# Climate Card, T-money or WOWPASS? How to Ride Seoul's Subway in 2026

- URL: https://hallyu-brief.vercel.app/en/news/seoul-transit-card-guide-2026-foreign-credit-cards-4361b0
- Published: 2026-10-15T18:19:05.282Z
- Publisher: Hallyu Brief

> Since March 17, Seoul subway ticket machines accept Visa and MasterCard issued overseas. The Seoul Metropolitan Government says the change makes buying transit cards easier for foreign visitors. Here is how the main options compare.

## Key points

1. Since March 17, Seoul subway ticket machines accept overseas Visa and MasterCard.
2. Foreign card payments carry an average service fee of 3.7%.
3. Overseas cards currently cover the Climate Companion Card and 1 to 7 day passes.

## 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.

## FAQ

### Can I use a foreign credit card to buy a transit card in Seoul?

Yes. Since March 17, subway ticket machines at 273 stations on Lines 1 to 8 accept Visa and MasterCard issued overseas. The average service fee is 3.7%.

### Which passes can foreigners buy with an overseas card?

The Climate Companion Card and the 1, 2, 3, 5 and 7-day passes. 30-day passes are not yet included but may be added later.

### Are KakaoPay and Naver Pay accepted at the machines?

Yes. Simple payment methods such as KakaoPay and Naver Pay are also accepted on the new machines.

## Sources

- [The Asia Business Daily](https://view.asiae.co.kr/en/article/2026031609113223115)

_Written and translated with AI from official announcements and Korean media reports. If something is wrong, please let us know._