Mastercard launches seamless transit payments for South Korea travelers

Getting around South Korea just got easier for international travelers. Visitors can now use their iPhone or Apple Watch and Mastercard cards to pay for public transport, following the launch of the MobileTmoney transit app on the Apple App Store.

With the new service, travelers can top up their MobileTmoney balance directly in Apple Wallet using their Mastercard debit or credit card-eliminating the need to buy physical transit cards or carry cash. Simply tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to travel seamlessly across subways, buses and taxis, making everyday journeys faster and more convenient.

The service is the result of a collaboration between MobileTmoney and Apple, powered by Mastercard's global payments network. By bringing together familiar devices and trusted payment technology, the solution offers visitors a simple, secure and cashless way to move around the country.

"Travel should feel effortless, especially when you're exploring a new destination," said Sandeep Malhotra, Executive Vice President, Core Payments, Asia Pacific, Mastercard. "By enabling contactless transit payments through the devices people already use every day, we're giving travelers more choice and a smoother, more confident way to get around overseas."

"We want every visitor to Korea to move around as easily as locals do," said Youngju Kim, Director of Payment Business Division, Tmoney. "By working closely with Apple and Mastercard, we're extending our transit infrastructure to support all users, making public transport an easy option for international travelers to discover and enjoy destinations across Korea."

Getting started is simple

International visitors can download the MobileTmoney app from the Apple App Store, complete a quick registration, and top up their balance using a Mastercard card in Apple Wallet. Once funds are added, users can tap their iPhone or Apple Watch at subway gates or on buses to pay instantly.

International visitors using Android smartphones can also enjoy contactless mobile payments on public transport with the local transit app KOREA TOUR CARD on Google Play, which can be topped up using Mastercard cards.