The Best Prepaid Card for Tourists in South Korea (2025 Guide)

FLip Korea
6 days ago
6 min read

If you’re visiting South Korea, having a prepaid travel card can save you time, money, and headaches. Instead of juggling cash, multiple cards, and confusing transport passes, you can simply top up one card and use it everywhere: for public transport, shopping, dining, and more.

Two of the most popular options for visitors are the Korea Travel Card and WOWPASS. Both work as all-in-one solutions, but each has unique features that might make one better suited to your needs.

1. Korea Travel Card

The Korea Travel Card is a prepaid IC-chip card issued by Woori Bank and managed by Hana Bank, combining secure fund management with wide usability.

Key Features:

Nationwide Transport Access: Works on buses, subways, taxis, airport limousines, KTX and other national trains, express buses, and toll gates.
Widespread Payments: Accepted at over 5 million retailers nationwide through the Hana Card network.
Secure Funds: Your balance is protected by Hana Bank, and you can withdraw cash from over 3,700 Woori Bank ATMs.
Simple Top-Up Anytime, Anywhere: add funds wherever it’s convenient: airport bank counters, currency exchange offices, convenience stores, kiosks, or instantly through the mobile app.
Reload Options: Top up at convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven), kiosks, subway terminals, or through the official app.
No Deposit Fees: when you load money at Woori Bank, there are absolutely no charges. On arrival in Korea, you can exchange your currency at Woori Bank in the airport at an excellent rate and deposit it to your card with zero commission. Powered by the Hana Card network, the Korea Travel Card lets you make payments anywhere in the country without extra fees.
Cashback & Perks: 0.2% cashback on all purchases, up to 50% at partner stores, plus special booking and dining discounts.
Easy Pickup: Available at Incheon Airport (T1 & T2), Jeju City, and Gimhae Airport in Busan.
App Integration: Activate and manage your card via the Korea Travel Card App.

Pick up Location

1. Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 (1F Public Area)

Near Gate 6 | 06:00 - 22:00

Near Gate 11 | 06:00 - 22:00

B1 East Side Woori Bank Branch | 09:00 - 16:00

2. Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 (1F Public Area)

Near Gate 7 | 06:00 - 22:00

B1 East Side Woori Bank Branch | 09:00 - 16:00

3. Jeju Downtown

Visit Moneybox Currency Exchange Office Jeju Branch | 10:00 - 21:00

Location: #102, 1F, Wonnohyeong 4-gil 1, Jeju-si

4. Gimhae International Airport

Visit Moneybox Currency Exchange Office Gimhae Airport Branch | 06:00 - 21:00

Location: 1F Waiting Area, Gimhae Airport Station (Busan-Gimhae Light Rail Transit)

How to Use the Korea Travel Card

Purchase your card for your preferred date and choose your pick-up date.
Check your voucher – it will be sent via email or mobile.
- The email will include a serial number (25 characters, starting with “KTC_Travolution”) required to issue your Korea Travel Card.
- If you don’t see the voucher, check your spam folder or contact customer service.
Install the Korea Travel Card app.
In the app, enter the serial number in the Promotion Code field. This will generate a voucher for collecting your physical card.
Go to the designated pick-up location and present your voucher.
Receive your physical card and register it in the app.
You’re ready to start using the card for transportation and payments.

Credit: Korea Travel Card

Using the Card After Issuance: App Guide

Download the Korea Travel Card app and complete membership registration (email verification required).
From the card type list, select the version that matches the design on the back of your card (e.g., A Type-V CARD).
On the Home screen, tap “Register Card” and ensure the app successfully recognizes it.
Add Funds (Top-Up)
- Payment Balance: Recharge via the app, banks, currency exchange offices, convenience stores, or kiosks.
- Transportation Balance: Add funds at subway charging machines or convenience stores.

Credit: Korea Travel Card

Notice

(For foreign tourists only)

Once your payment for the Korea Travel Card is complete, a QR code voucher will be sent to your email. This voucher is required to issue your card.
- Please ensure you enter a valid email address.
Actual products or services may differ slightly from the photos shown.
This offer cannot be combined with other events, promotions, or coupons.
Operating hours may vary depending on government social distancing guidelines. Please check with the location before visiting.
After your reservation is confirmed, the voucher will be sent to the mobile number or email you provided.
If you do not receive the confirmation voucher, check your spam folder or contact the customer service center.
RED TABLE CS Center
- Phone: 02-6964-7958
- Business hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00–18:00 (KST)
- Closed on public holidays
- For order or reservation inquiries, please contact the CS center directly.

