Updated as of March 4, 2025
What is WOWPASS
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No. 1 all-in-one travel card in Korea! Now with 1,500,000+ users!
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WOWPASS allows cashless payments anywhere in Korea. It is accepted even where international credit cards are not!
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WOWPASS allows access to public transportation, just like Tmoney!
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WOWPASS allows money exchange via WOWPASS machines, supporting 16 currencies.
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WOWPASS allows easy top up via credit cards or cash.
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WOWPASS allows convenient sending of money to other WOWPASS users and Korean bank accounts.
How to issue a WOWPASS
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There are 2 ways to issue your WOWPASS Card! 1) Book in advance via the WOWPASS website / KLOOK / other sites or 2) issue directly at the WOWPASS machines. Your passport + cash (for top-up) are required for card issuance.
1.
Issue card at machines
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Available in 240+ machines located in airports, major subway stations, and hotels all over Korea!
a.
[Issue On-site]
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Find a nearby WOWPASS machine. At the machine, select “Get a New Card” and follow these steps:
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Select “Issue On-site” > Select currency > Scan your passport > Follow instructions and deposit cash to receive the card > Insert card once to activate it > Register the card in the app
b.
[Issue via Code] - You get a code when you book online.
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Find a nearby WOWPASS machine. At the machine, follow these steps:
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Select “Get a New Card” > Select “Issue via Code” > Scan your passport and enter the code > Top up the card balance with cash to receive the card > Insert card once to activate it > Register the card in the app
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10% OFF when you reserve via the app (4,500 KRW)
2.
Airport package (Airport SKT counter pick-up)
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Your all-in-one travel package that includes WOWPASS Card, SIM, and Tmoney balance! Plus, an option to purchase an AREX ticket and a preloaded top-up amount.
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Save time and money by conveniently booking your airport package in advance—everything you need for a smooth and hassle-free trip to Korea!
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Reserve 24/7 through the app > Pick up your card 24/7 at SKT counters in airports > Register your card in the app
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Best for tourists taking the public transportation from the airport!
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Current Offer: 20% OFF on WOWPASS Card. From 5,000 KRW to 4,000 KRW.
3.
CU pick-up
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At Incheon T1, easily collect your WOWPASS from CU convenience store (open 24/7)!
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Reserve 24/7 through the app > Visit CU convenience store #4 located on level 1, to the left of Arrival Floor F > Show the store staff the barcode from the app > Collect your card > Register the card in the app
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Limited Offer: From 6,000 KRW to 5,000 KRW for the first 5,000 cards!
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Booking through other travel websites
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WOWPASS is also available on popular travel websites such as Klook, Kkday and Trip.com.
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Upon purchase a voucher code will be issued.
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Find a nearby WOWPASS machine. At the machine, follow these steps: Select “Get a New Card” > Select “Issue via Code” > Scan your passport and enter the code > Top is the card balance with cash to receive the card > Insert card once to activate it > Register the card in the app
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What to do after collecting a card? Link the card with the app!
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Register card in the app by scanning the barcode found at the back of the card and entering the card’s CVC.
Where to find a WOWPASS machines
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Over 240 WOWPASS machines are installed in major locations across Korea, including airports (Incheon, Gimpo), subway stations, hotels, malls, and more!
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Note that if you arrive in Korea via Incheon Airport, you can access the WOWPASS machines at the AREX (Express Train) platforms. This requires you to first purchase an AREX (Express Train) ticket from the airport to Seoul station.
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KRW withdrawal, card re-issue, cash-to-cash exchange functions are not available at the WOWPASS machines installed in Incheon Int’l Airport.
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If you are not taking the AREX (Express Train) from Incheon Airport, you can first purchase a single train ticket to the city without purchasing a separate Tmoney card. Then, locate a WOWPASS machines anywhere near you — including Seoul Station, Hongik University Station, Myeongdong station, etc.
How to top up WOWPASS
1.
Cash top up (16 currencies)
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Enjoy better rates! Top up your balance with cash using WOWPASS machines, free of charge! Compare the actual USD exchange rate at the airport with the WOWPASS app’s top-up rate and see the difference.
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WOWPASS accepts a total of 16 different currencies — USD, EUR, AUD, CAD, GBP, SGD, PHP and more available. You can check the accepted currencies and exchange rates in the app or at machines.
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Mobile app top up (credit card)
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Top up using overseas credit cards or mobile wallets.
How to use it as a local debit card
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Payments
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Use at any offline merchant in Korea that accepts local credit/debit card payment, even at stores that do not accept international credit cards. Payments can be made by inserting the card's IC chip.
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Linking with app to maximize card usage
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Check balance & history to keep track transactions. Instant push notifications are also sent every time a payment is made. It converts to foreign currency values, not just KRW, making it convenient for users to check for merchant mistakes, double payments, or any fraudulent transactions.
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Send between friends — transfer among WOWPASS users via QR, perfect for splitting the bill among friends
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*NEW* Send to a Korean bank account — use this payment method at street food stalls, underground shopping centers, buying concert tickets, and more! No need to carry cash!
