01
Set up your card
- Install the official WOWPASS app and locate an issuing machine or follow your pickup booking.
- Bring your passport. Follow the machine's language, passport scan and card-issuance prompts.
- Register the issued card in the app; check the fees and amount before confirming a top-up.
WOWPASS balanceShopping · insert chip
Tmoney balanceTransport · tap reader
Top up separately
02
Top up the balance you will use
- For shopping, choose WOWPASS top-up and confirm the final amount and fees.
- For transport, open Tmoney in the app and use a supported phone's card-scan top-up. Keep the card against the phone until completion.
- If app top-up is unavailable, use a Tmoney station machine or participating convenience store with KRW cash.
- Read the Tmoney balance before boarding. A shopping balance alone will not open the gate.
03
Insert for shopping, tap for transport
| Where | Action |
|---|---|
| Shop or restaurant | Insert the card's chip; check the charge in the app. |
| Subway or city bus | Tap the card on the transit reader; check approval. |
| Failed payment | Check which balance is low and whether a charge already exists before retrying. |
04
Before leaving Korea
Shopping-balance withdrawal and Tmoney refund are separate processes. Use the official guide below for the applicable machine, refund counter and fees. Some airport machines do not offer withdrawals.
If the card is lost, pause it in the app promptly. Reissuing the shopping card does not recover the lost physical card's Tmoney balance.
Sources and scope
Source review: 2026-10-16. Practical steps and itinerary combinations are editorial guidance. Check official notices for current opening hours, prices, availability and entry requirements.