Mastercard facilitates convenient contactless payments for international tourists using transit systems in South Korea.

2026-04-10

Mastercard has introduced a new feature that allows international travelers visiting South Korea to pay for public transportation using their iPhone or Apple Watch. This capability is facilitated through the MobileTmoney transit app available on the Apple App Store.

To use this service, travelers can top up their MobileTmoney balance within Apple Wallet via a Mastercard debit or credit card and then tap their device at subway entrances, bus stops, and taxis without needing to carry physical cards or cash.

This service represents a collaboration between MobileTmoney, Apple, and Mastercard. It integrates the global payments network of Mastercard with Apple Wallet’s infrastructure and the existing MobileTmoney transit system prevalent in South Korea. After downloading the app, travelers can register, fund their accounts using Mastercard cards, and immediately start making contactless payments across various modes of public transport.

Availability on Android

For those with Android devices, international visitors can access similar contactless transit payment options through the KOREA TOUR CARD app available on Google Play. This app also supports topping up using Mastercard cards, thereby providing flexibility for a wider range of travelers.

This initiative aligns with Mastercard’s broader strategy in the Asia Pacific region to embed contactless payment capabilities within consumer devices and local transit systems, aiming to provide seamless experiences for international tourists who might otherwise rely on cash or physical cards issued locally.

In comments following this announcement, Sandeep Malhotra, Executive Vice President of Core Payments for Asia Pacific at Mastercard, highlighted that enabling contactless payments via devices people use daily offers travelers greater choice and a more secure means to travel. Youngju Kim, the Director of the Payment Business Division at Tmoney, added that this partnership enhances public transportation infrastructure’s accessibility, making it an easier option for international visitors.