Seoul Subway & Bus Fare Calculator T-money · Verified Apr 2026
Exact fare for any Seoul subway or bus trip. Plug in distance, age, and payment to see what the system charges.
Quick presets
How Seoul transit fares work
- Base fare (T-money): Adult ₩1,550 / Youth ₩900 / Child ₩550 — effective Jun 28, 2025.
- Distance surcharge: +₩100 every 5 km beyond 10 km (up to 50 km), then +₩100 every 8 km beyond 50.
- Cash penalty: Single-journey paper tickets add ₩100 vs T-money/Climate Card.
- AREX Express: Flat ₩13,000 (₩11,400 online). No T-money discount, no age discount.
- Transfer discount: Pay the higher base fare + combined-distance surcharge. Requires T-money/Climate Card + tap on entry AND exit, within 30 min (60 min during 21:00-07:00). Up to 4 transfers per trip.
- Children under 6: Free with an accompanying adult (max 3 children per adult). No card needed.
📌 Official Sources · References
- Seoul Metro · Official Seoul subway operator — current fare tables, line maps, and service updates (English available)
- Seoul Metropolitan Government · The authority that approves Seoul transit fare adjustments (last hike: June 28, 2025)
- Korea Smart Card (T-money) · Issuer of T-money transit cards — balance lookup, refund procedures, and pricing for special fare zones
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) · Sets the integrated transit fare framework and approves GTX (Great Train Express) fare zones
- TOPIS — Seoul Transport Operation & Information Service · Real-time bus·subway arrival, route planner, and live fare info
Fares verified April 30, 2026 against Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Metro official tables. Korean transit fares are adjusted by Seoul, Incheon, and Gyeonggi authorities periodically (last hike: June 28, 2025; next adjustment expected late 2026 or 2027). For the absolute current fare on the day of travel, check Seoul Metro or the TOPIS app. This calculator covers the Seoul Metropolitan Area; Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, and KTX intercity rail use separate fare systems.
FAQ
How much is Incheon Airport to Seoul Station with T-money?
Two options. AREX All-Stop train (~58 min) is integrated with the metro: about ₩4,750 adult on T-money. AREX Express (~43 min, reserved seat, nonstop) is a flat ₩13,000 (₩11,400 online). Express is NOT part of T-money's distance system — it's a separate paid ticket.
Where can I buy and recharge a T-money card?
Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24) sell empty cards for ₩2,500-4,000. Subway station vending machines also sell them with English UI. Recharge anywhere with the T-money logo (minimum ₩1,000, max balance ₩500,000). Cash works everywhere; foreign credit cards work at most CU/GS25 stores and Climate Card kiosks.
Can I recharge T-money with a foreign credit card?
Mostly yes. Convenience stores accept Visa/Mastercard/JCB issued abroad. Subway recharge machines were historically cash-only, but Climate Card kiosks (rolled out 2024-2025) accept international cards. The T-money mobile app requires a Korean phone number and Korean-bank-issued card. A 2025 update lets foreigners load Climate Card short-term passes (1/2/3/5/7-day) directly with international cards.
Are subway-to-bus transfers really free?
Discounted to 'pay the difference', not strictly free. Requires: (1) T-money or Climate Card payment (cash forfeits the discount), (2) tap on entry AND exit on every leg, (3) transfer within 30 minutes (60 min between 21:00-07:00), (4) max 4 transfers per trip. You pay the higher of the two base fares plus distance surcharge for combined kilometers above 10 km.
What ages qualify for youth and child discounts?
Child: ages 6-12, fare ~₩550. Youth: ages 13-18, fare ~₩900. Adult: 19+, fare ~₩1,550. Children under 6 ride free with an accompanying adult (max 3 free children per adult). Youth/child rate must be REGISTERED on the T-money card with proof of age (passport works); an unregistered card always charges adult rate. Convenience store clerks can register the age — bring the passport.
AREX Express vs All-Stop train from the airport — which is cheaper?
All-Stop is much cheaper (~₩4,750 vs ₩13,000). Express buys ~15 minutes saved, a guaranteed seat with luggage room, and no transfers. Heavy bags + post-flight fatigue → Express is worth it. Backpack + flexible schedule → All-Stop, especially with the integrated transfer discount. Online discount tickets sometimes drop Express to ~₩11,400 — still 2.4× the All-Stop.
Is the Seoul Climate Card worth it for tourists or short stays?
30-day Basic pass: ₩62,000 → break-even at 31 trips (about 5 trips/week). 30-day Combined (Bus+Subway+Bike): ₩65,000 → same break-even. Short-term passes (1/2/3/5/7-day): ₩5,000-22,000, sold via international card since Mar 2025. For tourists doing 4-5 sightseeing trips/day, the 5-day pass beats T-money. For long stays under daily commute, the 30-day Basic wins. Climate Card excludes some Gyeonggi-only routes.
What happens to leftover T-money balance when I leave Korea?
You can refund a balance up to ₩20,000 at any T-money sales point (CU, GS25, etc.) for a ₩500 fee. Larger balances must be processed at T-money headquarters (Seoul Eulji-ro) or partner banks — bring your passport. There is no card-deposit refund (the card itself is yours to keep). Many travelers gift the card to friends or save it for a return trip — the chip stays valid for 5 years from last use.