Mastercard Launches Overseas Mobile Top-Ups for South Korea’s Tmoney Card

Tmoney is widely used on South Korea’s subways, buses and taxis. Overseas visitors previously often had to buy a physical card and top it up with cash. Taiwan Tourism Administration data showed that 536,027 Taiwanese travelers visited South Korea in the first quarter of 2026, up nearly 40% from 384,516 a year earlier. Cross-border mobile top-ups are expected to reduce the need to exchange currency and wait in line while traveling.

Mastercard announced a partnership with Apple and South Korea’s MobileTmoney on May 21, 2026, allowing travelers to add value through the MobileTmoney app using a Mastercard credit or debit card and tap an iPhone or Apple Watch to ride. Promotions run through June 30. After registering, users can receive 10,000 won back on a single Olive Young purchase of at least 90,000 won and up to 10% back on designated purchases.