How to Link and Use Apple Pay with T-Money in South Korea (Full Guide)
T-Money is South Korea’s most widely used transportation and micropayment system, accepted on subways, buses, taxis, and even at convenience stores. With Apple Pay’s expansion in Korea, commuters and residents can now conveniently integrate T-Money into their iPhones or Apple Watches for a seamless contactless payment experience.
This guide explains how to link T-Money to Apple Pay, the requirements, the step-by-step process, and how to use it effectively across different transport and retail settings.
1. What is T-Money?
T-Money is a rechargeable smart card used primarily for public transportation in Korea. It is accepted in:
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Seoul metro and buses
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Nationwide city buses and subway lines
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Taxis
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Convenience stores (GS25, CU, 7-Eleven)
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Cafes and select fast-food chains
Traditionally, T-Money was used as a physical card, but with digital transformation and Apple Pay integration, you can now add it directly to your iPhone or Apple Watch.
2. Requirements to Use Apple Pay with T-Money
Before you begin, make sure you meet the following conditions:
✅ Device Compatibility
You need:
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iPhone 8 or later (running iOS 17.4 or later)
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Apple Watch Series 3 or later (watchOS 10.4 or later)
✅ Apple ID Region
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Your Apple ID region must be set to South Korea.
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You can change your region in Settings > Apple ID > Media & Purchases > View Account > Country/Region.
✅ T-Money App
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Download the T-Money iOS app from the App Store.
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The app may appear as "티머니페이" or "T-Money Pay" depending on your language settings.
✅ Payment Method
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You can recharge T-Money through:
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Korean credit/debit cards
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Some global cards (Visa/Mastercard)
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Apple Pay (if supported for top-ups)
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3. How to Link T-Money to Apple Pay
Here's a step-by-step guide to link your T-Money card to your iPhone or Apple Watch.
Step 1: Install the T-Money App
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Go to the App Store.
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Search for T-Money Pay (티머니페이).
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Download and install the app.
Step 2: Sign Up or Log In
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Create an account using your phone number or social login.
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Verify your identity (phone authentication may be required).
Step 3: Issue a Digital T-Money Card
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In the app, select Add New Card or Issue Card.
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Choose the Apple Pay-compatible T-Money option.
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Select whether you want it on iPhone or Apple Watch.
💡 Note: You can issue one T-Money card per device. That means one for iPhone and one for Apple Watch, if desired.
Step 4: Add to Apple Wallet
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Tap Add to Apple Wallet within the T-Money app.
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The Wallet app will launch automatically.
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Follow the on-screen instructions.
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Confirm and verify if necessary.
Once completed, your T-Money card is available in Apple Wallet, and you can use it just like a physical card.
4. How to Recharge T-Money on Apple Pay
To use T-Money, you must first load money into your card. Here’s how:
Option 1: Recharge via T-Money App
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Open the T-Money app.
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Select your Apple Wallet T-Money card.
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Tap Recharge or Top-Up.
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Choose a payment method (card or account).
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Enter the desired amount (₩1,000–₩90,000 per top-up).
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Confirm the transaction.
⚠️ Recharge limits may apply depending on your card issuer or app settings.
Option 2: Auto Recharge (Optional)
You can set up Auto Recharge within the app to automatically top up when your balance falls below a certain threshold.
5. How to Use Apple Pay T-Money for Public Transportation
Once your card is added and charged, using it is effortless.
🔹 On Subways and Buses
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Simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch near the T-Money card reader at subway gates or bus entrances.
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The reader will beep and show a green light when accepted.
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You do not need to unlock your phone or authenticate — this is possible because the card is configured for Express Transit Mode.
🚀 Express Transit Mode means you can pay without Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
🔹 On Taxis
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Tell the driver you want to pay with T-Money.
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Tap your device on the T-Money terminal next to the meter.
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Wait for confirmation.
6. How to Use Apple Pay T-Money for Purchases
You can also use T-Money at many retail stores in Korea.
✅ Accepted Locations
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Convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven)
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Cafes like Ediya Coffee
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Bakeries, fast food outlets
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Vending machines
✅ How to Pay
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At checkout, let the cashier know you're paying with T-Money.
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Tap your iPhone or Apple Watch on the reader.
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No need for app launch or authentication (thanks to Express Transit Mode).
💡 Not all stores accept T-Money, so look for the T-Money logo or ask the staff before trying.
7. Managing T-Money Card in Apple Wallet
To check balance or transaction history:
On iPhone:
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Open Wallet app.
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Tap the T-Money card.
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View your balance, recent trips, or purchases.
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To recharge, tap Add Money (which redirects to the T-Money app).
On Apple Watch:
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Double-tap the side button.
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Swipe to find your T-Money card.
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You’ll see balance and can use it by tapping the reader.
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
❓ Can foreigners use Apple Pay T-Money?
Yes. As long as your Apple ID is set to South Korea and you have a compatible iPhone or Watch, you can use the service. Some global credit cards may work for top-up, but having a Korean payment method is more reliable.
❓ What’s the difference between Apple Pay and T-Money in Wallet?
Apple Pay is for general card payments (credit/debit), while T-Money is a transit and stored-value card that works even without authentication and in areas where standard Apple Pay doesn’t function (e.g., subway gates).
❓ Is there a fee to use T-Money in Apple Wallet?
There is no monthly fee. However, you may encounter small transaction fees when recharging with a foreign credit card or through certain banks.
❓ Can I refund the balance on my digital T-Money card?
Yes, but only through the T-Money app. Refunds may require identity verification and processing time.
❓ Can I use both Apple Pay and physical T-Money cards?
Yes, but only one card can be registered per device for digital use. You can carry a physical card as a backup.
9. Tips and Tricks
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Set T-Money as your default transit card in Wallet settings:
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Go to Settings > Wallet & Apple Pay > Express Transit Card and select T-Money.
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Always check your balance before entering transport.
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Recharging during rush hour may experience delays — top up in advance.
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Enable notifications in the T-Money app for travel history and balance alerts.
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Don’t remove the card from Wallet unless you no longer wish to use it — re-adding may require reissuance.
10. Final Thoughts
The integration of T-Money with Apple Pay provides unmatched convenience for daily commuters, travelers, and residents in Korea. It eliminates the need for a physical card, speeds up payment, and ensures you’re always ready for your next trip or purchase — all from your wrist or phone.
Whether you’re riding the Seoul subway, paying for a coffee, or catching a bus in Busan, Apple Pay and T-Money make everyday life more seamless than ever.
