Apple Pay Coming to Korean Public Transport: What Muslim Travellers Should Know

Apple users in South Korea just got a major upgrade to their commuting experience – and for Muslim travellers heading to Seoul or beyond, this could make getting around a whole lot easier.

Also read: Experience Seoul's Best Night Markets: Culinary Adventures, Budget Shopping & Halal Eats

Apple Pay to support public transport in Korea

Image credit: Seoul Metropolitan Government | Official Website

As of Monday’s announcement by Tmoney, Korea’s main transportation card provider, Apple Pay will soon work for subways and buses. This means you’ll be able to tap your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay for your ride – no need for a separate transit card. While there’s no official launch date yet, this update is huge news, especially for travellers who prefer contactless convenience.

If you’ve been to Korea before, you’ll know that Samsung Pay users have enjoyed this feature since 2015. But Apple users have had to rely on physical Tmoney cards or other payment workarounds – not ideal if you're just visiting or prefer to go fully digital.

Why the delay?

Image credit: The Shutterwhale | Official Website

So why the long wait? Transit card operators had to deal with upgrading terminals to support EMV contactless payments, the tech standard used by Apple Pay. Plus, there were some licensing fees to Apple that slowed things down. But now, it’s finally happening – and we’re here for it.

Even better: Tagless bus payments are coming too

Image credit: Ketlin Lääts

Alongside the Apple Pay news, Seoul’s city buses will soon test a tagless payment system. Starting in October, around 580 buses across 36 routes will let passengers board and exit without even tapping a card reader.

How does it work? Just install the Tmoney app, turn on Bluetooth, and the fare gets automatically deducted from your account. It’s ultra-convenient – especially if your hands are full with shopping bags, strollers, or luggage!

Good news for budget-conscious travellers: you can still transfer between buses and subways without extra charges, even if the station doesn’t support tagless tech yet.

What’s next: Subway upgrades by late 2025

Seoul has even bigger plans in motion. By the end of this year, the city aims to roll out this tagless system across subway lines 1 to 8, meaning smoother, faster, and smarter commutes for everyone.

What this means for Muslim travellers

Image credit: Oleksandr113 | Canva Pro

If you're planning a halal-friendly adventure in Korea, this transport upgrade is a total game-changer. With Apple Pay now being integrated into the public transit system, getting around cities like Seoul is about to become much more seamless for Muslim travellers.

No more queuing up to buy or top up a Tmoney card – you can simply tap your iPhone or Apple Watch and go. This is especially helpful for those who are only visiting for a few days and don’t want the hassle of physical cards. It's also a more hygienic and contact-free option, ideal for anyone who prefers minimal physical interaction while travelling.

For Muslim families travelling with kids or elderly parents, the convenience is even more meaningful. Navigating public transport becomes less stressful when you don’t have to juggle multiple cards or worry about transfers.

Also read: Where to Rent Hanbok With Hijab Options in Seoul – A Muslim Traveller’s Guide

Most importantly, spending less time figuring out how to get around means you have more time to focus on what really matters – whether that's tracking down the best halal eats in Seoul, finding a nearby mosque for prayer, or just enjoying your trip with peace of mind.