Don't bother with Apple Pay T-money if you are a tourist

Apple Pay support for T-money - used for transit payments in Korea - was announced in July 2025, but did you know tourists cannot use it? You're better off buying a SIM+T-money combo card or eSIM + T-money card online. Buy a card with unlimited data + T-money for the ultimate experience.

This is because only South Korea-issued credit cards can be used to fund the card. This means only residents would have the required credit card. Tourists are able to create a T-money card in Apple Wallet, but unable to fund it. Save yourself some time and don't bother trying.

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Keep carrying cash in South Korea ..

My recommendation is to keep carrying cash in South Korea. While you can pay for many things with a credit card, subway fares are not one of them. While Seoul has begun rolling out new kiosks that accept credit cards, most still only support domestic (Korean) cards. Without this knowledge, if you see a machine with a credit card slot, you will end up being frustrated trying to figure out why your (international) credit card does not work.

.. and Purchase a SIM/eSIM + T-money card

I recommend buying a combination SIM + T-money card online and picking it up at either Incheon or Gimpo airport. If you use an eSIM as I recommend, order an eSIM online and pickup the T-money card for free at the airport.