If you’re traveling to Korea, having a transportation card is a must. It sounds simple, but once you start looking into it, you’ll realize there are so many options, and some even work like a debit card!
Unlike other cards that come with complicated registration and usage rules, the new KONA CARD Travel K (KONA Card) is super easy to use. You can get 10% off at CU convenience stores, plus enjoy plenty of discounts at popular tourist spots, restaurants, cafés, and experiences across Korea!
Easily pickup your card at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 & 2!
[스팟] KONA CARD Travel K | Transportation & Prepaid Card for Foreign Travelers
What's KONA Card?
In Korea, one in every four people uses the KONA CARD (코나카드), and for international travelers, there’s the KONA CARD Travel K prepaid version.
The KONA Card combines a “payment wallet” and a “transportation wallet,” so you can use it not just for paying at stores across Korea, but also for public transportation. With one card in hand, you get the convenience of both shopping and getting around, offering more versatile and traveler-friendly features than a regular transit card. It also stands out with its unique Korean design!
KONA Card Benefits You Don’t Want to Miss
1. Get 10% off at CU convenience stores
Use your KONA Card at any CU store to get 10% off (up to ₩5,000 discount per card)!
Convenience stores are a must-stop while traveling, and with tens of thousands of CU locations across Korea, using your KONA Card at checkout gives you 10 percent off, making the most of the card once you spend ₩50,000.
2. Get exclusive discounts at popular attractions
Show your KONA Card and enjoy discounts at must-visit spots in Korea, such as 20% off at The Painters Show, 20% off at N Seoul Tower, 20% off at Busan Yacht tours, and 15% off at The Coffee Bean. For full details, check the KONA Card official website.
3. Easily reload your card at the subways, CU stores, or ATMs
You can withdraw Korean won (KRW) with your KONA Card at any convenience store in Korea!
You can easily reload your KONA Card at subway top-up machines or at CU stores using a mobile link. There’s no need to install an app or go through extra verification; just use this link to add cash to your card.
If you want to withdraw money from your card, you can quickly get cash from ATMs inside CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, and MINISTOP stores.
4. Free luggage storage
Luggage storage is one of the biggest travel hassles, but the KONA Card makes it simple! Show your card at K-Exchange locations in Hongdae and Myeongdong to enjoy free luggage storage, complimentary use of massage chairs, and other surprise perks.
5. Use it as transportation card on subways & buses
With just one KONA Card, you can get around Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and other cities without worrying about transportation. It works seamlessly on both subways and buses.
6. No complicated ID verification required
Unlike other card providers, the KONA Card lets you reload easily without app verification by using a mobile link at CU convenience stores.
If you want extra security, you can link your card to the KONA app so that if it is ever lost, you can receive compensation. Everything is optional, giving travelers the freedom to use the card without strict restrictions.
KONA Card vs Other Travel Cards
1. Annual Card Fee
| KONA Card | W Card | N Card | H Card |
| No annual fee | No annual fee | No annual fee | Annual fee applies |
2. Transportation Card Feature
| KONA Card | W Card | N Card | H Card |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
3. Nationwide Use
| KONA Card | W Card | N Card | H Card |
| Available nationwide | Available nationwide | Not available nationwide | Available nationwide |
4. ATM Cash Withdrawal
| KONA Card | W Card | N Card | H Card |
| Available | Not available | Not available | Available |
5. Convenience Store Reload and Cash Withdrawal
| KONA Card | W Card | N Card | H Card |
| CU | Not available | CU | Not available |
6. Quick Reload
| KONA Card | W Card | N Card | H Card |
| CU Stores Subways App | App Designated Machines | App Designated Machines | App ATM |
7. Partner Stores
| KONA Card | W Card | N Card | H Card |
| High number of stores | Standard number of stores | None | None |
8. Reload Fee
- The following are the fees for reloading 100,000 KRW to the Payment Wallet. (not for transportation card use)
| KONA Card | W Card | N Card | H Card |
| ₩1,100 | ₩4,000 | ₩4,000 | ₩4,700 |
The KONA Card charges one of the lowest fees for reloading the Payment Wallet. No matter how much you add, each top-up is just ₩1,100. Unlike other cards that charge 4 to 4.7 percent (or even up to 6 percent) KONA Card is truly a traveler’s best friend!
Check out more details on KONA Card reload and cash withdrawals below!
[스팟] KONA CARD Travel K | Transportation & Prepaid Card for Foreign Travelers
How to Use
1. Reserve your KONA Card voucher in advance on Creatrip.
Your order is automatically confirmed, and you can pick up the card anytime before June 1, 2026.
[스팟] KONA CARD Travel K | Transportation & Prepaid Card for Foreign Travelers
2. Pick up your card at Incheon Airport before June, 2026.
- Terminal 1: After entering through Gate F, turn right to find CU Convenience Store No. 4
- Open 24 hours year-round.
- Terminal 2: After entering through Gate A, turn right to find CU Convenience Store No. 2
- Open 24 hours year-round.
3. Show the Creatrip voucher QR code to the CU store staff.
4. After receiving your KONA Card, you can reload it with cash immediately.
- If you don’t want to link an app, use the mobile top-up link and show it to the store staff.
- The money is added to your Payment Wallet and can be used right away at convenience store card machines.
5. You can also reload your KONA Card at subway top-up machines.
- Top-ups at these machines go into the Transportation Wallet, have no fees, and can only be used for public transit.
6. You can use your KONA Card balance to pay at stores or ride public transportation.
FAQ
1. Is Incheon Airport the only location where the card can be picked up right now?
Yes, the pickup is currently only available at Incheon Airport.
2. When is the latest I can buy the card?
You can purchase the card now and pick it up at the designated CU stores in Incheon Airport anytime before June 1, 2026. If needed, you can even buy it on the day you arrive in Korea. Orders are automatically confirmed, so you can use the card right away.
3. Do I have to download the KONA App?
No, you don’t have to. You can reload and use your KONA Card without linking it to the app. The app is optional and only needed if you want extra security or card protection.
4. What other perks does the KONA Card offer besides 10% off at CU?
Click HERE to check the official website and see more details on other benefits.
5. Can I make online transfers with the KONA Card?
Currently, online transfers are not supported.
6. Does the KONA Card expire?
Yes, the card is valid for five years from the date of issue.
Check more details on KONA Card below!
[스팟] KONA CARD Travel K | Transportation & Prepaid Card for Foreign Travelers
That’s everything you need to know about the KONA CARD Travel K! With perks like 10% off at CU, easy access to subways and buses, and convenient top-ups, it’s a travel companion you won’t want to miss!
Book all things trending in Korea on Creatrip! If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a comment below or send us an email at help@creatrip.com! You can follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Youtube to stay updated on all things Korea!
