Planning your Korea trip and confused by all the train and transportation options?
Between T-Money, KR Pass, and regular train tickets, it can feel like you need a travel degree just to figure it all out.
But hey, I’ve been there. I’ve traveled with all three, and I’m here to help you choose what’s actually best for your trip. Let’s break it down!
What is T-Money?
T-Money is Korea’s go-to transportation card. It’s a prepaid card that lets you tap in and out of:
- Subways
- Buses
- Some taxis
- Convenience stores
Why use it?
- Super easy to use — just tap and go
- No need to buy single ride tickets
- Works in almost every Korean city
Best for: city travelers, especially if you’re mostly staying in Seoul, Busan, or other metro areas.
Cost:
- Card itself:
₩2,500 ($2) - Top-up as needed (usually ₩10,000–₩30,000 at a time)
What is the KR Pass?
This is your ultimate ticket for exploring Korea by train. The KR Pass is made for foreign tourists only and allows unlimited rides on Korail trains like:
- KTX (high-speed)
- ITX & Mugunghwa
Why use it?
- Saves you money if you’re visiting multiple cities
- Great flexibility
- Easy to reserve seats in advance
💡 Best for: multi-city travelers, like Seoul → Busan → Gyeongju → back to Seoul
Cost (adult):
- 3-Day KR Pass: ₩83,000 (~$59)
- 5-Day KR Pass: ₩123,000 (~$87)
Read full breakdown: Are Korea Rail Passes Worth It?
What are Regular Tickets?
These are single tickets you buy per ride — either online, at the station, or at a kiosk.
Why use it?
- Simple: Pay only for the trips you need
- Best if you’re only traveling 1–2 times
- You can still choose exact time & class
Best for: short-term travelers or people who don’t have a fixed itinerary
Cost examples:
- Seoul → Busan (KTX): ₩59,800 (~$42)
- Seoul → Gyeongju (KTX): ₩48,000 (~$34)
Which One Should You Use?
Here’s a quick comparison to help:
| Your Travel Style | Best Option |
| Staying in Seoul only | T-Money |
| Visiting 3+ cities by train | KR Pass |
| Just 1–2 train trips | Regular Ticket |
| Last-minute or spontaneous planning | Regular Ticket |
| Want to save time on subway transfers | T-Money |
| Traveling in a group | KR Pass (Saver) |
K-Pop fan attending concerts in multiple cities? Get the KR Pass.
Shopping and café-hopping in Seoul? T-Money.
Just a short trip to Busan and back? Regular ticket might be enough.
➡️ Want a complete overview? Check out my full train travel guide here.
Final Thoughts?
Choosing the right ticket isn’t about picking the “best” one — it’s about choosing what works for you. I’ve used all three depending on the trip.
For my first spring trip to Korea, the KR Pass was a lifesaver. But when I lived in Seoul for a few weeks? T-Money all the way.
If you’re still unsure, don’t stress. Korea’s transportation is super tourist-friendly.
You can always ask station staff, or — let’s be real — just DM me on Instagram. I gotchu 😉
Next reads:
