Korea Travel Guide 한국 · EN

HELP NOW

My T-money balance is too low to exit

Checked 2026-08-03 · Official sources

01

What happened

The final fare is higher than the remaining balance on your card, so the exit gate cannot complete the journey.

02

What to do now

  1. Stay inside the paid area and look for a fare-adjustment or transit-card recharge machine near the gates.
  2. Choose the English menu and add enough balance to the same card.
  3. Try the exit gate again after the recharge finishes.
  4. If you cannot use the machine, show the message below to station staff.

Show station staff

교통카드 잔액이 부족한 것 같아요. 충전할 수 있게 도와주세요.

I think my transit-card balance is too low. Please help me recharge it.

Say this

충전이요.

chung-jeon-yo

Top-up, please.

03

What it may cost

You normally need to add enough stored value to cover the unpaid fare. This is a balance top-up, not a separate fixed penalty.

04

How to avoid it next time

  • Check your balance on the gate display after each tap.
  • Add a modest buffer before a long or airport journey.
  • Keep some Korean won available in case the nearest machine does not accept your card.

This page depends on 1 checked policy statement.

Did this help solve your problem?

← All transport help

Please show this screen to staff

교통카드 잔액이 부족한 것 같아요. 충전할 수 있게 도와주세요.

I think my transit-card balance is too low. Please help me recharge it.

Korea Travel Guide is an independent, non-commercial project made to help international travelers prepare for a trip to Korea.

Questions or corrections? nbchallenger@naver.com