Short answer
One transit card works on buses, subways and taxis across the country. The choices worth making are whether a Seoul pass beats paying per ride, and how to cross the country by train.
Korea's cities run separate transport networks with separate fares, but the card that pays for them is national. A T-money card bought in Seoul works on Busan's subway and buses, and in taxis in both.
The decisions that remain are about price. A Seoul pass can undercut per-ride fares for a stay built around the capital, and a card that doubles as a shopping balance suits some travellers more than others. Every fare and fee in these guides carries a source and the date it was checked.
How to Book the KTX: Tickets, Fares and the 2026 Changes
KTX tickets open at 7am a month before travel. Since 1 September 2026 the KTX and SRT are one network and fares are 10% lower: Seoul to Busan is 54,400 won.
Updated Sep 13, 2026
WOWPASS vs T-money vs Climate Card: Which Transit Card to Get
T-money is the default transit card for Korea. A Climate Card pass beats it on Seoul-heavy trips. WOWPASS only earns its fee as a prepaid shopping card.
Updated Sep 13, 2026