Tmoney

Tmoney
티머니
LocationSouth Korea
LaunchedApril 22 2004
Technology
OperatorTmoney Corporation
ManagerTmoney Corporation
CurrencyKRW (500,000 KRW maximum load)
Credit expiryNone
Auto rechargeavailable
Validity
Retailed
Variants
  • Tmoney Mpass
  • POP card
Websiteeng.tmoney.co.kr/en/aeb/main/main/readMain.dev

Tmoney (Korean: 티머니), formerly styled T-money, is a rechargeable series of smart cards and other "smart" devices used for paying transportation fares in South Korea. Tmoney can also be used in lieu of cash or credit cards in some convenience stores and other businesses. The Tmoney System has been implemented and is being operated by Tmoney Co., Ltd of which 34.4% owned by Seoul Metropolitan Government, 31.85% owned by LG CNS, and 15.73% owned by Credit Card Union.

Usage

Similar to its predecessor, the "Seoul Bus Card", Tmoney can be used to pay for bus, subway and some taxi fares. As of June 2024, Tmoney is accepted by:

Additionally, shops and attractions including Seoul's four palaces (except Gyeonghuigung), Lotte World amusement park, Kyobo Book Centre, GS 25, CU/FamilyMart and other selected convenience stores accept Tmoney as payment method.

Card types

Standard

Tmoney cards cost 3,000 – 5,000 won and can be purchased and recharged at metro stations, bank ATMs, convenience stores and kiosks located adjacent to bus stops. Self-service recharge machines are also available at Seoul and Busan metro stations.

In 2014, "One Card All Pass"-enabled Tmoney was introduced. It holds "One Card All Pass" logo, and bears slightly different card number system compared to generic Tmoney. As of March 2016, "One Card All Pass" Tmoney is accepted at major retailers, most express bus and some intercity bus routes, express road toll booths, Korail stations, all metro systems, and all bus systems except Gimhae.

Discount cards

There are two types of discount cards available for sale, one for teenagers (age 13-18) and the other for children (age 7-12). One needs a proper ID such as a Youth Card or Student ID in order to purchase these cards. Discount cards must be registered via the Internet within 10 days after first use. Registration requires the number on the card, and a National ID number or Foreigner Registration Number. Senior citizens are entitled to free transportation and can pick up free tickets at ticket machine in Seoul metropolitan subway stations with proper ID.

Tmoney accessories

Smaller, more durable Tmoney cards with a lanyard for easy attachment to cell phones are also available, for about 6,000~8,000 won.

Other cards

Company

Tmoney is operated by Tmoney Co., Ltd. The company was established in 2003 to run Seoul's smart-card fare system and was known as Korea Smart Card Co. before being renamed Tmoney in June 2019. Its largest shareholder is the Seoul Metropolitan Government, with LG CNS as the second-largest shareholder. In April 2025, the company spun off its mobility and VAN/PG operations into a subsidiary, Tmoney Mobility, in which Kakao Mobility acquired a 19.99% stake.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 KTO, Korea Tourism Organization. "Transportation Cards : VISITKOREA". Transportation Cards. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
  2. ↑ "국토부인증 전국호환 티머니 카드 출시 안내". Tmoney. 27 June 2014. Retrieved 20 March 2016.
  3. ↑ "한국스마트카드, '티머니'로 사명 변경" [Korea Smart Card renamed Tmoney]. Edaily (in Korean).
  4. ↑ "알짜기업 티머니 대주주 서울시, 배당 안 받는 이유" [Why Seoul, Tmoney's main shareholder, takes no dividends]. Daehan Economy (in Korean).
  5. ↑ "티머니모빌리티 4월 출범…카카오모빌리티 19.99%" [Tmoney Mobility launches; Kakao Mobility takes 19.99%]. Electronic Times (in Korean). 31 March 2025.
  6. ↑ "티머니, 모빌리티·밴/PG 사업부문 물적분할" [Tmoney spins off mobility and VAN/PG businesses]. Digital Today (in Korean). March 2025.