yet2.
- Install the T-money app.
- On the login screen, tap the "Foreigner" button: it skips sign-up and Korean identity verification2.
- Top up with your foreign card.
- Add the virtual T-money card to Apple Wallet. It works on buses and the subway with Express Transit, without opening the app2.
Note: inside Apple Wallet itself, only Hyundai Card can top up T-money; foreign cards are refused there. Use the app2.
WOWPASS: prepaid card and transit in one
WOWPASS is a prepaid card for tourists. Its balance pays in shops that take Korean cards, even those that refuse foreign cards3. It also has a T-money function for buses and the subway.
Which one should you choose?
| Your situation | Easiest option |
|---|---|
| iPhone with Mastercard, Amex or UnionPay | T-money app + Apple Wallet2 |
| Visa card, a few rides | Tickets or a short-term pass at the new machines1 |
| You also want to pay in small shops | WOWPASS (transit topped up separately)3 |
| A week in Seoul with lots of subway rides | 5- or 7-day pass at the machines1 |
What about cash?
Keep a little cash to top up a classic T-money card at a convenience store or an older machine: recent sources do not say that topping up a physical T-money card with a foreign card works everywhere.
In DariExchange money and convert pricesFrequently asked questions
Can I pay for the Seoul subway with a foreign Visa card?
Yes, at the new machines (ticket, Climate Companion Card, short-term pass), since 17 March 2026, with a fee of about 3.7%1. The T-money app does not take Visa yet2.
Do I need a Korean number for the T-money app?
No. The "Foreigner" button lets you skip sign-up and identity verification2.
Sources
- Asia Business Daily, cartes étrangères acceptées aux automates du métro de Séoul (16/03/2026) · checked on 26 October 2026
- Korea JoongAng Daily, Apple Pay et l'appli T-money pour les étrangers (19/03/2026) · checked on 26 October 2026
- WOWPASS, mode d'emploi officiel · checked on 26 October 2026