## The subway is easier than the payment menu looks Seoul’s subway is one of the most useful ways to move around the city. For a short visit, the main decision is whether you will use a reloadable transport card such as T-money, a single-journey ticket, or a short-term Climate Card. ## If you already have T-money Use the card at the gate when entering and again when leaving. This is the simplest option for visitors who are also using buses or traveling beyond Seoul. Make sure the card has enough balance before entering. ## If you only need one ride Single-journey tickets are available at station machines. A major 2026 change is that Seoul installed new ticket machines across Lines 1–8 that accept internationally issued credit/debit cards and mobile payments for single-journey tickets. That reduces the old cash-only friction for visitors at those machines. ## Do not confuse that with ordinary T-money top-up The new international-card acceptance for single tickets does not automatically mean every T-money purchase or top-up accepts a foreign card. Korea Tourism Organization’s 2026 transport guide still describes ordinary prepaid T-money purchase/top-up as cash-based for foreign visitors. ## Climate Card is a different choice The Climate Card is a Seoul-focused unlimited-use product with its own service area and pass duration. Short-term passes remain available for visitors. VISITKOREA notes that the 30-day Climate Card product was discontinued from October 1, 2026, while short-term products continue. It may make sense for a Seoul-heavy itinerary with frequent rides, but it is not a universal Korea transport pass. ## Practical habits that prevent mistakes - Check the destination station name and line color/number before entering. - If a route requires a transfer, confirm the direction of the second line before following signs. - Keep the same card or ticket through the whole journey. - When using a transport card, do not let the balance fall too low before the last ride of the day. - For late travel, check the actual last train for your route rather than assuming the subway runs all night. ## When the subway is not the best answer For a hotel far from a station, heavy luggage, a very late arrival, or destinations with awkward transfers, a bus or taxi may be easier. The Travel Information hub should be used together with each Place page’s nearest-station and access information rather than treating the subway as the answer to every journey.