1. What is WOWPASS?
WOWPASS is an all-in-one card service that combines currency exchange, cash payments, credit card, and transportation card functions needed by foreign tourists when traveling in Korea. With WOWPASS, you can make payments at various offline stores in Korea and conveniently use it on subways, buses, and taxis through its T-money transportation card function. Moreover, you can conveniently convert the balance to Korean Won cash anytime using the WOW Exchange unmanned currency exchange machine.
2. Advantages of WOWPASS Card
- Various Payment Locations: WOWPASS can be used at various offline stores in Korea, including restaurants, cafes, shopping malls, duty-free shops, plastic surgery/dermatology clinics, tourist attractions, and other unmanned payment stores.
- Convenient Transportation Card Function: With the T-money function, you can easily use subways, buses, and taxis.
- Easy and Quick Refund: You can convert your balance to Korean Won cash anytime using the WOW Exchange unmanned currency exchange machine.
- Secure Usage: Manage your card through the mobile app and set a PIN number for secure usage.
Places Where WOWPASS Cannot Be Used
- Online/Mobile Apps: Currently, WOWPASS cannot be used on delivery apps and other online/mobile apps.
- Tip: Short-term visitors often find it challenging to make online payments in Korea.
- Cash-Only Locations: It cannot be used at cash-only places like street vendors or underground shopping malls.
- Tip: We recommend exchanging small amounts of Korean Won cash or withdrawing cash from the WOWPASS machine.
- KTX Transactions Over 50,000 KRW: Transactions over 50,000 KRW on KTX require a PIN number, which might make it difficult to use.
3. How to Use WOWPASS Card
- Card Issuance: You can obtain a WOWPASS card from unmanned currency exchange machines located at major airports such as Incheon Airport and Gimpo Airport, as well as at subway stations in Seoul.
- Balance Recharge: You can recharge your T-money balance using Korean Won cash at the unmanned currency exchange machines.
- Payment and Refund: Make payments at various offline stores with the WOWPASS card and refund the balance to cash if needed through the unmanned currency exchange machine.
- App Registration: Register your card on the mobile app to check and manage your balance.
4. Finding WOWPASS Machines at the Airport
WOWPASS machines are installed at Incheon Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, as well as Gimpo Airport Station.
- From Incheon Airport: After purchasing a direct train (AREX) ticket and passing the gate, find the machine to issue a WOWPASS card with a T-money balance.
- Current Limitations: The machines at Incheon Airport only support balance withdrawal, card reissue, and cash exchange.
- Without Using AREX: If you do not use the Incheon Airport direct train, do not purchase a T-money card first. Instead, use a single-use subway ticket to reach Seoul Station, Hongdae Station, or Myeongdong Station, and then issue a WOWPASS card from the unmanned currency exchange machines installed there.
5. Precautions and Additional Information
- Online Payment Restrictions: Currently, WOWPASS can only be used at offline stores.
- T-money Balance Recharge: The T-money balance is separate from the WOWPASS balance and can be recharged at subway ticket machines or convenience stores.
- Validity and Recharge Limit: The card is valid for 6 years, with a maximum daily exchange limit of 2 million KRW and a single withdrawal limit of 100,000 KRW.
Tip: When you need Korean Won cash, use the WOWPASS machine to exchange or withdraw cash from your card balance.
We hope this post helps you enjoy a convenient and smart trip to Korea with the WOWPASS card! 😊
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