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Korean Public Transport in South Korea: what actually matters to know

Short answer
You can acquire a Wowpass card at airport kiosks or via their app to use as an integrated T-money transport card. For discounted youth fares, present a child's passport at a T-money top-up station to register the birth date on a separate transport card. Remember to tap in and out on buses and subways to ensure accurate fare calculation and to receive transfer discounts.

From real experience

The Wowpass card can be obtained either in advance via the app or upon arrival at Incheon Airport.
Pre-ordering (at least 24 hours prior) is recommended for potential convenience, with options for pickup at airport CU stores or dedicated counters (if a SIM package is included). Alternatively, cards can be acquired from Wowpass machines located throughout the city. While airport exchange rates for topping up may be less favorable, cash exchange is still possible for initial travel needs.
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Bus fares in South Korea typically range from 700 to 1600 KRW depending on payment method (transport card vs.
cash). Children under 6 ride for free with a transport card. For children aged 6-18, a youth tariff can be applied to a T-money card by presenting the child's passport at a top-up station. Transfers within 30 minutes on buses are usually covered by a single fare. Subway fares are slightly higher, around 1550 KRW.
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A single Wowpass card is linked to one T-money account.
For multiple travelers, one Wowpass can be used, with additional T-money cards purchased separately for other family members. To obtain discounted fares for minors (under 18), a child's passport is required when applying for a youth tariff at a T-money top-up station. If seamless cashless payments are desired for everyone, consider that only one Wowpass can be integrated with a T-money account.
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To use a T-Money card on public transport in South Korea, you must tap the card when entering and exiting the subway or bus.
This ensures accurate fare calculation. If you transfer between buses or between a bus and the subway within a certain time frame (usually 30 minutes), the transfer may be free or discounted, provided you tap out of the first mode of transport and tap in to the second.
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When comparing Wowpass and CU cards in South Korea, Wowpass offers integrated T-Money transport functionality, cashback, and discounts, making it generally preferred by tourists.
CU cards primarily serve as transport cards. While both can be topped up, Wowpass allows for multi-currency top-ups via its app and terminals, which might be more convenient than CU's options. Not all terminals and shops universally accept both.
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The Namane card functions similarly to Woopaass, offering its own app for managing funds.
For children aged 18 and under, obtaining a separate T-money card and applying for a youth tariff by presenting the child's passport at the top-up counter is recommended for discounted fares. A T-money card can be purchased independently of the Woopaass or Namane cards.
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Transportation from Incheon Airport to Seoul: 1. AREX (express train) is highly efficient.
2. Limousine buses cost approximately 17,000 KRW. 3. Taxis cost between 50,000 and 80,000 KRW. Always obtain a T-money card at the airport and top it up at convenience stores like CU for seamless travel.
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Public transport in South Korea: T-money cards are required individually for subway travel for children.
To apply child fare discounts, visit a staffed counter at a subway station with the child's passport or ID to register the date of birth.
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