World · Singapore Bureau
Seoul to accept foreign credit cards on public buses by 2027
South Korea's capital will expand contactless payment options for commuters, allowing visitors and international residents to tap foreign credit and debit cards directly on bus fare readers. The initiative aims to streamline transport access for foreign travellers and reduce reliance on local payment systems.
LSN Singapore ·
Seoul authorities have announced plans to enable foreign contactless credit and debit cards on the city's bus network starting in 2027, marking a significant step toward inclusive payment infrastructure for international users.
The move will permit visitors and overseas residents to board buses by simply tapping their cards at fare collection points, eliminating the need to purchase separate transport cards or exchange currency for bus fares. This aligns with global standards adopted by major transit systems in cities such as London, Hong Kong and Sydney.
The implementation timeline suggests South Korean transit operators are undertaking infrastructure upgrades to support international payment protocols. Officials expect the system to enhance visitor experiences while potentially boosting tourism-related spending in the city.
Currently, Seoul bus passengers typically rely on rechargeable transit cards or mobile payment applications to access public transport. The expansion to foreign cards represents one of several initiatives by Seoul authorities to modernize payment systems across the metropolitan transport network.