T-money
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T-money is a rechargeable series of cards and other "smart" devices used for paying transportation fares in and around Seoul and other areas of South Korea. T-money can also be used in lieu of cash or credit cards in some convenience stores and other businesses.
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[edit] Use
Similar to its predecessor "Seoul Bus Card", T-money can be used to pay for bus, subway and some taxi fares. T-money is accepted by:
- All Seoul and Incheon buses
- Seoul and Incheon Metropolitan Subway networks
- Some Gyeonggido province buses (except some village buses which accept Mybi)
- All Andong and Pohang city buses in Gyeongsangbukdo
- All Tongyong and Goje city buses in Gyeongsangnamdo
- All Jeju Special Self-governing Province buses
Some stores and attractions including Lotte World amusement park, Kyobo Book Centre, GS 25 and other selected convenience stores accept T-money as cash.
[edit] Card types
[edit] Standard
T-money cards cost 2,500 won and can be purchased and recharged at stations, banks, convenience stores and kiosks located adjacent to bus stops. Self-service recharge machines are also available. Cards can easily be scanned while within a purse or wallet, and can be damaged if bent or otherwise subjected to unnecessary force.
[edit] Discount cards
There are two types of discount cards available for sale, one for teenagers (age 13~18) and the other for children (age 7~12). You need proper ID such as a Youth Card or Student ID in order to purchase these cards. Discount cards must be registered via the Internet within 7 days after first use which needs a user name and a Korean ID number. Senior citizens are entitled to free transport and don't require any kind of card or ticket while travelling.
[edit] T-money accessories
Smaller, more durable T-money cards with a thread for easy attachment to cellphones are also available, at around 5000 won. Watches, dolls, MP3 players, and bands containing T-money chips are also on sale,
[edit] Related cards
- Metro Pass (정기권), a monthly pass for the Seoul and Incheon subway systems available at stations.
- Seoul Citypass, a one-day transportation card incorporating the Seoul City Tour Bus ticket and limited use of the metropolitan transportation system.
- Mobile T-money, IC chip which work with cell phone seviced by SK Telecom.
[edit] Other cards
- eB T-money, now discontinued. See Upass
- Topcash T-money, sold in the Gyeongsangnam and Gyeongsangbuk Provinces.
[edit] History
- April 22, 2004 : city government announced the name of new transcard as T-money. 'T' stands for travel, touch, traffic and technology.
- June 2004 : T-money terminals installed at stations. Several bugs had to be ironed out before full operation.
- July 1, 2004 : System officially inaugurated, with a day of free transit for all.
- October 15, 2005 : Incheon public transit system started to accept T-money.
- December 6, 2005 : T-money internet refilling service started.
- November 13, 2006 : Gyeonggi-do transit system partially started to accept T-money.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- Official site in Korean and in English
- Seoul Citypass
- T-money at Galbijim Wiki
