WOWPASS is a transportation card provided for foreign tourists visiting Korea. With this single card, you can use various public transportation options such as buses, subways, and taxis, making your travel convenient. Here’s a detailed explanation of WOWPASS.
What is WOWPASS?
WOWPASS is a transportation card that can be used in Korea for buses, subways, taxis, and other public transportation. The main advantage of this card is that it provides various convenient features for foreign visitors to Korea, making it easy to use.
How to Apply for and Receive WOWPASS
Online Application:
- You can apply online on the official WOWPASS website before arriving in Korea.
- During the application, you can select the type of card and the amount to be loaded.
- After completing the application, choose the method of receiving the card (e.g., pick up at the airport, delivery to accommodation).
Offline Purchase:
- You can purchase WOWPASS directly at the WOWPASS service counters in major airports such as Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport.
- WOWPASS is also available at major tourist attractions and transportation hubs in Seoul (e.g., Seoul Station, Gangnam Station).
>> Apply for WOWPASS Card
Uses and Benefits of WOWPASS
1. Convenient Public Transportation:
- You can use one card for various transportation modes like buses, subways, and taxis, making payment for travel expenses very convenient.
2. Discount Benefits:
- By using WOWPASS, you can receive some discounts on public transportation.
- Various benefits like discounts on entrance tickets to certain tourist attractions are also provided.
3. Usable at Various Merchants:
- WOWPASS can be used as a payment method at convenience stores, cafes, restaurants, and other WOWPASS-affiliated merchants.
4. Refund Service:
- You can refund the remaining balance, and the refund process can be done at major locations like airports.
Usage Guide
Usage Locations:
The balance on WOWPASS can be used for payments anywhere in Korea where cards are accepted. It can also be used at stores that do not support overseas payment methods by inserting the card's IC chip into the reader.
- General Payment: Insert the card into the card reader for payment.
Tmoney Transportation Balance: Can be used on all subways and buses in Korea. With the Tmoney function embedded in WOWPASS, you don't need to buy subway tickets or separate transportation cards each time.
- Transportation Card Payment: Tap the card on the reader to pay.
In Korea, cards are commonly used as the main payment method instead of cash.
Tmoney balance needs to be charged separately from the WOWPASS balance.
Charging WOWPASS:
WOWPASS can be charged with foreign currency cash or Korean won cash through WOWPASS unmanned exchange machines installed nationwide, or with overseas credit cards or mobile payments through the mobile app.
- App Charge: Charge with credit card, mobile payment, etc.
- Cash Charge: Charge with 16 types of foreign currency cash at unmanned exchange machines.
* Supported Currencies and Denominations
| Currency | Denomination | Currency | Denomination |
| KRW | 50,000 / 10,000 / 5,000 / 1,000 | JPY | 10,000 / 5,000 / 1,000 |
| USD | 100 / 50 / 20 / 10 | CNY | 100 |
| TWD | 1,000 500 | HKD | 1,000 / 500 / 100 |
| EUR | 100 50 / 20 / 10 | SGD | 100 / 50 |
| AUD | 100 / 50 | GBP | 20 |
| CAD | 50 | THB | 1,000 |
| PHP | 1,000 | VND | 500,000 |
| MYR | 100 | IDR | 100,000 |
Withdrawing WOWPASS:
The WOWPASS balance can be withdrawn in Korean won at WOWPASS machines. You can withdraw 100,000 won at a time multiple times, with a fee of 1,000 won per transaction. The machines installed within Incheon Airport AREX do not support the withdrawal function.
- Find the nearest WOWPASS machine.
- Follow the menu selections in order.
- Select language → WOWPASS Card → Cash Withdrawal.
- Insert the card into the machine.
- Authenticate with your PIN via the app.
- Select the amount to withdraw.
- Receive the cash.
Charging Tmoney:
The Tmoney balance embedded in WOWPASS needs to be charged separately. It can be charged like a regular transportation card at subway stations/convenience stores or through the mobile app with the WOWPASS balance.
- App Charge: Use the app’s NFC function to convert WOWPASS balance to Tmoney balance.
- Cash Charge: Charge with Korean won cash at subway stations, convenience stores, etc.
Refunding Tmoney:
Tmoney balance refund methods vary depending on the remaining amount. Visit a refund location according to the guidelines below to request a Tmoney refund. A refund fee of 500 won applies.
- 20,000 KRW or less: Convenience store
- 30,000 KRW or less: Convenience store
- 50,000 KRW or less: Customer service center in subway stations in the Seoul metropolitan area
- More than 50,000 KRW: Visit Tmoney Town (Exit 10 of Seoul Station, Tmoney headquarters 1st floor, weekdays 9 AM - 6 PM)
Balance Protection and Precautions:
Don’t worry if you lose your card. You can protect your WOWPASS balance by temporarily suspending it through the app. When you reissue the card, you can restore the WOWPASS balance. However, if you lose the physical card, the Tmoney balance cannot be restored even if you reissue the WOWPASS.
- The card balance is valid for 6 years from the last recharge/reissue date.
- Balance withdrawal is only available in Korean won cash, and coins under 1,000 won cannot be withdrawn.
- Tmoney balance must be refunded separately at Tmoney refund locations like convenience stores.
WOWPASS App Download
For safe and convenient card usage, please download the app.
- App Store: Download WOWPASS
- Google Play: Download WOWPASS
Unmanned Exchange Kiosks
WOWPASS also provides a service that allows you to easily exchange foreign currencies to Korean won through unmanned exchange kiosks. These kiosks are mainly located at airports and major tourist spots.
Unmanned Exchange Kiosk Locations
- Incheon International Airport: Located in Terminals 1 and 2
- Gimpo International Airport
- Major Tourist Attractions in Seoul: Myeongdong, Hongdae, Dongdaemun, and other popular tourist spots
>> Search Kiosk location
How to Use Unmanned Exchange Kiosks
Using the Kiosk:
- Select the language on the kiosk screen.
- Select the foreign currency to exchange and insert the cash.
- Confirm the exchange amount and fee, then proceed with the exchange.
- After completion, receive the Korean won and the receipt.
Charging WOWPASS Card:
- You can directly charge the exchanged Korean won to your WOWPASS card.
- Select the WOWPASS card charging option on the kiosk screen and tag your WOWPASS card on the card reader.
Summary
WOWPASS is a convenient transportation card for foreign tourists visiting Korea. It can be used for public transportation and at some affiliated merchants. You can apply for and receive it online or offline, and you can exchange various foreign currencies for Korean won through unmanned exchange kiosks at airports and major tourist spots. WOWPASS cards can be charged with the exchanged won and provide various discount benefits and a convenient usage environment.