What do you check before a transport card top-up in Korea?
Yes, the tourism guide says Tmoney and EZL cards can be bought and reloaded at convenience stores nationwide, but check the card’s name, the store’s sign for that card and the payment it takes for reloads first.
The Korea Tourism Organization’s card guide, updated in August 2026, lists the Tmoney card, EZL card, WOWPASS and the Seoul Climate Card as cards travellers use. They are bought and reloaded in different places, so the card name decides where you go. The guide does not say which payment methods convenience stores take for Tmoney or EZL reloads, so Korea Convenience Store Guide lists no fees, limits or payment rules until they are checked with each card operator.
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What does reloading a transport card at a convenience store mean?
Putting money onto a prepaid card that you then tap on buses, subways and at shops that accept it.
The tourism guide describes these as reloadable prepaid cards that need no bank account, used on public transport and at affiliated stores showing the card’s logo. It also says that cards such as Tmoney and EZL can be bought and loaded at convenience stores nationwide, and that travellers under 18 who want fare discounts must register their date of birth, for which it names the convenience store.
Which sign at a convenience store shows that a card can be reloaded?
A sign or sticker carrying your card’s name. The 2021 tourism guide said reloading was available only at stores showing it.
That guide named Tmoney and Cashbee signs. It dates from October 2021, so treat it as the rule of thumb behind the habit of looking for the card name, and ask at the counter when you see no sign.
What are the steps for a transport card reload at a convenience store?
Card name, then the place that reloads it, then the means of payment.
| Step | What happens | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Buying a card | You pay for the card itself | Which cards the branch sells |
| Reloading | Money goes onto the card | Card name sign, payment accepted for reloads |
| Paying with the card | The card pays for goods | Whether the shop accepts that card |
| Refund of balance | Money comes back off the card | Where the card operator allows refunds |
How do the transport cards differ for reloading at convenience stores?
The tourism guide gives a different place to buy and load each card, and the Climate Card is loaded at subway machines.
The table repeats only places, not prices or limits. The guide itself warns that information may have changed since August 2026, and some of its card descriptions differ between the main text and its FAQ, so fares and limits are left to each card operator.
| Card | Bought at | Loaded at | Note in the guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tmoney | Convenience stores nationwide, Seoul subway information centres | Convenience stores, subway ticket machines | Under-18 discount needs date of birth registered |
| EZL | Convenience stores nationwide | Convenience stores | Small balance refunds at convenience stores |
| WOWPASS | App, kiosks at airports, stations and hotels | WOWPASS kiosks | Passport needed to buy |
| Climate Card (Seoul) | Subway information centres, some nearby convenience stores | Subway ticket machines | Cash or Korea-issued card only |
What if you have a transport card but do not know its name?
Read the name printed on the card, then look for that name at the store; if you still cannot tell, show the card at the counter.
Hand over the card and say that you want to reload it, not buy a new one. If the staff say the branch cannot reload that card, the guide’s list of places in the table above points to the next place to try.
How current is the transport card information?
The card guide shows an August 2026 update. The sign rule comes from a guide last updated on 6 October 2021.
The card guide also notes changes to the Seoul Climate Card from 1 October 2026. Korea Convenience Store Guide re-reads the guide monthly and whenever an operator announces a change.
What can transport card guidance not tell you at a convenience store?
Today’s reload limits, fees and whether your foreign card will be accepted for a reload.
Those depend on the card operator and the branch. The site lists no amounts until it has checked them against each operator’s own pages.
What else do people ask about reloading a transport card at a convenience store?
Why do I need to know the card type?
Each card is bought, loaded and refunded in different places, so the name tells you where to go.
Is buying a card the same as reloading it?
No. Buying pays for the card itself and reloading puts money onto it. Tell the staff which one you want.
Can I reload with a foreign credit card?
For the Climate Card the guide says cash or a Korea-issued card only. For other cards, ask what the branch accepts for reloads.
Which sign shows that reloading is possible?
A sign with your card’s name. The 2021 guide said reloading was available only where that sign was shown.
Where can I check the current reload limit?
On the card operator’s own guide. Korea Convenience Store Guide does not list limits.
Which sources does this page use?
- Transportation Cards Fares, limits and payment methods are not repeated here until checked against each card operator.
- Where to Shop: Marts & General Stores Historical reference for the kinds of services stores offered. Not evidence of current hours or of any branch’s services.