T-Money Card: Korea's Essential Transit Card Explained

The T-Money card is the single most useful thing you can get when living in Korea. It works on buses, subways, and even some taxis across the entire country. **Where to Get One** Pick one up at any convenience store — GS25, CU, 7-Eleven, or Emart 24. They cost about 2,500 KRW for the card itself. **How to Charge It** - At any convenience store counter: just hand it over and say the amount - At subway station kiosks (English available) - Using the T-Money app (requires Korean phone number) **Where It Works** - All city buses and intercity buses - Seoul, Busan, and most city subway systems - Some taxis (look for the T-Money sticker) - Even some vending machines and convenience stores **Tips for Camp Humphreys Families** - Charge at least 20,000–30,000 KRW at a time to avoid running out mid-trip - Transfers between bus and subway within 30 minutes are discounted - If you leave Korea, you can get a refund for the remaining balance at major stations Grab a T-Money card your first week here — you'll use it constantly.