How to use it as Tmoney
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How to top up Tmoney
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The Tmoney balance integrated in the WOWPASS card requires a separate top-up.
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*NEW* You can Top up your Tmoney balance using WOWPASS balance. No need to carry cash. Just simply use the app!
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From the Tmoney home screen, click Top-up > Hold your WOWPASS card against the top or back of your phone to scan > Select “Top-up with WOWPASS” > Enter the top-up amount > Scan your card until top-up is complete.
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Top-ups are only available for WOWPASS cards; other transportation cards are not supported.
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You cannot top up your WOWPASS balance with your Tmoney balance.
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Due to Tmoney policy, iPhone 7 or later (iOS 13 or higher) are supported for the top-up function. Andriod support, coming soon.
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You can still top it up at subway stations and convenience stores with cash. For this, we recommend you exchange cash or withdraw cash from your WOWPASS card balance at a WOWPASS machine.
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How to use WOWPASS as Tmoney
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Simply tap your card at subway turnstiles, on buses, and in taxis
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How to check Tmoney balance
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Easily check your Tmoney balance using the app! Simply hold your WOWPASS card against the top or back of your phone to scan and view your balance.
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How to refund Tmoney
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The refund method for Tmoney balance varies depending on the remaining amount (Refund fee: 500 KRW)
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Less than 20,000 KRW : Convenience Stores(GS25, 7-Eleven, etc.)
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Less than 30,000 KRW : Convenience Stores(CU, Emart24, etc.)
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Less than 50,000 KRW : Info centers at subway stations in Seoul
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More than 50,000 KRW : Tmoney Town (Seoul Station Exit 10, 1F of Tmoney HQ office, Only 9am-6pm in weekdays)
How to withdraw balance
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The remaining balance on your WOWPASS can be withdrawn in KRW at a WOWPASS machine.
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Note that the machines installed within Incheon Airport AREX area do not provide withdrawal services.
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You need to download the WOWPASS app, register your card, and enter an 8-digit code to the app which will be displayed to you through a WOW Exchangemachine. Then, you are able to withdraw your balance in KRW.
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Find a nearby WOWPASS machine via app. At the machine, follow these steps: Select language > WOWPASS Card > Withdraw Cash > Insert card into the machine > Verify PIN via app > Select withdraw amount > Cash will be dispensed
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Fees & Transaction limit
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Withdraw up to 100,000 KRW per transaction, and there is a 1,000 KRW fee per withdrawal.
How to send balance between WOWPASS users
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Send balance among WOWPASS users via QR in the app, perfect for splitting the bill or sharing travel expenses among friends and family!
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How to send
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Go to the app and click send > Chose “Between friends”
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To receive money, show your QR code to your friend.
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To send money, scan your friend’s QR code and enter your CVC.
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Transaction limit
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Send up to 100,000 KRW per transaction, 10 times per day
How to send to a Korean bank account
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*NEW* Send to a Korean bank account — use this payment method at street food stalls, underground shopping centers, buying concert tickets, and more!
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How to send
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Go to the app and click Send > Chose “To a Korean bank account” > Enter the bank account number (or scan via phone camera) > Select the correct bank > Click Next > Confirm the account details > Enter the amount > Verify transfer details > Enter your CVC > Transfer balance
How to reissue a card
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If you lose your card, don't worry! You can immediately suspend the card via the app to protect your WOWPASS balance.
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You can then reissue your card and use the lost card’s balance again. Please note that if you lose your card, you cannot recover the Tmoney balance even if you reissue a WOWPASS.
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Reissue fee: 3,000 KRW
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Card is valid 6 years from the card manufacture date.
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How to suspend card
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Go to the app and click Settings > Manage Card > Pause Card
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Reissue guide
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Find a nearby WOWPASS machine via app.
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At the machine, follow these steps: Select language > WOWPASS Card > Reissue a Card > Scan your passport > Verify using WOWPASS app > In case of insufficient balance, proceed to top up > Insert re-issued card to the WOWPASS machine to activate the card
Rewards
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Invite your friends and receive unlimited cash reward!
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If you are inviting a friend, get 1,000 KRW per friend invite.
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If you are invited, you will get 0.5% cashback reward once you charge WOWPASS card using foreign currency.
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Event is valid until December 31, 2024!
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Spend more wisely in Korea! Regularly check our app for up-to-date rewards featuring various Korean brands in partnership with WOWPASS. Examples are as follows:
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Lotte Duty Free - (Myeongdong, Jamsil, Busan, Jeju) Gold membership 15% OFF & Max 80,000 KRW Coupon
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Hyundai Outlets - (Dongdaemun, Gimpo, Songdo) 3,000 KRW Cashback & Free Beverage
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Seoul Tower - 10% OFF for Observatory Ticket at N Seoul Tower
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Check out the app for more exciting rewards!
Discount e-Vouchers
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Discount e-Vouchers are barcode type discount vouchers that can be used as payment in Korea. Up to 5% cashback is immediately credited to your WOWPASS balance after purchase. You can save more when you use these vouchers versus using cash or credit card for payment!
