T-money
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| Location | Seoul Metropolitan Area |
|---|---|
| Launched | April 2004 |
| Technology | ISO/IEC 14443 Type A/B |
| Operator | Korea Smart Card |
| Manager | Korea Smart Card |
| Currency | KRW |
| Credit expiry | None |
| Auto recharge | available in different name |
| Validity | Seoul Subway and buses |
| Busan Subway and buses | |
| Jeju Buses | |
| Retailed | Subway stations |
| convenience store and kiosk | |
| Korea Post and Shinhan Bank | |
| Variants | Seoul Citypass |
| Website | http://www.t-money.co.kr |
T-money is a rechargeable series of cards and other "smart" devices used for paying transportation fares in and around Seoul and other areas of South Korea. T-money can also be used in lieu of cash or credit cards in some convenience stores and other businesses. The T-money System has been implemented and is being operated by Korea Smart Card Co., Ltd which is 100% owned by Seoul Metropolitan City Government.
Contents |
[edit] Use
Similar to its predecessor, the "Seoul Bus Card", T-money can be used to pay for bus, subway and some taxi fares. T-money is accepted by:
- All Seoul·Gyeonggido·Incheon, Daejeon and Busan buses
- Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon and Busan Metropolitan Subway networks
- AREX
- All Chungcheongnamdo buses
- All Gangneung, Wonju and Hoengseong buses in Gangwondo
- All Andong and Pohang city buses in Gyeongsangbukdo
- All Tongyeong and Geoje city buses in Gyeongsangnamdo
- All Jeju Special Self-governing Province buses
Some stores and attractions including Lotte World amusement park, Kyobo Book Centre, GS 25 and other selected convenience stores accept T-money as cash.
[edit] Card types
[edit] Standard
T-money cards cost 2500 won and can be purchased and recharged at stations, banks, convenience stores and kiosks located adjacent to bus stops. Self-service recharge machines are also available. Cards can easily be scanned while within a purse or wallet, but can be damaged if bent or otherwise subjected to unnecessary force.
[edit] 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 7 days after first use. Registration requires a user name and a National ID number or Foreigner registration number. Senior citizens are entitled to free transportation and can pick up free tickets at counters in subway stations.
[edit] Special cards
- T-money minus card:
- T-money plus card:
[edit] T-money accessories
Smaller, more durable T-money cards with a thread for easy attachment to cell phones are also available, for about 5000 won. Watches, dolls, MP3 players, portable memory sticks, rings, and bands containing T-money chips are also on sale.
[edit] Related cards
- Metro Pass (정기권), a monthly pass for the Seoul and Incheon subway systems available at stations.
- Seoul Citypass, a one-day transportation card incorporating the Seoul City Tour Bus ticket and limited use of the metropolitan transportation system.
- Seoul Citypass Plus is an upgraded type of Seoul Citypass. This card is rechargeable, and sells discount cards.
- Mobile T-money is an IC chip which works with cell phones serviced by SK Telecom and KTF. This chip can be used as a USIM chip.
[edit] Other cards
- eB T-money, now discontinued. See Upass
- Topcash T-money, sold in the Gyeongsangnam and Gyeongsangbuk Provinces except Andong.
[edit] History
- April 22, 2004 : city government announced the name of new transit card called T-money. 'T' stands for travel, touch, traffic and technology.
- June 2004 : T-money terminals installed at stations. Several bugs had to be ironed out before full operation.
- July 1, 2004 : System officially inaugurated, with a day of free transit for all.
- October 15, 2005 : Incheon public transit system started to accept T-money.
- December 6, 2005 : T-money Internet refilling service started.
- November 13, 2006 : Gyeonggi-do transit system started to partially accept T-money.
- August 4, 2008 : Busan urban buses started to accept T-money.
[edit] See also
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[edit] External links
- Official site in Korean and in English
- Seoul Citypass
