Just the other day I was searching the forums and realized that no one has ever mentioned Korea’s T-Money Cards.
So I figured I’d help out and write up this little article to help out the E4 community.
So what is a T-money card?
If you have ever traveled to Korea in the last decade or so you most likely have come across a T-money card. A T-money card is a rechargeable smart card the size of your credit card/ID that is used for the subway, buses, and taxis. It can also be used in lieu of cash or credit cards at certain convenience stores or vending machines. Typically they have cartoon characters, K-pop groups, businesses, or decorative patterns on them. You can even make custom cards. They cost around ₩2500 to ₩5000 (which is $1.89 to $3.77 as of 2/6/2024) and are sold at airports and every single convenience store in Korea.
BTS themed T-Money Card
Kakao Friends T-Money Card
That’s all cool and educational but how does this tie into Pokemon?
Well back in 2017 (a little after Pokemon Go came out) T-Money partnered with the Pokemon Company to release special T-Money Cards for the Holidays. As you fellow collectors know, there are very few winter/holiday themed cards. So when these hit the shelves in Korea they sold out like hot cakes! These are the Christmas themed T-Money Cards showing a very festive Pikachu and came in 4 variations:
The following year they released a Halloween Version with Pikachu as a witch and posing on top of a jack-o-lantern.
Then there were a few other releases (sorry not too sure on the exact year) but here are the images I have:
Some stores in Seoul even reported having to have lotteries to give out the cards as they were not getting enough. Similar to the Korean Pokemon Bread stickers which is for another post. Also people were selling them for ridiculous amounts with the highest one I’ve ever seen reach just about $100. Keep in mind the original MSRP of these are under $5.
Anyways, these are my T-Money Cards that are in my collection. The first two I used with my other half when we traveled. The Halloween one I picked up on my last trip to Korea last fall and I kept sealed.
The back is nothing fancy but here’s the back just so you know what it looks like.
It would be neat if these could ever be graded, but I have no idea if any of the main grading companies grade these nor have I ever seen anyone try.
Do you own any Pokemon T-Money Cards? Hope you learned something today 
Are you Korean? Ive always wanted to speak to someone who knows all about Korean Pokemon non-tcg stuff; stickers, cards, pogs,… from 1998 to the present day