WOWPASS Guide for Travelers to Korea: Fees, Exchange and T-money (2026)
Last updated: October 2026 · Written by the Seoul Travel Tips team, based in Seoul
WOWPASS is a prepaid card for foreign visitors that combines three things in one: a currency exchange machine, a Korean debit card you can pay with in shops, and a built-in T-money transport card. You feed your home currency into a WOWPASS kiosk, and the money is loaded onto the card in Korean won.
It is popular with first-time visitors, but it works differently from what many people expect — especially for transport. This guide explains how.
WOWPASS is a service of its operator. This page is an independent guide, not an official WOWPASS page.
WOWPASS at a Glance
| Card issuance fee | ₩5,000 (one-time) |
| Exchange / top-up fee | None at WOWPASS kiosks |
| Currencies accepted | 16, including USD, EUR, JPY, CNY, GBP, SGD |
| Kiosks | 230+ locations, including Incheon Airport, subway stations and hotels |
| Cash withdrawal | ₩1,000 per withdrawal, up to ₩100,000 each time |
| Card reissue (if lost) | ₩3,000 — your balance can be moved to the new card |
| What you need | Your passport and cash to load |
How to Get a WOWPASS
- Find an orange WOWPASS kiosk — there are machines at Incheon Airport, major subway stations such as Myeongdong, and many hotels.
- Choose “Get a new card” and scan your passport.
- Insert your foreign cash. The machine shows the exchange rate before you confirm.
- Take your card, then download the WOWPASS app and register it so you can track your balance and lock the card if it is lost.
Note: the kiosks at Incheon Airport do not offer every function. Cash withdrawal and card reissue are not available there, so use a city kiosk for those.
Important: Two Separate Balances
This is the part most visitors miss. A WOWPASS card holds two separate balances:
| Balance | Used for | How to top up |
|---|---|---|
| WOWPASS balance | Paying in shops, cafes, restaurants | Foreign cash at a kiosk, or via the app |
| T-money balance | Subway, buses, some taxis | Korean won cash at convenience stores or station machines, or transfer from your WOWPASS balance in the app |
The money you load at a kiosk goes into the WOWPASS balance only. Your T-money balance starts at zero. Before your first subway ride, top it up — the easiest way is to withdraw some won at a WOWPASS kiosk and ask a convenience store cashier to load the T-money side.
In the app you can move money from WOWPASS to T-money (a small fee applies; Android phones with NFC). You cannot move it back.
Where You Can Pay With It
The WOWPASS balance works like a Korean debit card in physical stores across Korea: convenience stores, cafes, restaurants, cosmetics shops, department stores and most places that take cards. It cannot be used for online shopping.
WOWPASS also partners with some brands to offer instant discounts in-store — check the app before a big shopping trip.
Is WOWPASS Worth It?
WOWPASS makes sense if:
- You plan to bring foreign cash and want a good exchange rate without visiting a money changer.
- Your home bank card charges high foreign transaction fees.
- You want one card for both shopping and transport.
- You like being able to lock a lost card and get your balance back.
You may not need it if:
- Your credit or debit card has no foreign transaction fees and works well in Korea — then a plain T-money card for transport is enough.
- You will mainly ride the subway many times a day. A Climate Card may save more on transport.
WOWPASS vs T-money vs Climate Card
| WOWPASS | T-money | Climate Card | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Card cost | ₩5,000 | About ₩3,000–5,000 | ₩3,000 + pass |
| Pay in shops | Yes (main purpose) | Only at some stores | No |
| Currency exchange | Yes, at kiosks | No | No |
| Transport | Yes, via separate T-money balance | Yes | Unlimited rides in Seoul |
| Best for | Shopping + transport in one card | Simple pay-per-ride | 3+ journeys a day in Seoul |
Still unsure? Try our Seoul Pass Finder.
Getting Your Money Back
Withdraw your remaining WOWPASS balance as Korean won at a city kiosk (₩1,000 fee per withdrawal), or simply spend it at a convenience store before you leave. The card and its balance stay valid for several years, so many visitors keep it for their next trip.
Your T-money balance is refunded separately, the same way as any T-money card. → T-money refunds
Common Mistakes
- Trying to tap into the subway with only a WOWPASS balance. Load the T-money side first.
- Using an airport kiosk for withdrawals. That function is only at city kiosks.
- Not registering the card in the app. Without registration, a lost card’s balance is much harder to recover.
- Relying on it for everything. Keep a backup card and some won for markets and street food stalls. → Global ATM Finder
FAQ
Is WOWPASS a credit card? No. It is prepaid — you can only spend what you have loaded.
Can I top up with my credit card? Yes, through the WOWPASS app, as well as with cash at kiosks. Check the app for any fee before topping up by card.
Can I use WOWPASS outside Seoul? Yes. Payments and the T-money function work across Korea, and there are kiosks in other cities such as Busan and Daegu.
Does WOWPASS include airport transport? Its T-money side works on the AREX All-Stop train and city buses. The AREX Express and airport limousine buses need separate tickets, which you can usually pay for with the WOWPASS balance. → Incheon Airport to Seoul
Related Guides
→ Currency calculator · How to use a global ATM · Shopping tax refund · Seoul travel budget
Fees and features can change. We check this page regularly, but please confirm the latest details in the official WOWPASS app before you travel.
A Local’s Note
WOWPASS: The Card I’d Suggest to Friends Visiting Seoul
WOWPASS is a card made just for foreign visitors. The biggest difference from T-money, which only works for transport, is that WOWPASS is also a prepaid payment card. If you’re worried about how you’ll pay for things while traveling in Korea, it’s well worth a look.
I know a lot of travelers like to carry cash. There are global ATMs in Seoul that accept foreign cards, but you often have to go out of your way to find one. And honestly, there’s very little reliable information online that tells you exactly where they are.
These days, plenty of places in Seoul accept foreign credit cards, but there are still quite a few that don’t. My advice is to ask before you order or buy anything, whether you’re at a restaurant, a café or a shopping mall, just to make sure your card will work.