WOWPASS and NAMANE are currently the two most popular all-in-one prepaid cards for foreign visitors to Korea.
Both cards combine transportation payments and everyday shopping into a single card, but they are designed for very different travel styles. Below are the differences that actually matter when choosing between the two cards.
What WOWPASS and NAMANE Have in Common
Before comparing details, it helps to understand what these two cards already do well.
- Can be used for public transportation in Korea
- Accepted at convenience stores, cafés, and many shops
- Designed for foreign visitors (no Korean bank account required)
If you only need basic payments and subway access, either card will work. The difference is how you load money, where you can spend it, and what kind of traveler you are.
WOWPASS: Best for Easy Currency Exchange
WOWPASS is built around one clear idea: no separate currency exchange needed.
Why travelers choose WOWPASS
- Foreign cash top-up: Insert USD, JPY, CNY, EUR, and other currencies directly into WOWPASS kiosks and convert to KRW on the spot
- Cash withdrawal: Remaining balance can be withdrawn as Korean won at kiosks
- Offline-friendly: Works smoothly for in-person payments and transport
- Partner benefits: Occasional cashback or discounts at major brands
Limitations to know
- Card design cannot be customized
- Primarily focused on offline payments
- Less flexible for online shopping
WOWPASS is ideal if you arrive with foreign cash and want the simplest possible setup without visiting a money exchange counter.
NAMANE: Best for Custom Design and Online Payments
NAMANE takes a very different approach. It focuses on personalization and digital flexibility.
Why travelers choose NAMANE
- Custom card design: Create your own card using photos, K-pop idols, or personal images (very popular with international fans)
- Online payments: Often works on Korean online platforms where WOWPASS may not
- Balance management: Easily move funds between transport balance and payment balance in the app
- App-centric experience: Everything managed digitally
Limitations to know
- No strong foreign cash top-up system like WOWPASS
- Mainly relies on KRW or card-based top-ups
NAMANE is ideal if you plan to shop online, want a unique card design, or prefer managing everything through an app.
| Feature | WOWPASS | NAMANE |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign cash top-up | ✅ Yes | ❌ Limited |
| Cash withdrawal | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Online shopping | ❌ Limited | ✅ Better support |
| Card customization | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| App balance control | ⚠️ Basic | ✅ Advanced |
| Best for | Short trips, cash users | K-pop fans, online shoppers |
Transportation Use: Are They the Same?
Both cards can be used on buses and subways, but the experience still matters.
If you want a deeper understanding of how transport payments work in Korea, see How to Use a T-money Card in Korea. The basic rules apply similarly when using WOWPASS or NAMANE for transit.
Which Card Should You Choose?
Choose WOWPASS if:
- You bring foreign cash
- You want the simplest offline experience
- You prefer minimal app usage
Choose NAMANE if:
- You care about card design and personalization
- You plan to shop online in Korea
- You want more control through a mobile app
Many travelers actually use both: WOWPASS for transport and cash handling, NAMANE for online purchases.
Practical Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Set up mobile data first so apps and payments work immediately
→ See Korea eSIM Guide for Foreign Travelers - If you plan to buy a SIM after landing, read How to Get a Korean SIM Card at Incheon Airport before arrival
- Don’t over-load either card on day one—test it first
Frequently Asked Questions (People Also Ask)
Q: Is WOWPASS or NAMANE better for tourists in Korea?
A: It depends on your travel style. WOWPASS is better for cash users; NAMANE is better for customization and online payments.
Q: Can I use WOWPASS or NAMANE for public transportation?
A: Yes. Both cards work on buses and subways in Korea.
Q: Can I use these cards online?
A: NAMANE generally supports online payments better than WOWPASS.
Q: Do I still need a T-money card?
A: Not necessarily. Both cards can function as your main transport card.
Disclaimer
This comparison is based on general service features available to foreign travelers. Availability, fees, and supported services may change. Always confirm details through official apps or providers before use.