When traveling in South Korea, a transportation card is an absolute must-have. One of the most talked-about options recently is the WOWPASS, which combines a transportation card with payment functionality, making travel in South Korea more convenient than ever.
In this post, I will share how I used the WOWPASS during my four-day trip to Seoul in 2024. I’ll cover how to use it, where to buy it, and how it compares to other transportation cards, helping you choose the best payment method for your trip.
What is WOWPASS?
WOWPASS is a cash prepaid card that functions as both a Korean transportation card (T-Money) and a VISA prepaid card. You can use it not only for transportation like the subway, buses, and taxis but also for purchases at most shops, restaurants, and attractions throughout South Korea.
Main Features of WOWPASS
- Transportation Payment: Works on subways, buses, and taxis, just like T-Money.
- VISA Prepaid Card: Supports VISA payments and can be used at most stores that accept VISA credit cards.
- Self-Reload and Cash Exchange: Can be topped up with KRW or foreign currency, and remaining balance can be refunded at designated machines.
- App Management: Manage your balance, view transaction history, and top up with a credit card through the WOWPASS App.
Where to Buy WOWPASS?
You can purchase a WOWPASS at the following locations or platforms:
- KKday：可以預購取件代碼或是桃園機場實體取件
- Klook：可以預購取件代碼
- Airports：Incheon Airport、Gimpo Airport（Self-service machines）
- Major City Areas：Tourist hotspots like Myeong-dong and Hongdae have WOWPASS machines.
- Online Platforms：KKday、Klook
When purchasing, you will need to top up a minimum of 5,000 KRW and pay a small card issuance fee. You do not need a Korean phone number or bank account, making it very convenient for short-term travelers.
Note: Some machines require a pre-purchased collection code, so it’s best to pre-order from KKday or Klook.
WOWPASS Online Reservation
✔️Klook: Pick up from local machines
✔️KKday: Pick up from local machines
Tip: If it’s your first time using Klook, enter the promo code "SP9YHJ" to get a discount!
Comparison of WOWPASS, T-Money, and Cashbee
Card Type | Transportation | Store Purchases | Refund Balance | Issuance Fee | Credit Card Top-Up |
WOWPASS | O | O (VISA Prepaid) | Refundable | 5,000 KRW | O |
T-Money | O | Partial | Refundable | 4,000 KRW | X |
Cashbee | O | Partial | Refundable | 4,000 KRW | X |
(Scroll right to see more)
WOWPASS offers additional functions compared to traditional T-Money or Cashbee cards, such as VISA prepaid functionality and credit card top-ups. This makes it particularly useful for travelers who don’t want to carry large amounts of cash or multiple cards.
Who Should Get WOWPASS?
- Short-Term Travelers: No need to open a Korean bank account to get the VISA prepaid function.
- Independent Travelers: Can be used in most places across South Korea, reducing the need to exchange currency frequently.
- Fans of Convenient Payment: Combines transportation and retail payment functions into one card, reducing the hassle of carrying multiple cards.
Do You Really Need WOWPASS for Your Korea Trip?
While cash is still widely accepted in South Korea, carrying large amounts of cash or coins can be inconvenient. Moreover, public transportation often requires transportation cards since many buses do not accept cash payments. T-Money remains an essential tool for this reason.
However, WOWPASS combines T-Money’s functions with prepaid card capabilities, making it a more versatile and convenient option for those looking to simplify payments.
How to Pick Up and Top Up Your WOWPASS?
Upon arriving at the airport, you can choose the most convenient pick-up location from the list provided on the official website. Many locations, such as train stations and convenience stores within the airport, have self-service machines for easy card collection.
I personally chose to pick up my card at a self-service machine inside the station before boarding the AREX Airport Express Train. However, if you have more time, convenience stores within the airport also have machines available.
Download the App
While it is possible to download the app after collecting the card, I highly recommend installing it beforehand.
The in-app map feature helps you quickly find a pick-up machine, and setting it up in advance reduces hassle upon arrival.
I downloaded the app before my trip and used the travel time on the AREX train to complete the app setup and card registration.
Bonus Tip: When registering with the app, use my invitation code “HRD9AV7C” to get a 0.5% rebate on foreign currency top-ups!
Get the card from the Machine
When collecting your WOWPASS, you must first top up with cash to activate the card. The initial minimum top-up amount is 5,000 KRW.
I decided to load 100,000 KRW right away and allocated 10,000 KRW specifically to T-Money for transportation payments. Since the card allows credit card top-ups later on, I avoided loading too much cash at the start.
WOWPASS Online Reservation
✔️Klook: Pick up from local machines
✔️KKday: Pick up from local machines
Tip: If it’s your first time using Klook, enter the promo code "SP9YHJ" to get a discount!
Once the top-up and related procedures are completed, you will receive a card package that includes detailed instructions on how to register the card via the app.
Register Your Card on the App
Open the WOWPASS App and tap the “Register Card” button.
Next, scan the barcode on the back of the card. The system will automatically read and bind the card, completing the registration process.
Top Up via the App
If your cash balance runs low and there are no suitable machines nearby for a top-up, you can choose to recharge using your credit card through the app. However, be aware that this method incurs a fee of around 4%. Whether to use it or not depends on your personal preference.
If you register with an invitation code during app sign-up, you can get a 0.5% rebate on foreign currency top-ups, effectively reducing the fee to around 3.5%.
Welcome to use my WOWPASS invitation code: "HRD9AV7C"
After entering your credit card information, the system will display the top-up amount along with the applicable fee. Confirm the details to complete the recharge!
Why WOWPASS is a Popular Travel Payment Tool?
WOWPASS has become an increasingly popular payment tool for travelers to South Korea in recent years. Combining the functions of a transportation card and a prepaid card, it is especially convenient because you do not need a Korean phone number to register and use it. This makes it an excellent option for short-term visitors.
If you are planning a trip to South Korea, make sure to pre-order a WOWPASS to make your journey smoother and hassle-free!
WOWPASS Online Reservation
✔️Klook: Pick up from local machines
✔️KKday: Pick up from local machines
Tip: If it’s your first time using Klook, enter the promo code "SP9YHJ" to get a discount!
Tsubaki wishes you an effortless and enjoyable trip to South Korea with WOWPASS!
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