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Purchase the discount e-vouchers as many times as you like. This means that you can get unlimited cashback when you shop!
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Still get tax refund when you use the e-vouchers.
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Vouchers are valid for 29 to 30 days.
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Voucher redemption policies may vary.
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Current available brands include Olive Young, Daiso, A Twosome Place, Dunkin and Paris Baguette. More brands coming soon!
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How to buy Discount e-Vouchers: Tap “Discount e-Vouchers” on the app’s home screen > Select the e-voucher that you want to buy > Select the amount > Enter your WOWPASS card’s CVC > Purchase is complete!
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Purchased e-vouchers can be viewed at “My e-Vouchers”.
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To use the e-vouchers, just present the barcode to the staff at the store.
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Tip: Click “View in Korean” too make it easier to communicate with the staff.
*NEW* Discover Seoul Pass (Mobile Pass)
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Explore Seoul with just one QR code! You can now conveniently purchase and use a Discover Seoul pass within the WOWPASS app.
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Discover Seoul Pass is a mobile pass that allows free admission to over 70 major tourist attractions and transportation in Seoul, plus discount coupons for over 100 popular spots!
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You can choose a timeframe from 48/72/120 hours to fit your travel plans.
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WOWPASS Exclusive Pricing: 5,000 KRW instant cashback for first 10,000 purchases!
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48HRS 70,000KRW
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72HRS 90,000KRW
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120HRS 130,000KRW
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Free admission sites include Seoul’s must-visits like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hanbok Rental, N Seoul Tower Observatory, COEX Aquarium, Lotte World Adventure, Nami Island, Korea Folk Village, and many more!
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The pass also includes a FREE use of transportation such as Airport Limousine, AREX, City Tour Bus, and Ttareungi (Seoul Bike). Check the app for terms and conditions!
Top benefits of WOWPASS
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Pay with 0 fees everywhere. No need to worry about foreign transaction fees every time.
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No need to buy another transportation card. Check your balance from the app anytime.
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If lost, pause the card to protect balance. Reissue a card instantly to continue using lost balance.
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Withdraw cash from machines anytime. Max 100,000 KRW per withdrawal, as frequently as needed. (1,000 KRW fee per withdrawal)
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Easy top-up using foreign currency. Top-up conveniently through any WOWPASS machines or through the WOWPASS app! Foreign currencies (cash), overseas credit card or mobile wallets are accepted.
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Rewards tailored to your Korea trip. Enjoy cashbacks and rewards from popular Korean brands.
FAQs
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Where can I use the WOWPASS card balance?
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Pay anywhere in Korea - malls, cafes, restaurants, cosmetic stores, hospitals, tourist attractions, machines in unmanned payments, etc. Just insert the WOWPASS card’s IC chip into a terminal.
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WOWPASS card is not yet accepted for online/mobile app payments such as delivery apps.
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For cash-only food stalls or underground shopping areas, we recommend using our send to Korean bank account feature. You can also use the WOWPASS machines for small withdrawals or currency exchange in Korean won!
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Can I use WOWPASS card for public transportation?
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YES! WOWPASS card's Tmoney function allows you to access public transportation. Upon Tmoney top up, you may enjoy South Korea's several transportation methods such as subway, buses, and taxis.
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A separate top-up is required for the Tmoney balance. You can top up at convenience stores or blue Tmoney machines installed at subway stations.
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Cash is needed to top up Tmoney. We recommend you to exchange cash or withdraw cash from your WOWPASS card balance at a WOWPASS machine.
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Where can I withdraw cash from my card?
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You can withdraw cash in KRW from your card via WOWPASS machines.
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You need to download the WOWPASS app, register your card, and enter 8-digit code to the app which will be displayed to you through a WOW Exchange machine. Then, you are able to withdraw your balance in KRW.
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At the machine, follow these steps: Select language > WOWPASS Card > Withdraw Cash > Insert card into the machine > Verify PIN via app > Select withdraw amount > Cash will be dispensed
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What’s the card’s validity period?
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The card is valid for 6 years from the date of issuance. Additionally, the balance loaded onto the card remains valid for 6 years from the last top-up or card reissue date. Even if the card expires, you can transfer the remaining balance to a new card upon reissuance.
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Is there a WOWPASS service fee?
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First membership registration fee: 5,000 KRW (Always standby for discounts on our registration fee!)
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Cash withdrawal fee: 1,000 KRW
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Card reissuance fee: 3,000 KRW
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We do not charge for currency exchange, top-up, payment and annual card service fee.
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Is there are card top-up limit?
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Due to relevant government standards, a maximum balance limit of 1,000,000 KRW.
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Daily maximum top-up/currency-exchange amount: Up to 2,000,000 KRW
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Weekly maximum top-up/currency-exchange amount: Up to 10,000,000 KRW
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How can I talk to customer service?
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Access customer service through chat support via WOWPASS app. Click Settings > Customer Service