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T-Money Guide: how it works in South Korea — first-hand

Short answer
T-Money is the standard payment card for public transport across South Korea and must be tapped when entering and exiting to ensure correct fares and transfer discounts. While T-Money cards are versatile for retail use and nationwide transit, the Climate Card is restricted to the Seoul area and limited to transportation only.

From real experience

Climate Card was a 7 or 30-day public transport pass available in Seoul, purchased from metro machines for ₩20,000 (7-day) or ₩62,000 (30-day).
However, this card ceased to function from August 1, 2024. T-Money and Climate Card could be topped up using foreign cards at select terminals, though cash was sometimes required. T-Money is usable on Seoul's subway and buses but not on the Shinbundang Line or in taxis. Payment via card in the metro was planned but delayed. Foreign cards could be used for T-Money and Climate Card top-ups at some machines.
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The Namane card is a versatile payment option in South Korea, functioning as both a general payment card ('Pay Balance') and a public transport card ('T-money').
It is accepted at most retailers and for taxi fares. Funds can be added via Namane kiosks or CU convenience stores. The accompanying mobile application allows for balance transfers, custom card designs, and potentially access to exclusive offers.
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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 choosing between T-Money and Climate Card for public transport in Seoul, consider their functionalities.
Climate Card is generally cheaper but restricted to Seoul's administrative boundaries and only usable for transport. T-Money, while potentially more expensive, is more versatile, usable for transport, in convenience stores, and shops like Daiso, and covers a wider area including transport to/from Incheon Airport.
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Users may encounter issues when using T-Money and Wowpass cards in Seoul's subway system, particularly with iPhone compatibility for fund transfers between the cards.
If a card fails to read at the turnstile, seek assistance from metro staff. Ensure the card is properly placed and try alternative methods or contact support if persistent errors occur.
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Public transportation in South Korea, including buses and subways nationwide (even on Jeju Island), is primarily paid for using T-Money cards.
Climate cards are restricted to the Seoul metropolitan area. Each passenger, including children aged 14 and 16, requires their own individual T-Money card. Cards can be purchased and topped up at airports or 24-hour convenience stores.
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Wowpass is a pre-paid debit card for foreigners with an integrated T-Money chip.
It is accepted at most terminals that process regular credit cards. T-Money is primarily for public transport, with limited acceptance in convenience stores only. Users can top up Wowpass terminals using cash or UnionPay cards.
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T-money is the standard payment method for buses and subways in Seoul.
Payment for public transport cannot be made directly with international credit cards. T-money cards can be purchased and topped up with cash at convenience stores (GS25, etc.). For Wowpass users, funds must be transferred to the internal T-money balance.
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Public transport in South Korea (buses, subways) requires T-Money cards or dedicated transport cards.
International credit cards are generally not accepted for direct payment at turnstiles or bus card readers.
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T-Money cards can be purchased and topped up at convenience stores like CU in Seoul's airports.
A 20,000 KRW top-up is suggested for initial travel. The standard T-Money card functions for metro fare payment.
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