Mastercard Makes Travel in Korea Smoother for International Travelers with iPhone

Traveling in South Korea has become even more convenient for international visitors. With the launch of the 'MobileTmoney' transportation app on the Apple App Store, payments for public transportation across South Korea are now possible using iPhones, Apple Watches, and Mastercard cards.

This service allows users to directly charge their MobileTmoney balance via Apple Wallet using a Mastercard debit or credit card. This eliminates the traditional need to purchase a transit IC card or carry cash. By simply tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch, users can smoothly utilize subways, buses, and taxis, making daily travel quicker and more comfortable.

This service was realized through the collaboration between MobileTmoney and Apple, supported by Mastercard's global payment network. By combining familiar devices with reliable payment technology, it provides visitors with a simple, secure, and cashless way to travel across the country.

Sandeep Malhotra, Executive Vice President, Core Payments, Asia Pacific at Mastercard, commented:

"When traveling to new places, getting around should be as smooth as possible. By enabling tap-to-pay on devices they use every day, we are giving travelers more choice and making their journeys abroad more comfortable and secure."

Kim Yong-ju, Director of Tmoney Payment Business Division, stated: "We want all visitors to Korea to experience the same seamless travel as locals. Through our partnership with Apple and Mastercard, we are expanding our transportation infrastructure to accommodate all users, aiming for public transportation to be a convenient means for international travelers to explore and enjoy various parts of Korea."

Easy Start-up

International visitors can download the 'MobileTmoney' app from the Apple App Store, complete a simple registration, and then charge their balance using a Mastercard registered in Apple Wallet. After charging, payments are completed instantly by simply tapping an iPhone or Apple Watch at subway gates or on buses.

Furthermore, international travelers using Android smartphones can also utilize tap-to-pay for public transportation through the 'KOREA TOUR CARD' app available on Google Play. This also supports charging with a Mastercard card.

Mastercard Member Benefits in Korea

Mastercard offers various benefits to make your trip to Korea more affordable and enjoyable. These benefits can be utilized in various situations during your trip, including shopping, hotels, Wi-Fi, and tourist facilities.

- List of Benefits (Click here for details)

Mastercard Bonus Cashback Program

Pre-register on the Mastercard dedicated platform, and if you spend 750,000 KRW or more in total with your Mastercard card during your trip to Korea, you will receive a 7,500 KRW bonus cashback.

(Campaign Period: July 18, 2025 – June 30, 2026)

OLIVE YOUNG

Receive a 5% discount when you purchase 100,000 KRW or more at participating stores. (Maximum discount: 10,000 KRW)

WiFi Dosirak & eSIM

Enjoy a 15% discount on WiFi Dosirak available in Korea and a 5% discount on Dosirak eSIM.

WiFi can be picked up at the following airports:

- Incheon International Airport - Gimpo International Airport - Busan Gimhae International Airport - Daegu International Airport - Cheongju International Airport

(eSIM does not require pickup and can be used immediately after online purchase.)

Seoul Sky

Purchase admission tickets to 'Seoul Sky', the observatory on the top floor of Lotte World Tower, at a 20% discount.

HoteLux

World Elite Mastercard and World Mastercard members can enjoy free Elite and Elite Plus membership status for the members-only luxury hotel booking app 'HoteLux'.

(Campaign Period: October 1, 2021 - September 30, 2027)

GHA DISCOVERY

Register for GHA DISCOVERY membership with Mastercard