Seoul Subway & Bus Fare Calculator T-money · Verified Apr 2026
Exact fare for any Seoul transit trip. Plug in distance, age, and payment method — get the won amount the system actually charges, including the 10 km distance surcharge most guides forget. Updated for the June 28, 2025 ₩1,550 base fare hike.
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.
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): flat ₩13,000 (₩11,400 online). Express is NOT part of T-money's distance system — it's a separate paid ticket. For ICN T1 → Hongdae or Gangnam, add the metro extension: usually ₩300-700 surcharge over the airport-to-Seoul-Station base.
Where can I buy and recharge a T-money card?
Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, Emart24) — empty card costs ₩2,500-4,000. Subway station vending machines (most have English UI). Incheon Airport arrival floor (Travelers' Service Centers and Lotte / SK Telink booths). Recharge anywhere with the T-money logo. Minimum top-up ₩1,000; max balance ₩500,000. Cash works everywhere; foreign credit cards work at most CU/GS25 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 all of: (1) T-money or Climate Card payment, (2) tap on entry AND exit on every leg, (3) transfer within 30 min (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 — which is cheaper?
All-Stop is much cheaper (~₩4,750 vs ₩13,000). Express saves ~15 minutes, gives a guaranteed seat with luggage room, and no transfers. Heavy bags + post-flight fatigue → Express. Backpack + flexible schedule → All-Stop, especially with the integrated transfer discount. Online discount tickets drop Express to ~₩11,400 — still 2.4× the All-Stop.
Is the Seoul Climate Card worth it for tourists?
30-day Basic pass: ₩62,000 → break-even at ~31 trips (about 5/week). Combined (Bus+Subway+Bike): ₩65,000. 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 with a 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?
Refund a balance up to ₩20,000 at any T-money sales point (CU, GS25, etc.) for a ₩500 fee. Larger balances go to T-money headquarters (Seoul Eulji-ro) or partner banks — bring passport. No card-deposit refund (the card is yours). Many travelers gift the card to friends or save it for a return trip — the chip stays valid for 5 years from last use.