Apple Pay in Korea: Where It Works, Subway Setup & the Top-up Catch

Apple Pay works in Korea, but terminal support is uneven. The good news: since July 2025 you can add a T-money transit card to Apple Wallet, so subway and bus rides are just a phone tap. The catch is topping up with a foreign card — here is exactly what works.

Last checked: 2026-09-15·Desk-researched — not yet verified on site

1. 1Store payments: contactless terminals only

   Convenience stores, big chains, department stores and franchise cafes mostly take it. Street stalls, markets and small independent restaurants often do not. Always carry a physical card as backup.

2. 2Transit: add T-money to Apple Wallet

   Wallet app → Add Card → Transit Card → T-money. Then just hold your iPhone or Apple Watch to the turnstile or bus reader (supported since July 2025).

3. 3The top-up catch (important)

   In-Wallet top-up may require a Korean-issued card. With a foreign card, use the Mobile T-money app — it accepts overseas Mastercard, Amex and UnionPay (≈4.5% fee; Visa not supported). The new ticket machines at 273 Seoul subway stations do take foreign cards, but only for single-journey tickets and short-term Climate Card passes — they will not top up a T-money balance (average 3.7% fee).

4. 4If you only have Visa

   Cash top-up at station machines is the default. Or route around it with a WOWPASS card (see our separate guide).