2025 Korea Transit Card Guide – Compare Tmoney, Mpass, Tour Card, AmazingPay & Alipay
Discover the best Korea transit card for tourists in 2025. Compare Tmoney, Mpass, Korea Tour Card, AmazingPay, and Alipay Tmoney to find your perfect travel companion.
Introduction
Planning a trip to South Korea in 2025? Whether you're exploring the vibrant streets of Seoul, wandering through the palaces of Gyeongbokgung, or hopping on a late-night bus to Busan, having the right transportation card can significantly enhance your travel experience. South Korea’s public transportation system is globally renowned for its efficiency, cleanliness, and affordability—but navigating the various card options can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Thankfully, several types of Tmoney cards are now tailored specifically for tourists. From simple reloadable cards to all-in-one passes that combine transport with sightseeing benefits, travelers in Korea have more flexibility and convenience than ever before. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare the five most useful transportation cards for 2025: the classic Tmoney card, the Mpass daily transit pass, the Korea Tour Card, the AmazingPay card for airport convenience, and the Alipay Tmoney for Chinese travelers.
Table of Contents
- Tmoney (Basic Card)
- Mpass (Daily Transit Pass)
- Korea Tour Card
- AmazingPay Tmoney
- Alipay Tmoney
- Comparison Table
- Conclusion
1. Tmoney (Basic Card)
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The Tmoney card is the most common and convenient transportation card in Korea. It’s a rechargeable smart card that can be used on all public transportation systems, including the subway, buses, and even taxis. You can also use it in many convenience stores and cafés.
- Function: Pay-as-you-go card usable on subway, buses, taxis, and retail.
- Where to Buy: Available at CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, MINISTOP, subway stations, and airport kiosks.
- Price: KRW 3,000 (card only; load balance separately).
- Best For: Travelers who want a flexible and straightforward solution.
Pros: Widely accepted, easy to reload, no expiration.
Cons: No tourist-specific discounts.
2. Mpass (Daily Transit Pass)
If you’re planning to explore Seoul intensively over a few days, the Mpass is a great deal. This card offers unlimited rides on Seoul subways and city buses within the number of days you select.
- Function: Unlimited rides (up to 20 per day) on subways and buses.
- Price:
- 1-day: KRW 15,000 (KRW 12,000 after 5PM)
- 2-day: KRW 23,000
- 3-day: KRW 30,500
- 5-day: KRW 47,500
- 7-day: KRW 64,500
- Where to Buy: Seoul Station (Tmoney Town), tourist centers in Incheon Airport.
- Validity: Must be used on consecutive days.
- Best For: Tourists taking multiple subway/bus rides daily.
Pros: Cost-effective for intensive travel, simple to use.
Cons: Limited to Seoul area, non-transferable.
3. Korea Tour Card
The Korea Tour Card is a great combination of transport and tourism perks. It works like a Tmoney card but also provides discounts at over 100 partner locations, including shopping centers, cultural sites, and tourist attractions.
- Function: Tmoney transport + tourist discounts.
- Price: KRW 4,000
- Where to Buy: Incheon and Gimpo Airports, convenience stores, online platforms.
- Best For: Tourists who plan to shop, eat, and visit major landmarks.
Pros: Offers real value if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
Cons: You must present the card at eligible locations for discounts.
4. AmazingPay Tmoney
AmazingPay is a premium tourist card, especially useful for those landing at Incheon Airport. It provides a 10% discount on airport limousine buses and includes a coupon booklet with discounts for attractions, dining, and performances.
- Function: Transit + limousine discount + tourism coupon pack.
- Price: KRW 50,000 (KRW 46,000 balance + KRW 4,000 card fee).
- Where to Buy: Incheon Airport (Bus Ticket Office, CU stores).
- Best For: Airport arrivals who want transit + tourism deals.
Benefits include:
- 10% discount on airport limo buses (e.g. 6001, 6015, 6200 lines)
- 10–30% off Lotte World, Everland, NANTA show, spas, and more
Cons: Refund available only under KRW 20,000, no partial refunds.
5. Alipay Tmoney
Exclusively for Alipay users, this card is designed for the millions of Chinese tourists visiting Korea each year. You can buy the card in advance via the Alipay app and pick it up at Incheon or Gimpo Airport.
- Function: Tmoney card prepaid in CNY via Alipay.
- Price: KRW 23,500 (KRW 20,000 credit + KRW 3,500 fee).
- Where to Get: Present barcode at Woori Bank or Tourist Center in Incheon/Gimpo Airports.
- Best For: Chinese travelers using Alipay for seamless pickup.
Pros: No need to handle Korean won at airport, ready to use instantly.
Cons: Refunds only processed in Korea; no discounts included.
Comparison Table
| Card Type | Transit Use | Tourist Discounts | Refundable | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tmoney (Basic) | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (fee) | General use |
| Mpass | ✅ Unlimited | ❌ | ✅ (limited) | Transit-intensive travel |
| Korea Tour Card | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (fee) | Sightseeing + shopping |
| AmazingPay | ✅ + Limo Bus | ✅ | ✅ (below ₩20k) | Airport users + attractions |
| Alipay Tmoney | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (in Korea only) | Chinese tourists |
Conclusion
With so many great options, it’s important to match your card to your travel goals. Are you exploring every subway stop in Seoul? Go with Mpass. Do you want to shop, dine, and explore cultural sites? Korea Tour Card is for you. Arriving via Incheon Airport? Grab an AmazingPay card and get rolling. Coming from China? Alipay Tmoney will have you riding instantly.
No matter which card you choose, one thing is clear: using Korea’s advanced transit system has never been more accessible or convenient. Travel smart in 2025 — and enjoy every corner of Korea with the right card in hand!
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