Can you tap a foreign card on Seoul's subway?

Not directly at the turnstile, but you can now buy a ticket with one. According to the Asia Business Daily, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on March 16 that new transit card vending machines at 273 stations on Subway Lines 1 to 8 accept Visa and MasterCard issued overseas, starting March 17. The machines, 440 in total, also take KakaoPay and Naver Pay.

Which cards can you buy this way?

| Product | Overseas card at machine? | |---|---| | Climate Companion Card | Yes, purchase and reload | | 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7-day passes | Yes | | 30-day passes | Not yet, under review | | Single-use subway ticket | Yes, usable from the first train on March 17 |

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said it will consider adding 30-day passes later, based on demand from foreign visitors.

What does it cost?

Cards paid with an overseas credit or debit card carry an average service fee of 3.7%. The payment system was built with Hana Card, Tmoney, NICE Information & Telecommunication and Seoul Metro. For current card prices and pass rules, check the official Seoul transit websites, as these can change.

Where can you get help?

The city and Tmoney planned promotional booths on March 17, 20 and 21 at Seoul Station, Hongdae Entrance Station and Myeong-dong Station, all popular with tourists.

For international fans

If you are visiting Seoul for a concert or event, the machines are the simplest way to buy a single ride or a short pass without first changing money. Keep your card ready, expect the 3.7% fee, and check which pass suits your number of days before you go.