Purchase the card online at: Klook, SeoulPass, Ctrip, Red Table Check it here

For more information check the official website: https://koreatravelcard.com/

Download App Below

2. WOWPASS

The WOWPASS is designed for flexibility, especially for travelers who want to top up in multiple currencies and get better exchange rates than airports.

Key Features:

Multi-Currency Top-Up: Load funds in up to 16 currencies via app or kiosk, with no top-up fees and competitive rates.
Transport & Shopping: Works like a T-money card for buses, subways, taxis, and AREX, and can be used for in-store payments anywhere local cards are accepted.
Top-Up & Withdrawal: Recharge through the app or at over 307 kiosks nationwide. Withdraw up to 100,000 KRW per transaction from WOWPASS machines (1,000 KRW fee). Find them at the airport and Subways stations.
Refund & Reissue: Unused balance refunded for free at airports; lost cards can be reissued for 3,000 KRW.
Smart App Features: Real-time balance, transaction history, pause/loss protection, peer-to-peer transfers, and cashback (≈0.5%).
Wide Availability: Pick up from self-service kiosks at airports, subway stations, tourist spots, and hotels.

Credit: Seoul Travel Pass

Withdrawing Your WOWPASS Balance

You can withdraw your remaining balance in Korean won at any WOWPASS machine.

Limit: Up to ₩100,000 per transaction
Fee: ₩1,000 per withdrawal

Steps:

Locate the nearest WOWPASS machine.
On the screen, select: Language → WOWPASS Card → Withdraw Cash.
Insert your WOWPASS card.
Follow the on-screen instructions to verify your PIN via the WOWPASS app.
Choose your withdrawal amount.
Collect your cash.

Credit: Seoul Travel Pass

Where WOWPASS Cannot Be Used

Online or mobile app payments (e.g., food delivery apps) – short-term foreign visitors in Korea face restrictions on online transactions.
Cash-only businesses such as street food stalls, traditional markets, or underground shopping arcades.
KTX transactions over ₩50,000: these require a PIN, which WOWPASS does not support.

Notice

※ WOWPASS is not available for purchase or use by Korean nationals.

The WOWPASS card can be used only at offline stores in South Korea.
The transportation balance (T-money) cannot be loaded with foreign currency. It must be topped up with Korean won (KRW) cash at subway machines or convenience stores.
If you need KRW cash, withdrawals are available at WOWPASS machines.
- Note: Machines at Incheon International Airport do not support withdrawals. Instead, they provide a preloaded transportation balance of ₩10,000.
The WOWPASS machine at Incheon International Airport does not support KRW withdrawals, card reissue, or cash exchange.
Maximum foreign currency top-up per day: ₩2,000,000.
Maximum top-up per week: ₩10,000,000.
Card balance withdrawal fee: ₩1,000.
Card reissue fee: ₩3,000.

You can transfer between friends using the QR code on the app!

Card Validity Period

Card: Valid for 6 years from the date of issuance.
Balance: Remains valid for 6 years from the most recent recharge.

If your card expires, you can still access any remaining balance by requesting a reissued card.

You can find a WOW Pass machine here.

You can easily pick up and purchase your WOWPASS from more than 300 self-service kiosks located across South Korea, including in hotels, convenience stores, subway stations, and popular tourist areas.

Major Pickup Locations:

Incheon International Airport: Terminal 1 & Terminal 2
Gimpo International Airport
Jeju International Airport
Gimhae International Airport (Busan)
Daegu International Airport
Other Ports: Incheon Port, Busan Port

Check it here.

For more information check the official website: https://www.wowpass.io/

Download App Below

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Korea Travel Card	WOWPASS
Top-Up Methods	Convenience stores, kiosks, app; KRW only	App (16 currencies), kiosks, better rates
Transport Coverage	Nationwide incl. trains	Full T-money network incl. AREX
Cashback	0.2% + partner perks	≈0.5% + brand discounts
Cash Withdrawal	Woori ATMs	WOWPASS machines (fee applies)
Refunds	Not clearly advertised	Free refunds at airports
Pick-Up Locations	Airport counters, Jeju, Busan	Kiosks at airports, stations, hotels

Which One Should You Choose?

Pick the Korea Travel Card if you:
- Want secure banking with Woori/Hana
- Prefer fixed KRW reloads via local stores
- Value partner store discounts and cashback deals
Pick WOWPASS if you:
- Need to top up in your own currency
- Want better exchange rates
- Prefer kiosk convenience and a feature-rich app

Both cards can make your South Korean trip easier, cash-free, and more rewarding. The choice comes down to whether you prioritize secure local banking (Korea Travel Card) or multi-currency flexibility (WOWPASS).

Whichever you pick, you’ll enjoy quick transit access, wide shopping coverage, and travel perks – so you can focus on enjoying Korea, not counting coins.