eSIM
Best when your phone supports eSIM and you want to land already connected. Official SK Telecom and KT tourist plans currently list a 5-day data eSIM at about ₩27,500.
SK Telecom KTArrival Routine
Everything works a little differently here. Here’s how to actually use it.
A verified, practical sequence for the first hours and first days of a Korea trip — without the stale price shortcuts and unsupported ATM hacks.
checked against current official sources · Aug 22, 202601
SIM & data
Buy against your trip length, not a generic “tourist SIM” price.
Physical SIM
Useful when your device is not eSIM-capable or you prefer airport pickup. Prices vary by carrier, data/voice package and duration, so we no longer publish one fixed 5-day price.
02
Cash & foreign-card ATMs
Use a machine marked for global/foreign cards and follow the network logo on your card.
Look for Global ATM
Major banks operate ATMs that support foreign cards. If one machine rejects your card, try another bank or a clearly marked global ATM.
Check the network
Match the card-network mark shown on your card. We removed unsupported advice about choosing a specific account type or shortening a PIN.
Read fees first
ATM and issuer fees vary. Review the fee and exchange-rate screen before confirming a withdrawal.
03
T-money & transit cards
Buy it once, load it, and remember the one rule first-time visitors miss: tag when you get off.
Card purchase price
Official visitor guidance lists general T-money cards around ₩3,000–5,000; character and limited designs vary by retailer.
The card purchase price is not refundable. Only the stored balance can be refunded.
Top-up in 2026
Cash reloads at convenience stores and subway machines remain the safest universal method for a physical T-money card. Do not assume every new international-card machine can reload a normal T-money card.
THE RULE TO REMEMBER: TAG OFF. Tap when you get off. Missing the exit tap can invalidate a transfer discount.
Refund before departure
Refund limits and fees differ by outlet. Do it the evening before departure rather than while rushing to the airport.
Alternative: WOWPASS
WOWPASS is a tourist prepaid payment card with an integrated T-money function. Payment balance and transit balance are managed separately.
04
Maps that work locally
Google Maps is useful for place discovery, but local navigation still works differently.
NAVER Map
KTO’s 2026 travel guide recommends NAVER Map for route planning in Korea. It supports walking, driving and public-transport directions, with multilingual support including English, Chinese and Japanese.
Google Maps
We corrected the old “no routing” claim. Google Maps navigation in Korea is still described by KTO as under development; NAVER Map may be more reliable for local routing today.
KTO 2026 travel guide05
Subway, bus & taxi
A few fare rules prevent the most common surprises.
Transfers are discounted, not always free
The integrated fare can add distance-based charges. Always tap out, and make the next transfer within the allowed window.
Seoul transit rulesSeoul taxi late-night surcharge
Standard sedan taxis currently add 20% from 22:00–23:00, 40% from 23:00–02:00, and 20% from 02:00–04:00. The old flat “about 20% after midnight” wording was incorrect.
Official Seoul taxi fares06
When you need a human
1330 is Korea Tourism Organization’s multilingual travel helpline.
1330 Travel Helpline
Travel assistance is available 24/7 by phone and chat. In Korea, dial 1330; from overseas, use +82-2-1330. Language availability can differ by channel, so use the live helpline page for the current options.
VISITKOREA 1330Korea travel tips for payments, T-money and transport.
Start with the practical decisions that shape every day: airport arrival, public transport, T-money, cards and cash, mobile data and simple language habits. Then move into local routes with fewer surprises.